Iaso Ventures

Prudentia Sciences is a technology company that provides an AI-driven platform for asset diligence and valuation in drug development. Its platform aims to reduce investment risks by enabling investors and biopharma clients to effectively evaluate and showcase the value of drug assets during portfolio strategy planning and dealmaking, ultimately accelerating drug pipelines and maximizing returns.

Axonis Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for neurological disorders by targeting the KCC2, a key mediator of inhibition in the brain. The company leverages groundbreaking research from institutions such as Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard, and Laval University to create a proprietary neuron-specific K-Cl cotransporter discovery engine. This innovative platform aims to enhance the treatment of various conditions, including epilepsy, pain, and other central nervous system pathologies, by fine-tuning neuronal inhibition. Through its efforts, Axonis Therapeutics seeks to contribute to the healthcare industry's ability to combat neurodegeneration, restore neuronal excitation, and promote neuron regeneration, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these disorders.

Scaffold Therapeutics is a venture-backed drug development company focused on creating ribonucleic acid cancer therapies through the application of machine learning technology. The company aims to accelerate the discovery of new medicines by leveraging current research data, specifically targeting small-molecule oncology therapeutics. Scaffold Therapeutics employs an understanding of selected writer-reader-eraser pathways to provide insights into pathway biology, thereby offering medical professionals real-time direction and aligning experimental research with project objectives. This innovative approach enables the company to address a diverse range of disease areas, enhancing the potential for effective treatment solutions in oncology.

Zafrens is a drug discovery company founded in 2021 and headquartered in San Diego, California. It focuses on developing life sciences products that facilitate the detailed characterization of diverse cell populations. The company's innovative platform provides a resolution approach to studying interactions between cells and drugs, as well as between different cell types, by directly mapping the molecular states of individual cells. Zafrens leverages large volumes of curated experimental data to train artificial intelligence models for drug discovery, enhancing its capabilities in T cell immunotherapies and ribonucleic acid regulation. By integrating insights from biology, chemistry, and engineering, Zafrens aims to advance the medical industry with its proprietary data and experimental techniques.

Pragma Bio is a biotechnology company that focuses on developing microbiome-based therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Founded in 2018 in Millbrae, California, by Peter McCaffrey, Kovi Bessoff, Ayin Vala, and Kareem Barghouti, the company utilizes proprietary genomic sequencing, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology techniques to discover biomarkers and therapeutics for complex immunologic disorders. Pragma Bio's platform aggregates both public and private data to create a comprehensive microbiome database, enhancing the ability to identify connections between diverse biological data. This approach not only aids in the discovery of novel biomarkers for patient risk stratification and clinical outcome prediction but also enables the identification of small molecules derived from human-associated bacteria. By leveraging real-world data and advanced analytical processes, Pragma Bio aims to streamline drug discovery and deliver innovative medicines more efficiently and cost-effectively, particularly in relation to the gut-immune axis.

ClexBio is a pre-clinical stage regenerative medicine company focused on developing bioengineered human blood vessels for transplant. The company has created an innovative proprietary technology platform that allows for scalable, high-throughput tissue generation. ClexBio specializes in the production of biocompatible hydrogels and employs advanced bio-fabrication techniques to grow large tissues from healthy human cells in complex geometric shapes. By integrating tissue engineering and single-cell methodologies, ClexBio aims to provide patient-specific blood vessels for both preclinical and clinical applications, advancing the field of regenerative medicine.

Altimate Health is at the forefront of precision psychiatry, focusing on improving treatment outcomes for patients with serious mental illnesses. By integrating advances in neuroscience, data analytics, and health economics, Altimate Health enables healthcare providers, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies to pinpoint the most effective treatments tailored to individual patient needs. Their approach combines artificial intelligence with precision medicine to enhance access to care and optimize health outcomes. This innovative platform not only aims to improve patient care but also seeks to reduce healthcare costs significantly, potentially saving the system hundreds of billions of dollars.

Celéri Health, Inc. is a healthcare technology company based in Paoli, Pennsylvania, founded in 2018. The company specializes in developing patient-reported outcome (PRO) tools that enable healthcare professionals to screen and assess patients' everyday experiences. By utilizing the NIH PROMIS system, Celéri Health's platform allows physicians to integrate seamlessly with electronic health record (EHR) systems, enhancing the management of health information and patient reports. This integration supports revenue management, documentation processes, and real-time error reduction while providing educational resources and consultation to maintain patient engagement. Ultimately, Celéri Health aims to facilitate the collection of real-world evidence and data to improve patient outcomes, promote wellness, alleviate pain, and restore function.

Deep 6 AI Inc. is a technology company that specializes in patient trial matching for clinical research through its artificial intelligence-based platform. Founded in 2013 and based in Pasadena, California, the company leverages advanced AI and natural language processing to analyze both structured data, such as ICD-10 codes, and unstructured clinical information, including doctor’s notes and pathology reports. This innovative approach enables the extraction of critical clinical data points, such as symptoms and treatment histories, transforming fragmented medical records into unified patient graphs. By identifying patients who may meet complex clinical trial criteria, even those with conditions not explicitly documented in their medical records, Deep 6 AI enhances the efficiency of patient recruitment for clinical trials, ultimately aiming to accelerate the development of new treatments. The company was previously known as Deep 6 Analytics, LLC before rebranding in March 2017.

Soovu Labs, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that specializes in developing a wearable device for drug-free chronic pain relief, specifically targeting lower back and menstrual pain through pulsed heat technology. Founded by two pain management physicians from the University of Washington Medical Center, the company emerged from a desire to find an alternative to opioid treatments after witnessing their detrimental effects. After over a decade of research and development, Soovu Labs created a clinically proven device that utilizes heat pulses to interrupt pain signals and provide relief. This rechargeable device adheres to the affected area with a disposable adhesive and can be worn discreetly throughout the day. In addition to the device, Soovu Labs offers a companion application that provides users with personalized coaching, movement exercises, and relaxation techniques, enhancing the overall pain management experience. The company's innovative approach aims to help individuals regain control over their lives by effectively managing chronic pain without the use of medication.

Catena Biosciences is a biotechnology firm focused on advancing protein conjugation technology to address autoimmune disorders and other medical challenges. The company specializes in a method that facilitates the rapid and selective attachment of proteins, utilizing natural amino acids such as tyrosine and cysteine. This innovative approach allows researchers to develop novel therapeutics across various fields, including autoimmune disorders, oncology, and vaccine development. By streamlining the process of building biologic structures, Catena Biosciences aims to enhance medical research and contribute to the creation of effective treatments.