Esperante Ventures

AMLo Biosciences Ltd is a company focused on developing diagnostic solutions for melanoma, specifically through its prognostic test, AMBLor. This test aims to accurately predict the risk of disease progression in patients diagnosed with early AJCC Stage I and Stage II melanoma. By identifying two specific proteins that are lost in high-risk melanomas, AMBLor helps to stratify patients for appropriate treatment and follow-up care. The company, incorporated in 2017 and based in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, seeks to reduce the psychological burden on patients while also providing cost savings to health authorities by minimizing unnecessary patient surveillance.

Versantis AG is a Swiss pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative medicines and diagnostics for liver diseases. Founded in 2015 and based in Zurich, it originated as a spin-off from ETH Zurich. The company's lead candidate, VS-01, is in preclinical development and aims to address acute liver disease while supporting multiple failing organs, targeting three rare indications and having received Orphan Drug Designation for acute liver failure. Versantis also has products in its pipeline, including VS-02 and VS-03, which are designed to treat chronic liver diseases and drug intoxications, respectively. These treatments aim to meet significant unmet medical needs and have the potential to enhance patient outcomes across various medical fields.

Arquer Diagnostics Ltd. specializes in the design, development, and commercialization of non-invasive immunoassay diagnostic tests for bladder and prostate cancer. The company offers an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring small amounts of substances in body fluids, including a CE-marked ELISA kit for Mcm5, which is utilized in hospital pathology laboratories. Additionally, Arquer provides a point-of-care system that features a robust reader instrument and disposable cartridges, allowing for immediate testing in urology clinics, hospital laboratories, and general practitioners' surgeries. Founded in 2005 and formerly known as UroSens Ltd., the company is headquartered in Sunderland, United Kingdom, and is committed to improving cancer detection and monitoring to enhance patient outcomes.

Oxford Cancer Biomarkers is developing and commercializing a suite of colorectal cancer biomarker tests to improve the current treatment pathway. Oxford Cancer Biomarkers is closely affiliated with Institute of Cancer Medicine at Oxford University, where its founders lead translational cancer science research groups. Oxford Cancer Biomarkers has also partnered with pharmaceutical companies to use its discovery platforms CancerNav® and ToxNavTM to develop companion diagnostic tests for pipeline drugs.

Arquer Diagnostics Ltd. specializes in the design, development, and commercialization of non-invasive immunoassay diagnostic tests for bladder and prostate cancer. The company offers an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring small amounts of substances in body fluids, including a CE-marked ELISA kit for Mcm5, which is utilized in hospital pathology laboratories. Additionally, Arquer provides a point-of-care system that features a robust reader instrument and disposable cartridges, allowing for immediate testing in urology clinics, hospital laboratories, and general practitioners' surgeries. Founded in 2005 and formerly known as UroSens Ltd., the company is headquartered in Sunderland, United Kingdom, and is committed to improving cancer detection and monitoring to enhance patient outcomes.

Altacor Limited is a company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, founded in 2005, that focuses on developing and marketing specialized ophthalmic products for chronic eye conditions. Its offerings cater to the needs of both ophthalmologists and patients, covering areas such as dry eye, glaucoma, and various types of ocular surgery. Altacor's portfolio includes a range of prescription medications, including preservative-free options, as well as retail products for dry eye syndrome, eye masks for blepharitis relief, and nutritional supplements for age-related eye conditions. The company combines expertise in drug development with a deep understanding of the European regulatory landscape to deliver high-quality, differentiated healthcare solutions.

Arquer Diagnostics Ltd. specializes in the design, development, and commercialization of non-invasive immunoassay diagnostic tests for bladder and prostate cancer. The company offers an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring small amounts of substances in body fluids, including a CE-marked ELISA kit for Mcm5, which is utilized in hospital pathology laboratories. Additionally, Arquer provides a point-of-care system that features a robust reader instrument and disposable cartridges, allowing for immediate testing in urology clinics, hospital laboratories, and general practitioners' surgeries. Founded in 2005 and formerly known as UroSens Ltd., the company is headquartered in Sunderland, United Kingdom, and is committed to improving cancer detection and monitoring to enhance patient outcomes.

Cytox Limited is focused on developing products and services aimed at addressing neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). The company specializes in cellular and genetic assays that facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of AD, leveraging the cell division cycle theory of its pathogenesis. It has created a genetic-based blood test designed for early-stage risk assessment and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Cytox also offers biomarker and drug-screening services to pharmaceutical companies engaged in clinical trials for AD and mild cognitive impairment treatments. By collaborating with Affymetrix, a part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cytox supports the development of novel therapeutics aimed at combating this growing condition, which currently affects millions worldwide. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Birmingham, UK, with additional offices in Manchester and Oxford, Cytox serves a global clientele that includes pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, as well as research laboratories.

Haemostatix Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Nottingham, United Kingdom, founded in 2003 as a spin-out from the University of Leicester. The company specializes in a peptide-based platform technology designed to develop innovative products for managing surgical bleeding, with potential applications in tissue repair and regenerative medicine. Its flagship product, PeproStat, is a topical coagulant that can be applied directly to wounds during surgery to effectively control bleeding. The technology is based on a specific peptide sequence that binds to fibrinogen, a crucial protein in clot formation, and can be adapted to various solid supports or soluble carriers. This platform underpins a promising pipeline of first-in-class products aimed at treating different forms of bleeding, including those associated with surgery, trauma, and leukaemia. As of 2016, Haemostatix operates as a subsidiary of Ergomed plc.

Arquer Diagnostics Ltd. specializes in the design, development, and commercialization of non-invasive immunoassay diagnostic tests for bladder and prostate cancer. The company offers an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring small amounts of substances in body fluids, including a CE-marked ELISA kit for Mcm5, which is utilized in hospital pathology laboratories. Additionally, Arquer provides a point-of-care system that features a robust reader instrument and disposable cartridges, allowing for immediate testing in urology clinics, hospital laboratories, and general practitioners' surgeries. Founded in 2005 and formerly known as UroSens Ltd., the company is headquartered in Sunderland, United Kingdom, and is committed to improving cancer detection and monitoring to enhance patient outcomes.

Atox Bio Inc. is a biotechnology company established in 2003, based in Ness Ziona, Israel, with an additional office in North Carolina. The company specializes in developing immunomodulators aimed at treating critically ill patients suffering from acute and life-threatening conditions due to severe infections and inflammation. Atox Bio focuses on novel modulators of the immune response that target interconnected pathways of both the adaptive and innate immune systems, which are crucial in addressing infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, and ischemia/reperfusion injuries.

Haemostatix Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Nottingham, United Kingdom, founded in 2003 as a spin-out from the University of Leicester. The company specializes in a peptide-based platform technology designed to develop innovative products for managing surgical bleeding, with potential applications in tissue repair and regenerative medicine. Its flagship product, PeproStat, is a topical coagulant that can be applied directly to wounds during surgery to effectively control bleeding. The technology is based on a specific peptide sequence that binds to fibrinogen, a crucial protein in clot formation, and can be adapted to various solid supports or soluble carriers. This platform underpins a promising pipeline of first-in-class products aimed at treating different forms of bleeding, including those associated with surgery, trauma, and leukaemia. As of 2016, Haemostatix operates as a subsidiary of Ergomed plc.

Anergis SA is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Lausanne, Switzerland, focused on developing allergy vaccines utilizing its proprietary technology of Contiguous Overlapping Peptides for rapid desensitization. Founded in 2001, Anergis specializes in immunotherapy targeting common allergens, including birch pollen, ragweed pollen, and house dust mites. The company's approach aims to provide long-term relief for allergy sufferers by offering a treatment that reduces the duration of therapy while effectively modifying the underlying allergic response. Anergis is dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients dealing with allergies through innovative medical solutions.

Canbex Therapeutics, Ltd. is a London-based company founded in 2005 that focuses on developing peripherally-acting cannabinoid agonists aimed at treating spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases. Spasticity is characterized by involuntary spasms and stiffness, which can significantly impact the quality of life for affected individuals. Canbex Therapeutics is committed to enhancing the treatment landscape for this debilitating symptom, striving to set a new standard for managing spasticity and improving patient outcomes in those suffering from these serious conditions.

Karus Therapeutics Limited is a biopharmaceutical company based in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, that specializes in the development of innovative medicines for cancer. Established in 2005, the company focuses on designing and developing orally-active small molecule drugs aimed at targeting specific molecular pathways. Its notable products include KA2237, a dual-selective inhibitor of PI3K isoforms p110ß and p110d, designed for treating both hematological and solid tumors, and KA2507, an HDAC6 inhibitor intended for tumors expressing PD-L1. Karus Therapeutics aims to address unmet medical needs in oncology through its targeted therapeutic approaches.

Novacta Biosystems Ltd, founded in 2003, specializes in the development of biopharmaceuticals aimed at treating bacterial infections, particularly those caused by drug-resistant strains. The company employs a dual business model that combines biocatalysis and microbial pathway engineering services with the discovery and development of novel small peptide molecules known as lantibiotics. These innovative therapies target various bacterial infections, including Clostridium difficile. By leveraging the expertise of GSK's Biotransformation and Natural Products scientific team, Novacta has established a robust infectious disease therapeutic pipeline, focusing on delivering effective anti-infective solutions.

Cara Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, specializing in the development of innovative therapies for pain and pruritus. The company's lead product candidate, CR845 (difelikefalin), is being tested in Phase III clinical trials for chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Additionally, the company is advancing Oral KORSUVA, which has completed Phase II trials for pruritus in chronic kidney disease and is also being evaluated for its effects on pruritus related to chronic liver disease and atopic dermatitis. Cara is also working on CR845/difelikefalin injection, which has completed Phase II/III trials for acute post-operative pain. The company has established licensing agreements with Maruishi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in Japan and Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation in South Korea for the development and commercialization of CR845/difelikefalin. With a focus on leveraging proprietary drug-screening technology, Cara aims to build a pipeline of first-in-class therapeutic candidates targeting pain and inflammation.