First Light Asset Management

Caris Life Sciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in molecular profiling and advanced diagnostic technologies aimed at improving cancer patient outcomes. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, with additional offices in Phoenix and Basel, the company develops solutions that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze the molecular complexity of diseases. Caris offers a range of services, including anatomic pathology, drug development, and molecular analyses of patient samples, which include genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic profiling. Their Comprehensive Oncology Data Explorer serves as a clinico-genomic data platform. By providing insights into DNA, RNA, and protein profiles, Caris enables healthcare professionals to make more precise and personalized treatment decisions for oncology and other complex diseases. The company operates through distributors across the United States, Europe, Australia, and globally, and has established strategic collaborations to enhance its offerings.

Eledon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Irvine, California, specializing in the development of innovative treatments for patients with disorders of the ear, nose, and throat, as well as for those undergoing organ or cellular transplantation and individuals with autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. The company’s lead product, OP0201, is a surfactant-based nasal aerosol designed for patients at risk for or suffering from otitis media. Additionally, Eledon has developed a foam-based drug delivery technology, OP0101 and OP0102, aimed at delivering medications to the ear, nose, and sinus cavities. The company also focuses on the CD40L pathway, with its main compound in development, tegoprubart, being an IgG1 anti-CD40L antibody that shows promise for treating autoimmune diseases and supporting organ transplants. Eledon Pharmaceuticals was formerly known as Novus Therapeutics, Inc. before its rebranding in January 2021.

Virocell Biologics is a contract development and manufacturing organization that specializes in the production of viral vectors and gene-modified cells. The company focuses on facilitating the development of novel cell and gene therapies, allowing these innovations to progress into clinical trials. Virocell Biologics offers a platform designed to ensure a rapid, safe, and reliable transition from laboratory research to clinical application, thereby reducing risks and enhancing the value of emerging therapies. Through its services, Virocell Biologics supports medical researchers by providing the necessary gene-modified cells for their clinical studies.

AnaptysBio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing therapeutic antibodies for inflammation and immuno-oncology. The company’s key product candidates include Etokimab, an anti-IL-33 treatment for atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis; ANB019, an anti-IL-36 receptor for generalized pustular psoriasis; and several immune cell modulating antibodies, including checkpoint agonists for autoimmune diseases. AnaptysBio's pipeline features notable immuno-oncology candidates such as TSR-042 (anti-PD-1), TSR-022 (anti-TIM-3), and TSR-075 (anti-PD-1/LAG-3 bispecific). The company employs a proprietary platform based on somatic hypermutation for antibody discovery and optimization, addressing unmet medical needs in therapeutic applications. AnaptysBio has formed partnerships with various organizations, including TESARO and Celgene, to enhance its research and development efforts. Founded in 2005, AnaptysBio has established itself in the biotechnology sector as a developer of innovative therapies targeting significant health challenges.

Savara is an orphan lung disease company. Savara’s pipeline comprises Molgradex, an inhaled granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, or GM-CSF, in Phase 3 development for autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, or aPAP, in Phase 2a development for nontuberculous mycobacteria, or NTM, lung infection, and in preparation for Phase 2a development in cystic fibrosis, or CF, affected individuals with chronic NTM lung infection; and AeroVanc, a Phase 3 stage inhaled vancomycin for treatment of persistent methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, lung infection in CF. Savara’s strategy involves expanding its pipeline of potentially best-in-class products through indication expansion, strategic development partnerships and product acquisitions, with the goal of becoming a leading company in its field. The most recent acquisition is aerosolized amikacin/fosfomycin, a Phase 2 ready, proprietary combination antibiotic, which has demonstrated potent and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against highly drug resistant pathogens. Savara’s management team has significant experience in orphan drug development and pulmonary medicine, identifying unmet needs, developing and acquiring new product candidates, and effectively advancing them to approvals and commercialization.

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company headquartered in San Diego, California, dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapeutics for rare endocrine diseases and endocrine-related tumors. The company’s lead product candidate, paltusotine, is an oral selective nonpeptide somatostatin receptor type 2 biased agonist currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials aimed at treating acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors. In addition to paltusotine, Crinetics is developing several other therapeutics, including CRN01941, an oral selective nonpeptide sst2 biased agonist for neuroendocrine tumors, and an oral somatostatin type 5 receptor agonist for congenital hyperinsulinism. The company is also working on an oral adrenocorticotrophic hormone antagonist for conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Founded in 2008, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals is focused on leveraging its internal discovery efforts to create effective treatments while utilizing hormonal biomarker endpoints to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of its clinical studies.

Sonendo, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Laguna Hills, California, specializing in innovative solutions for root canal therapy. Founded in 2006, the company has developed the GentleWave System, a technology platform that enhances the cleaning and disinfection of tooth structures without compromising integrity. This system significantly improves clinical outcomes and practice efficiency compared to traditional root canal methods. In addition to its product offerings, Sonendo is the parent company of TDO Software, which provides widely used practice management software for endodontic professionals. The software integrates various functionalities, including imaging and communication tools, to streamline practice workflows. Through its focus on advanced dental technologies, Sonendo aims to address the global challenge of tooth decay, ultimately promoting better dental health.

NeoGenomics Laboratories operates a network of cancer-focused testing facilities in the United States, Switzerland, and Singapore. The company is divided into two main segments: Clinical Services and Pharma Services. It provides a range of genetic and molecular testing services, including cytogenetics, fluorescence in-situ hybridization, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing, aimed at helping clinicians and researchers understand cancer at a genetic level. Additionally, NeoGenomics offers morphologic analysis for diagnosis and supports pharmaceutical companies in their oncology programs through testing services that facilitate drug development and clinical trials. The company's collaboration with Inivata Limited for the commercialization of the InVisionFirst-Lung liquid biopsy test exemplifies its commitment to advancing cancer diagnostics. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida, NeoGenomics serves hospitals, pathologists, oncologists, academic centers, and other clinical laboratories, enhancing cancer care through innovative testing solutions.

Caris Life Sciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in molecular profiling and advanced diagnostic technologies aimed at improving cancer patient outcomes. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, with additional offices in Phoenix and Basel, the company develops solutions that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze the molecular complexity of diseases. Caris offers a range of services, including anatomic pathology, drug development, and molecular analyses of patient samples, which include genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic profiling. Their Comprehensive Oncology Data Explorer serves as a clinico-genomic data platform. By providing insights into DNA, RNA, and protein profiles, Caris enables healthcare professionals to make more precise and personalized treatment decisions for oncology and other complex diseases. The company operates through distributors across the United States, Europe, Australia, and globally, and has established strategic collaborations to enhance its offerings.