Global Life Science Ventures

Binx Health Limited is an in vitro diagnostics company based in Trowbridge, United Kingdom, focused on developing point-of-care diagnostic solutions for infectious diseases. Established in 2005, the company offers the binx io system, a FDA-cleared and CLIA-waived platform that detects sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, delivering results comparable to central lab performance within approximately thirty minutes. Additionally, Binx Health provides the Callisto system, which meets various throughput requirements for testing in decentralized and near-patient settings. The company's innovative approach aims to enhance access to healthcare by overcoming traditional barriers and improving patient experiences through rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based testing and a comprehensive digital program that includes counseling and follow-up care. Binx Health has also formed a strategic partnership with Sherlock Biosciences to further advance its capabilities in diagnostics.

Binx Health Limited is an in vitro diagnostics company based in Trowbridge, United Kingdom, focused on developing point-of-care diagnostic solutions for infectious diseases. Established in 2005, the company offers the binx io system, a FDA-cleared and CLIA-waived platform that detects sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, delivering results comparable to central lab performance within approximately thirty minutes. Additionally, Binx Health provides the Callisto system, which meets various throughput requirements for testing in decentralized and near-patient settings. The company's innovative approach aims to enhance access to healthcare by overcoming traditional barriers and improving patient experiences through rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based testing and a comprehensive digital program that includes counseling and follow-up care. Binx Health has also formed a strategic partnership with Sherlock Biosciences to further advance its capabilities in diagnostics.

Santaris Pharma A/S is a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of RNA-targeted therapies. The LNA Drug Platform and Drug Discovery Engine developed by Santaris Pharma A/S combine the company’s proprietary LNA chemistry with its highly specialized and targeted drug development capabilities to rapidly deliver potent single-stranded LNA-based drug candidates across a multitude of disease states. The company’s research and development activities focus on infectious diseases and cardiometabolic disorders, while partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies include a range of therapeutic areas including cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious and inflammatory diseases, and rare genetic disorders. The company has strategic partnerships with miRagen Therapeutics, Shire PLC, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and Enzon Pharmaceuticals. As part of its broad patent estate, the company holds exclusive worldwide rights to manufacture, have manufactured and sell products that contain LNA as an active ingredient for studies performed with a view to obtaining marketing approval. Santaris Pharma A/S, founded in 2003, is headquartered in Denmark with operations in the United States.

Action Pharma A/S is a biotechnology company focused on research and development, specializing in the discovery and development of novel drugs for cardiovascular, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases. Founded in 2000 and based in Holte, Denmark, the company aims to create treatment options for conditions such as type-II diabetes, obesity, kidney injury related to cardiac surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis. Its product pipeline includes AP214, a modified MSH peptide analogue for post-surgical kidney injury; AP1030 and AP11 series, oral medications for type-II diabetes; AP1189, an anti-inflammatory compound for various inflammatory diseases; and AP405, another modified MSH peptide aimed at treating inflammatory skin conditions. Action Pharma's approach focuses on targeting melanocortin receptors, progressing its candidates toward clinical proof of concept to facilitate future partnerships.

Coapt Systems, Inc. engages in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of bio-absorbable implants for use in soft tissue fixation during facial cosmetic surgery procedures. It offers ENDOTINE Forehead 3.0, a bioabsorbable brow fixation device; ENDOTINE Forehead Instrument Kits that comprise insertion tools, drill bits, and sterilization trays with lids; ENDOTINE Triple 3.0, the bioabsorbable brow fixation devices with disposable drill bits and insertion tools; ENDOTINE TransBleph 3.0, a bioabsorbable upper lid and brow fixation devices. The company also provides ENDOTINE Midface ST 4.5, a bioabsorbable midface suspension devices; ENDOTINE Ribbon, a bioabsorbable fixation devices; Coapt Manual Surgical Drills, the manual surgical hand drills for use with ENDOTINE implants; and SurgiWire Incisionless Dissectors, the subcutaneous The Endotine product line was bought by MicroAire, a surgical device manufacturer in Charlottesville, VA, in August 2010.

Agendia, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Irvine, California, founded in 2003. The company specializes in developing and distributing genomic-based diagnostic kits aimed at improving cancer treatment for patients. Agendia's molecular diagnostic technology offers insights into a patient's genomic profile, allowing physicians to make informed decisions regarding personalized treatment plans. The company's breast cancer tests utilize a comprehensive analysis of the human genome to evaluate individual risks for metastasis and determine the most appropriate therapies. This includes identifying which patients would benefit from chemotherapy or hormonal treatments, as well as those who may avoid more aggressive interventions in favor of less intensive and cost-effective options.

Santaris Pharma A/S is a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of RNA-targeted therapies. The LNA Drug Platform and Drug Discovery Engine developed by Santaris Pharma A/S combine the company’s proprietary LNA chemistry with its highly specialized and targeted drug development capabilities to rapidly deliver potent single-stranded LNA-based drug candidates across a multitude of disease states. The company’s research and development activities focus on infectious diseases and cardiometabolic disorders, while partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies include a range of therapeutic areas including cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious and inflammatory diseases, and rare genetic disorders. The company has strategic partnerships with miRagen Therapeutics, Shire PLC, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and Enzon Pharmaceuticals. As part of its broad patent estate, the company holds exclusive worldwide rights to manufacture, have manufactured and sell products that contain LNA as an active ingredient for studies performed with a view to obtaining marketing approval. Santaris Pharma A/S, founded in 2003, is headquartered in Denmark with operations in the United States.

Agendia, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Irvine, California, founded in 2003. The company specializes in developing and distributing genomic-based diagnostic kits aimed at improving cancer treatment for patients. Agendia's molecular diagnostic technology offers insights into a patient's genomic profile, allowing physicians to make informed decisions regarding personalized treatment plans. The company's breast cancer tests utilize a comprehensive analysis of the human genome to evaluate individual risks for metastasis and determine the most appropriate therapies. This includes identifying which patients would benefit from chemotherapy or hormonal treatments, as well as those who may avoid more aggressive interventions in favor of less intensive and cost-effective options.

Nitec is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the commercialization and development of medicines to treat chronic inflammation and pain-related diseases. It seeks to address areas of high unmet medical need within these markets by developing proprietary products based on well-characterized pharmaceuticals and disease targets. The Company is a spin-out of Merck KGaA and is headquartered in the Basel region of Switzerland. Since its formation in 2004, Nitec has developed and commercialized its lead product, Lodotra™. Nitecâ€:tm:s most advanced product candidate is Lodotra™, a circadian cytokine modulator, which successfully completed a European phase 3 trial in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 2006. In January 2009, Lodotra™ was recommended for European regulatory approval for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (“RA“), particularly the associated and debilitating morning stiffness, following the successful completion of a phase III trial (CAPRA-1) in 2006. Germany was the Reference Member State and Lodotra™ is now also expected approvable by the regulatory agencies of 14 other countries under the Decentralized Procedure. In March Nitec announced a European partnership for Lodotraâ€:tm:s commercialization with MundiPharma. Merck KGaA, which holds the distribution rights to Lodotra™ in Germany and Austria, have recently launched the product in Germany. Nitec is conducting a second pivotal phase 3 trial in preparation for the filing of an NDA with the FDA seeking US approval of Lodotra™ for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of RA including morning stiffness. Lodotra™ is also being developed for the treatment of severe asthma and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Nitecâ€:tm:s second product candidate is TruNoc™ (tarenflurbil), which is being developed as a treatment of neuropathic pain and other chronic inflammation and pain-related diseases. Nitec is conducting pharmacokinetic studies in preparation for phase 2 trials in neuropathic pain.

Coapt Systems, Inc. engages in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of bio-absorbable implants for use in soft tissue fixation during facial cosmetic surgery procedures. It offers ENDOTINE Forehead 3.0, a bioabsorbable brow fixation device; ENDOTINE Forehead Instrument Kits that comprise insertion tools, drill bits, and sterilization trays with lids; ENDOTINE Triple 3.0, the bioabsorbable brow fixation devices with disposable drill bits and insertion tools; ENDOTINE TransBleph 3.0, a bioabsorbable upper lid and brow fixation devices. The company also provides ENDOTINE Midface ST 4.5, a bioabsorbable midface suspension devices; ENDOTINE Ribbon, a bioabsorbable fixation devices; Coapt Manual Surgical Drills, the manual surgical hand drills for use with ENDOTINE implants; and SurgiWire Incisionless Dissectors, the subcutaneous The Endotine product line was bought by MicroAire, a surgical device manufacturer in Charlottesville, VA, in August 2010.

Pieris Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops drugs to fight cancer, severe asthma, anemia, and other medical conditions with unmet medical needs. The company applies its proprietary Anticalin® technology to the drug development processes. Pieris Pharmaceuticals was founded in 2001 and is based in Freising, Bayern.

IMI Intelligent Medical Implants develops and markets intelligent retinal implant systems for degenerative retinal disorders. The company offers The Intelligent Retinal Implant System, an adaptive visual prosthesis that bridges and replaces the defective information processing function of the real retina in patients with retinal degeneration. IMI Intelligent Medical Implants was founded in 2002 and is based in Zug, Switzerland.

NeurogesX, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company based in San Mateo, California, established in 1998 and originally named Advanced Analgesics, Inc. The company is dedicated to developing and commercializing non-opioid therapies for pain management, specifically targeting chronic peripheral neuropathic pain conditions such as postherpetic neuralgia, painful HIV-distal sensory polyneuropathy, and painful diabetic neuropathy. Its lead product is Qutenza, an 8% capsaicin dermal patch designed to manage pain through a novel delivery system. In addition to Qutenza, NeurogesX is also working on NGX-1998, a non-patch liquid formulation of synthetic capsaicin, and an opioid analgesic aimed at treating other chronic pain conditions, including cancer pain.

Nitec is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the commercialization and development of medicines to treat chronic inflammation and pain-related diseases. It seeks to address areas of high unmet medical need within these markets by developing proprietary products based on well-characterized pharmaceuticals and disease targets. The Company is a spin-out of Merck KGaA and is headquartered in the Basel region of Switzerland. Since its formation in 2004, Nitec has developed and commercialized its lead product, Lodotra™. Nitecâ€:tm:s most advanced product candidate is Lodotra™, a circadian cytokine modulator, which successfully completed a European phase 3 trial in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 2006. In January 2009, Lodotra™ was recommended for European regulatory approval for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (“RA“), particularly the associated and debilitating morning stiffness, following the successful completion of a phase III trial (CAPRA-1) in 2006. Germany was the Reference Member State and Lodotra™ is now also expected approvable by the regulatory agencies of 14 other countries under the Decentralized Procedure. In March Nitec announced a European partnership for Lodotraâ€:tm:s commercialization with MundiPharma. Merck KGaA, which holds the distribution rights to Lodotra™ in Germany and Austria, have recently launched the product in Germany. Nitec is conducting a second pivotal phase 3 trial in preparation for the filing of an NDA with the FDA seeking US approval of Lodotra™ for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of RA including morning stiffness. Lodotra™ is also being developed for the treatment of severe asthma and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Nitecâ€:tm:s second product candidate is TruNoc™ (tarenflurbil), which is being developed as a treatment of neuropathic pain and other chronic inflammation and pain-related diseases. Nitec is conducting pharmacokinetic studies in preparation for phase 2 trials in neuropathic pain.

Spinal Cord Therapeutics GmbH develops treatments for spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord Therapeutics focuses on the treatment of traumatic injury to the central nervous system.

Agendia, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Irvine, California, founded in 2003. The company specializes in developing and distributing genomic-based diagnostic kits aimed at improving cancer treatment for patients. Agendia's molecular diagnostic technology offers insights into a patient's genomic profile, allowing physicians to make informed decisions regarding personalized treatment plans. The company's breast cancer tests utilize a comprehensive analysis of the human genome to evaluate individual risks for metastasis and determine the most appropriate therapies. This includes identifying which patients would benefit from chemotherapy or hormonal treatments, as well as those who may avoid more aggressive interventions in favor of less intensive and cost-effective options.

CombinatoRx is a biotech company that develops medicines from synergistic combinations of approved drugs. The company has pushed into Phase 2 clinical trials a portfolio of drug candidates aimed at cancer and multiple immuno-inflammatory diseases. CombinatoRx Service Business was acquired by Horizon Discovery Group.

CareX SA is a biopharmaceutical company that develops novel treatments for metabolic and immune system disorders which includes diabetes and obesity. The company focuses on metabolic syndrome, a cluster of inter-related disorders of the body’s metabolism, including high blood pressure, high insulin levels, excess body weight, and abnormal cholesterol levels, that exposes individuals to the development of type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, and strokes. CareX SA is a France-based company that was founded in 2001 and the company was acquired by 7TM Pharma on May 24, 2006.

Zalicus Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing drug candidates for the treatment of pain and inflammation. The company leverages its expertise in ion-channel modulation to discover innovative therapeutics, both for its internal product pipelines and in collaboration with other entities. Zalicus invests significantly in research and development, including preclinical and clinical trials, while also pursuing intellectual property protection for its technologies and product candidates. One of its notable achievements includes the FDA approval of Exalgo, an extended-release formulation of hydromorphone HCl, which is indicated for managing moderate to severe pain in opioid-tolerant patients. The company was formed following the merger with Neuromed Pharmaceuticals in December 2009.

NeurogesX, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company based in San Mateo, California, established in 1998 and originally named Advanced Analgesics, Inc. The company is dedicated to developing and commercializing non-opioid therapies for pain management, specifically targeting chronic peripheral neuropathic pain conditions such as postherpetic neuralgia, painful HIV-distal sensory polyneuropathy, and painful diabetic neuropathy. Its lead product is Qutenza, an 8% capsaicin dermal patch designed to manage pain through a novel delivery system. In addition to Qutenza, NeurogesX is also working on NGX-1998, a non-patch liquid formulation of synthetic capsaicin, and an opioid analgesic aimed at treating other chronic pain conditions, including cancer pain.

FRIZ Biochem GmbH, founded in Oct. 2004, is a privately-held biotech company located in Neuried near Munich. The company initially focused on the development of advanced electronic biochips and gradually integrated the complete workflow of molecular diagnostics into its development efforts. FRIZ Biochem offers novel, highly innovative and broadly applicable molecular diagnostics solutions (instruments, analytical techniques, chemistries, sample preparation etc.) with special emphasis on Point-of-Care applications. FRIZ Biochem addresses the challenge of providing a combination of simplification and improved information in a time-frame where the result affects medical intervention.

Roche Glycart develops antibody drug candidates, which include GA101, a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody to increase direct- and immune-mediated target cell death; and GA201, a humanized glycoengineered antibody for solid tumors.

Coley Pharmaceutical Group operates as a biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics and drug candidates that direct the human immune system to fight cancers, asthma and allergy, autoimmune disorders, and to enhance the effectiveness of vaccines. The company was formerly known as CpG ImmunoPharmaceuticals, Inc. and in August 2000 it changed its name to Coley Pharmaceutical Group, Inc. The company was founded in 1997 and is based in Wellesley, Massachusetts. As of December 28, 2007, Coley Pharmaceutical Group, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc.

Intercell AG, a biotechnology company, engages in the design and development of vaccines for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. It discovers and develops antigens and adjuvants, which are derived from its proprietary technology platforms. The company was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.

BrainGate is a path to a better way of life for severely motor-impaired individuals. Through years of advanced research, BrainGate enables these people with the ability to communicate, interact and function through thought. (view video) BrainGate's mission is to further the advancement of this life-changing technology to promote wider adoption to help impaired individuals communicate and interact with society. For instance, the Cyberkenetics BrainGate Neural Interface is currently the subject of a pilot clinical trial being conducted under an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the FDA. The system is designed to restore functionality for a limited, immobile group of severely motor-impaired individuals. It is expected that people using the BrainGate System will employ a personal computer as the gateway to a range of self-directed activities. These activities may extend beyond typical computer functions (e.g., communication) to include the control of objects in the environment such as a telephone, a television and lights.

Pieris Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops drugs to fight cancer, severe asthma, anemia, and other medical conditions with unmet medical needs. The company applies its proprietary Anticalin® technology to the drug development processes. Pieris Pharmaceuticals was founded in 2001 and is based in Freising, Bayern.

Develogen is a biology-driven drug discovery company that is engaged in the development of therapies for diabetes and obesity. The company was founded in 1995 and is based in Georgia, United States.

Kuros Biosciences AG is a Swiss biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative products for tissue repair and regeneration. Founded in 2000 as a spin-off from the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Kuros has created a diverse pipeline leveraging proprietary technologies. The company specializes in biopharmaceutical products aimed at treating chronic diseases, focusing on sealants and orthobiologics. Its sealant product, Neuroseal, is under review for CE marking in the EU, while its orthobiologics offerings include MagnetOs Granules and MagnetOs Putty, approved for orthopedic and dental use in both the EU and the US. Kuros also has advanced clinical programs, with products like KUR-111 and KUR-113 having completed Phase II trials for bone fractures. Collaborations, such as with Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, further enhance its oncology treatment development. With its operational base in Schlieren, Switzerland, Kuros is transitioning to a commercial stage, aiming for broader market reach in key therapeutic areas.

Kuros Biosciences AG is a Swiss biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative products for tissue repair and regeneration. Founded in 2000 as a spin-off from the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Kuros has created a diverse pipeline leveraging proprietary technologies. The company specializes in biopharmaceutical products aimed at treating chronic diseases, focusing on sealants and orthobiologics. Its sealant product, Neuroseal, is under review for CE marking in the EU, while its orthobiologics offerings include MagnetOs Granules and MagnetOs Putty, approved for orthopedic and dental use in both the EU and the US. Kuros also has advanced clinical programs, with products like KUR-111 and KUR-113 having completed Phase II trials for bone fractures. Collaborations, such as with Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, further enhance its oncology treatment development. With its operational base in Schlieren, Switzerland, Kuros is transitioning to a commercial stage, aiming for broader market reach in key therapeutic areas.

Agromed S.A. engages in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of dairy products. It offers UHT milks, yogurts, desserts, cheeses, and butter. The company sells its products to supermarkets, wholesalers, and small grocery stores in Tunisia. Agromed S.A. is based in Sfax, Tunisia.

Develogen is a biology-driven drug discovery company that is engaged in the development of therapies for diabetes and obesity. The company was founded in 1995 and is based in Georgia, United States.