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.

Acousia Therapeutics GmbH is a biotech company based in Tübingen, Germany, founded in 2012. It focuses on developing small molecule drugs aimed at treating hearing loss through local application. The company's innovative approach targets the regeneration of sensory hair cells in the inner ear, which are essential for hearing. By stimulating cellular regeneration from supporting cells, Acousia's therapies aim to restore hearing in patients affected by various conditions, including noise trauma, ototoxic drug treatment, and sudden deafness. Additionally, its research and development efforts are directed towards addressing age-related hearing decline.

Spiral Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in the development of therapies for inner ear disorders. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on delivering innovative drug therapies that target acute and subacute hearing loss, as well as balance disorders stemming from neurodegenerative, inflammatory, or vascular causes. By utilizing a platform that ensures the right medications are delivered to the appropriate site for the necessary duration, Spiral Therapeutics aims to provide effective treatments for individuals suffering from hearing disorders, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

Pneumagen Limited, established in 2015 and based in Saint Andrews, United Kingdom, is focused on developing glycan-targeted carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) aimed at treating respiratory tract infections and cancer. This innovative approach seeks to create a universal therapeutic modality that targets respiratory viruses, helping to prevent infections and reduce the need for hospitalization among patients with underlying respiratory conditions. As a spin-out from the University of St Andrews, Pneumagen benefits from access to advanced scientific expertise in glycobiology, positioning itself at the forefront of novel treatment options for these significant health challenges.

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, the company is dedicated to addressing the unmet medical needs of patients globally. Its lead candidate, VS-01, is in the preclinical stage and aims to be the first drug for acute liver disease, with the unique capability of supporting multiple organ function. VS-01 has received Orphan Drug Designation for acute liver failure, highlighting its potential in treating rare conditions. Additionally, Versantis is advancing other products in its pipeline, including VS-02 and VS-03, which target chronic liver diseases and drug intoxications, respectively. These developments represent significant opportunities for improving patient outcomes in the field of liver health and beyond.

Arquer Diagnostics Ltd. specializes in the design, development, and commercialization of non-invasive diagnostic tests for bladder and prostate cancer. The company offers an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring specific substances in bodily fluids, including a CE-marked ELISA kit for Mcm5, which is utilized in hospital laboratories. Additionally, Arquer provides a point-of-care system that features a robust reader instrument and disposable cartridges, making it suitable for urology clinics, hospital laboratories, and general practitioners' surgeries. Founded in 2005 and based in Sunderland, United Kingdom, the company was previously known as UroSens Ltd. before rebranding in July 2015. Arquer’s patented technology allows for accurate and reliable detection of the MCM5 protein, aiding in cancer diagnosis and monitoring.

Oxford Cancer Biomarkers specializes in the development and commercialization of colorectal cancer biomarker tests aimed at enhancing treatment pathways. Associated with the Institute of Cancer Medicine at Oxford University, the company leverages its founders' expertise in translational cancer science. It has formed partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to utilize its discovery platforms, CancerNav® and ToxNav™, in the creation of companion diagnostic tests for emerging therapies. The tests developed by Oxford Cancer Biomarkers assess dihydropyridine dehydrogenase deficiency and related variants, which are linked to partial dihydropyrimidine deficiency and increased toxicity risks. This innovation enables healthcare providers and patients to analyze resected tissue samples to evaluate the likelihood of cancer relapse, thereby advancing personalized medicine in oncology.

Arquer Diagnostics Ltd. specializes in the design, development, and commercialization of non-invasive diagnostic tests for bladder and prostate cancer. The company offers an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring specific substances in bodily fluids, including a CE-marked ELISA kit for Mcm5, which is utilized in hospital laboratories. Additionally, Arquer provides a point-of-care system that features a robust reader instrument and disposable cartridges, making it suitable for urology clinics, hospital laboratories, and general practitioners' surgeries. Founded in 2005 and based in Sunderland, United Kingdom, the company was previously known as UroSens Ltd. before rebranding in July 2015. Arquer’s patented technology allows for accurate and reliable detection of the MCM5 protein, aiding in cancer diagnosis and monitoring.

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 diagnostic tests for bladder and prostate cancer. The company offers an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring specific substances in bodily fluids, including a CE-marked ELISA kit for Mcm5, which is utilized in hospital laboratories. Additionally, Arquer provides a point-of-care system that features a robust reader instrument and disposable cartridges, making it suitable for urology clinics, hospital laboratories, and general practitioners' surgeries. Founded in 2005 and based in Sunderland, United Kingdom, the company was previously known as UroSens Ltd. before rebranding in July 2015. Arquer’s patented technology allows for accurate and reliable detection of the MCM5 protein, aiding in cancer diagnosis and monitoring.

Cytox Limited specializes in developing products and services aimed at diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease. The company has created a genetic-based blood test that assesses the risk and diagnosis of Alzheimer's in its early stages, addressing a critical need as the prevalence of the disease rises globally. Cytox's offerings include cellular and genetic assays for identifying cell cycle deficits in patients, along with biomarker and drug-screening services for pharmaceutical companies engaged in clinical trials. The company collaborates with Affymetrix, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, to enhance its commercial testing capabilities. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Birmingham, United Kingdom, with additional offices in Manchester and Oxford, Cytox serves pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, as well as research laboratories involved in clinical research and drug development.

Haemostatix Ltd., founded in 2003 and based in Nottingham, United Kingdom, specializes in developing a peptide-based platform technology aimed at addressing surgical bleeding and advancing tissue repair and regenerative medicine. The company originated as a spin-out from the University of Leicester and was co-founded by Sarah Middleton and Professor Alison Goodall. Its product pipeline includes PeproStat, a coagulant applied directly to wounds to effectively manage bleeding during surgical procedures. Haemostatix also focuses on creating various forms of hemostats, including liquid and transparent gel formulations, which enhance the speed and safety of bleeding control for healthcare professionals. As of May 2016, Haemostatix operates as a subsidiary of Ergomed plc.

Arquer Diagnostics Ltd. specializes in the design, development, and commercialization of non-invasive diagnostic tests for bladder and prostate cancer. The company offers an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring specific substances in bodily fluids, including a CE-marked ELISA kit for Mcm5, which is utilized in hospital laboratories. Additionally, Arquer provides a point-of-care system that features a robust reader instrument and disposable cartridges, making it suitable for urology clinics, hospital laboratories, and general practitioners' surgeries. Founded in 2005 and based in Sunderland, United Kingdom, the company was previously known as UroSens Ltd. before rebranding in July 2015. Arquer’s patented technology allows for accurate and reliable detection of the MCM5 protein, aiding in cancer diagnosis and monitoring.

Atox Bio Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Ness Ziona, Israel, with an additional office in North Carolina. Founded in 2003, the company specializes in developing immunomodulators aimed at treating critically ill patients suffering from severe infections and acute inflammatory conditions. Atox Bio focuses on novel therapies that target multiple pathways within both the adaptive and innate immune responses, which are crucial in managing infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders, and ischemia/reperfusion injuries. The company’s products are designed to address serious medical conditions with high morbidity and mortality, showing promising results in improving patient outcomes and reducing tissue damage during acute inflammatory events.

Haemostatix Ltd., founded in 2003 and based in Nottingham, United Kingdom, specializes in developing a peptide-based platform technology aimed at addressing surgical bleeding and advancing tissue repair and regenerative medicine. The company originated as a spin-out from the University of Leicester and was co-founded by Sarah Middleton and Professor Alison Goodall. Its product pipeline includes PeproStat, a coagulant applied directly to wounds to effectively manage bleeding during surgical procedures. Haemostatix also focuses on creating various forms of hemostats, including liquid and transparent gel formulations, which enhance the speed and safety of bleeding control for healthcare professionals. As of May 2016, Haemostatix operates as a subsidiary of Ergomed plc.

Anergis is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Lausanne, Switzerland, specializing in the discovery and development of allergy vaccines. Founded in 2001 by Francois Spertini, Anergis utilizes a proprietary technology known as Contiguous Overlapping Peptides to create vaccines designed for ultra-fast desensitization. The company focuses on developing immunotherapies that target common allergens, including birch pollen, ragweed pollen, and house dust mites. Anergis aims to provide patients with effective, long-term solutions for allergy relief, significantly improving treatment times.

Canbex Therapeutics, based in London, United Kingdom, focuses on developing peripherally-acting cannabinoid agonists aimed at treating spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative disorders. Founded in 2005, the company is committed to addressing the debilitating symptoms of spasticity, which include involuntary muscle spasms and stiffness. Canbex's lead program seeks to enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from this challenging and incurable condition, with the aim of establishing a new standard in the management of spasticity.

Karus Therapeutics Limited is a biopharmaceutical company based in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, focused on developing innovative small molecule drugs for cancer treatment. Established in 2005, the company specializes in orally-active drugs that target specific molecular pathways. Its portfolio includes KA2237, a dual-selective inhibitor of PI3K isoforms p110ß and p110d, aimed at treating both hematological and solid tumors, and KA2507, which targets HDAC6 for PD-L1 expressing tumors. Karus Therapeutics combines targeted therapies with immunotherapeutic activity, enabling effective treatment of a variety of cancers as well as immune and inflammatory disorders.

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 based in Stamford, Connecticut, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics for pain and pruritus. The company primarily focuses on its lead product candidate, CR845 (difelikefalin), which is designed to selectively target kappa opioid receptors and is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for treating moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Cara is also advancing Oral KORSUVA, which has completed Phase II trials for pruritus in chronic kidney disease and is in trials for pruritus associated with chronic liver disease and atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, the company is developing CR845/difelikefalin Injection for acute postoperative pain, having completed Phase II/III trials. Cara Therapeutics collaborates with Maruishi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation for the development and commercialization of its product candidates in Japan and South Korea, respectively. Founded in 2004, Cara Therapeutics aims to leverage its proprietary drug screening technology to create a pipeline of first-in-class therapeutics.