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 neurological disorders. It develops medicines targeting KCC2, a critical mediator of inhibition within the brain, using a proprietary neuron-specific K-Cl cotransporter (KCC2) discovery engine. The company aims to improve lives by treating conditions such as epilepsy and pain.

Scaffold Therapeutics is a venture-backed, technology-enabled drug development company that leverages machine learning and current research data to accelerate discovery of cancer therapies. It develops RNA-based cancer treatments and applies insights into pathway biology to guide research and streamline experimental work across oncology programs.

Founded in 2021, Zafrens is a San Diego-based drug discovery company specializing in life sciences products. Its platform generates insights at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and engineering by directly mapping molecular states of single cells.

Pragma Bio is a biotechnology company that uses microbiome-based approaches to discover therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases, combining genomic sequencing, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology to identify biomarkers and develop therapeutics through a data-driven platform that aggregates public and private data to build a microbiome database and reveal connections across microbial and clinical data. The company pursues small-molecule discovery from human-associated bacteria, focusing on the gut-immune axis, and aims to deliver health-indicative molecules with robust safety profiles, while the platform supports risk stratification and outcome prediction for patients by leveraging real-world data. Pragma Bio was founded in 2018 in Millbrae, California by Peter McCaffrey, Kovi Bessoff, Ayin Vala and Kareem Barghouti.

ClexBio is a preclinical-stage regenerative medicine company developing bioengineered tissues with a proprietary platform for scalable, high-throughput tissue generation. It combines hydrogel-based technologies with advanced biofabrication, tissue engineering, and single-cell techniques to grow large, biocompatible tissues in complex geometric shapes from healthy human cells. A primary focus is creating patient-specific blood vessels for transplant, enabling preclinical and clinical applications.

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.

Celeri Health develops patient-reported outcome tools to screen and assess patients’ everyday experiences, guiding education and treatment to promote wellness, alleviate pain, and restore function. The platform enables clinicians to track outcomes, screen populations, and improve care efficiency by integrating with electronic health record systems. It uses standardized PRO measures, including PROMIS-based instruments, to capture real-world data, support decision-making, and streamline documentation and revenue management. The solution supports chronic-pain management and other conditions by connecting patient feedback with clinical workflows, enabling timely therapy, sustained patient engagement, and ongoing monitoring of treatment impact.

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.