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 based in Denmark, specializing in the discovery and development of RNA-targeted therapies. Utilizing its proprietary Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) Drug Platform and Drug Discovery Engine, the company focuses on delivering potent single-stranded LNA-based drug candidates for various disease states. Santaris Pharma's research and development efforts primarily target infectious diseases and cardiometabolic disorders, while also engaging in partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies to address a broader range of therapeutic areas, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and rare genetic disorders. Founded in 2003, the company holds exclusive worldwide rights for the manufacture and sale of products containing LNA as an active ingredient, supporting its goal of obtaining marketing approval for its innovative therapies.

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. specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of bio-absorbable implants intended for soft tissue fixation in facial cosmetic surgery. Its product offerings include various fixation devices such as the ENDOTINE Forehead 3.0 and ENDOTINE Midface ST 4.5, which are employed in procedures like forehead lifts, brow lifts, and midface suspensions. The company also provides surgical instruments and tools, including insertion kits and manual drills, to facilitate the use of its implants. Coapt Systems aims to support surgeons in achieving effective and secure tissue fixation during surgical procedures, enhancing outcomes for patients undergoing cosmetic interventions.

Agendia, Inc., established in 2003 and headquartered in Irvine, California, specializes in developing and distributing genomic-based diagnostic kits for cancer patients. The company's molecular diagnostic technology analyzes the complete human genome to provide physicians with crucial information about a patient's cancer, enabling personalized treatment plans. Agendia's breast cancer tests, for instance, help assess individual risk for metastasis and guide treatment decisions, potentially sparing patients from unnecessary chemotherapy.

Santaris Pharma A/S is a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Denmark, specializing in the discovery and development of RNA-targeted therapies. Utilizing its proprietary Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) Drug Platform and Drug Discovery Engine, the company focuses on delivering potent single-stranded LNA-based drug candidates for various disease states. Santaris Pharma's research and development efforts primarily target infectious diseases and cardiometabolic disorders, while also engaging in partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies to address a broader range of therapeutic areas, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and rare genetic disorders. Founded in 2003, the company holds exclusive worldwide rights for the manufacture and sale of products containing LNA as an active ingredient, supporting its goal of obtaining marketing approval for its innovative therapies.

Agendia, Inc., established in 2003 and headquartered in Irvine, California, specializes in developing and distributing genomic-based diagnostic kits for cancer patients. The company's molecular diagnostic technology analyzes the complete human genome to provide physicians with crucial information about a patient's cancer, enabling personalized treatment plans. Agendia's breast cancer tests, for instance, help assess individual risk for metastasis and guide treatment decisions, potentially sparing patients from unnecessary chemotherapy.

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. specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of bio-absorbable implants intended for soft tissue fixation in facial cosmetic surgery. Its product offerings include various fixation devices such as the ENDOTINE Forehead 3.0 and ENDOTINE Midface ST 4.5, which are employed in procedures like forehead lifts, brow lifts, and midface suspensions. The company also provides surgical instruments and tools, including insertion kits and manual drills, to facilitate the use of its implants. Coapt Systems aims to support surgeons in achieving effective and secure tissue fixation during surgical procedures, enhancing outcomes for patients undergoing cosmetic interventions.

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., established in 2003 and headquartered in Irvine, California, specializes in developing and distributing genomic-based diagnostic kits for cancer patients. The company's molecular diagnostic technology analyzes the complete human genome to provide physicians with crucial information about a patient's cancer, enabling personalized treatment plans. Agendia's breast cancer tests, for instance, help assess individual risk for metastasis and guide treatment decisions, potentially sparing patients from unnecessary chemotherapy.

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 the development of drug candidates aimed at treating pain and inflammation. The company specializes in ion-channel modulation, using its expertise to discover therapeutics that may effectively block ion channels in neuronal cells responsible for pain signal transmission. Zalicus has invested significantly in its drug discovery technology, as well as the research and development of its product candidates, which includes conducting preclinical and clinical trials. The company has also sought intellectual property protection for its innovative technologies. Its notable achievement includes the approval of Exalgo, an extended-release formulation of hydromorphone for managing moderate to severe pain in opioid-tolerant patients, granted by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2010. Additionally, Zalicus merged with Neuromed Pharmaceuticals in 2009, further expanding its capabilities in pain management therapies.

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 biopharmaceutical company based in Schlieren, Switzerland, dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative products for tissue repair and regeneration. Founded in 2000 as a spin-off from the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Kuros has developed a robust pipeline of biopharmaceuticals targeting chronic diseases. Its key products include Neuroseal, a novel biomaterial for dural sealing, and the MagnetOs family of bone graft substitutes used in orthopedic, spinal, and dental applications. MagnetOs is approved for use in the EU and the US, with further formulations under development for regulatory submission. Kuros also has a range of clinical-stage products, including KUR-111 and KUR-113, which have completed Phase II clinical trials for treating specific bone fractures. The company has engaged in significant clinical research, enrolling over 600 patients in multinational trials, generating promising data regarding safety and efficacy in various applications, particularly within orthobiologics.

Kuros Biosciences AG is a biopharmaceutical company based in Schlieren, Switzerland, dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative products for tissue repair and regeneration. Founded in 2000 as a spin-off from the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Kuros has developed a robust pipeline of biopharmaceuticals targeting chronic diseases. Its key products include Neuroseal, a novel biomaterial for dural sealing, and the MagnetOs family of bone graft substitutes used in orthopedic, spinal, and dental applications. MagnetOs is approved for use in the EU and the US, with further formulations under development for regulatory submission. Kuros also has a range of clinical-stage products, including KUR-111 and KUR-113, which have completed Phase II clinical trials for treating specific bone fractures. The company has engaged in significant clinical research, enrolling over 600 patients in multinational trials, generating promising data regarding safety and efficacy in various applications, particularly within orthobiologics.

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.