JDRF T1D Fund

The JDRF T1D Fund (www.t1dfund.org) is a venture philanthropy fund exclusively devoted to finding and funding the best early-stage T1D commercial opportunities to accelerate the delivery of treatments, preventions, and cures to patients. It was created to solve a critical funding gap in the T1D drug and device development pipeline. Through partnerships with private capital, including venture capital, pharma and foundations, the T1D Fund anticipates that it will be able to attract substantially more private investment to the T1D field than occurs today. The T1D Fund will initially focus on artificial pancreas systems, metabolic control, beta cell replacement, prevention, and beta cell restoration therapies, with an exclusive priority on the best commercial opportunities. The T1D Fund will reinvest any realized gains into new investments to further its mission.

John Ballew

Senior Associate

Rachel Cotton

Associate

Katie Ellias

Managing Director

Haein Kim

Associate

Yury Kukushkin

Investment Director

St. Peter, Steven

Managing Director

39 past transactions

DiogenX

Series A in 2023
DiogenX is a preclinical stage biotech company, specializing in the development of pancreatic beta-cell modulators for the treatment of Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). The company, which also has research labs in Nice, France, aims to discover and develop a candidate molecule that regenerates pancreatic insulin-producing cells in patients with diabetes, offering benefits in terms of quality of life and survival. It was discovered in the laboratory of Dr. Patrick Collombat (Inserm, CNRS, Nice University) in France, DiogenX is developing an innovative therapy with the potential to be the first beta-cell regeneration drug for diabetes.

Kriya Therapeutics

Series C in 2022
Kriya Therapeutics, Inc. is a gene therapy company based in Palo Alto, California, with an additional office in Durham, North Carolina. Founded in 2019, the company specializes in designing and developing innovative treatments for chronic diseases that are both prevalent and severe. Kriya Therapeutics focuses on conditions with well-understood underlying biology, aiming to create one-time gene therapies that provide durable expression of therapeutic proteins in targeted human tissues. The company's team comprises experts and former leaders from prominent gene therapy firms and academic institutions. Utilizing algorithmic tools, scalable infrastructure, and proprietary technology, Kriya Therapeutics seeks to enhance the efficacy and longevity of its therapies, striving to redefine treatment approaches for serious health conditions.

Jaguar Gene Therapy

Venture Round in 2022
Jaguar Gene Therapy is accelerating breakthroughs in gene therapy for patients suffering from severe genetic diseases.

Biolinq

Series B in 2021
Biolinq Inc. is a San Diego-based company that specializes in developing skin-applied electronic sensors designed to analyze body fluids for health monitoring. Founded in 2012 and originally known as Electrozyme LLC, Biolinq aims to enhance the experience of individuals with diabetes by providing a more affordable and pain-free alternative to conventional continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. The company's platform features minimally invasive electrochemical biosensors capable of measuring multiple analytes, including glucose, ketones, and lactate. This innovative technology not only facilitates easier blood glucose monitoring but also delivers actionable insights into metabolic health, significantly improving the quality of life for patients managing diabetes.

GentiBio

Series A in 2021
GentiBio, Inc. is a biotherapeutics company focused on developing engineered regulatory T cells (EngTregs) to treat a range of conditions, including autoimmune, alloimmune, autoinflammatory, and allergic diseases. Founded in 2020 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional locations in Seattle and Israel, GentiBio utilizes a proprietary platform that combines autologous and allogeneic EngTregs. This innovative approach aims to restore immune tolerance and address the limitations found in current regulatory T-cell therapies. The company was co-founded by experts in Treg biology and synthetic immunology, emphasizing its commitment to addressing the underlying causes of diseases linked to immune system dysfunction.

Sonoma BioTherapeutics

Series B in 2021
Sonoma Biotherapeutics is a company invloved the development of adoptive Treg therapies cell for autoimmune and degenerative diseases. Using next generation genome editing and target-specific cell therapy, Sonoma is focused on developing its best-in-class platform across the entire spectrum of Treg cell therapeutic capabilities. Founded by pioneers in Treg biology and cell therapy, the company brings together leading expertise and proprietary methodologies for the discovery and development of disease modifying and curative therapies.

Kriya Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Kriya Therapeutics, Inc. is a gene therapy company based in Palo Alto, California, with an additional office in Durham, North Carolina. Founded in 2019, the company specializes in designing and developing innovative treatments for chronic diseases that are both prevalent and severe. Kriya Therapeutics focuses on conditions with well-understood underlying biology, aiming to create one-time gene therapies that provide durable expression of therapeutic proteins in targeted human tissues. The company's team comprises experts and former leaders from prominent gene therapy firms and academic institutions. Utilizing algorithmic tools, scalable infrastructure, and proprietary technology, Kriya Therapeutics seeks to enhance the efficacy and longevity of its therapies, striving to redefine treatment approaches for serious health conditions.

Abata Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Abata Therapeutics, a company focused on translating the biology of regulatory T cells (Tregs) into transformational medicines for patients living with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) and other severe autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Veralox Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Veralox Therapeutics develops small molecule therapeutics that treat the underlying pathologies of thrombosis and type one diabetes. Based on an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of these diseases, these efforts will lead to new treatment paradigms and better outcomes for patients.

Code Biotherapeutics

Seed Round in 2021
Code Biotherapeutics is a next-generation gene therapy company pioneering the development of targeted non-viral gene therapies to treat serious and life-threatening genetic diseases. Code Bio leverages its novel multivalent synthetic DNA delivery platform, 3DNA, which has been engineered to overcome many of the challenges inherent with viral-based gene therapies such as immunogenicity, size and delivery limitations, re-dosability, and manufacturing complexity. The Company is advancing an internal pipeline focused on select rare disease programs as well as establishing partnerships to take forward programs in both rare and prevalent diseases.

Seraxis

Series C in 2021
Seraxis is a private biotechnology company founded in March 2013, with operations in Singapore and the United States, and a GMP lab located in Germantown, Maryland. The company specializes in developing innovative cell replacement therapies aimed at treating insulin-dependent diabetes. Their primary focus is on creating a solution that allows for the production of insulin to manage glucose levels, providing patients with a long-term cure that does not necessitate immuno-suppression. Seraxis is dedicated to advancing its novel cell and encapsulation technologies to bring this treatment to clinical use as efficiently as possible.

Sonoma BioTherapeutics

Series A in 2020
Sonoma Biotherapeutics is a company invloved the development of adoptive Treg therapies cell for autoimmune and degenerative diseases. Using next generation genome editing and target-specific cell therapy, Sonoma is focused on developing its best-in-class platform across the entire spectrum of Treg cell therapeutic capabilities. Founded by pioneers in Treg biology and cell therapy, the company brings together leading expertise and proprietary methodologies for the discovery and development of disease modifying and curative therapies.

Sonoma Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2020
Sonoma Pharmaceuticals develops and produces stabilized hypochlorous acid (HOCl) products for various healthcare applications, including wound care, animal health, eye care, oral care, and dermatological conditions. The company offers a range of products such as Epicyn, an antimicrobial facial cleanser; Levicyn, a prescription treatment for dermatoses; and Celacyn gel, which promotes healing of scars from surgical procedures and trauma. Additional offerings include SebuDerm for seborrhea management, Ceramax as a skin barrier cream, and Acuicyn for eye-related inflammation and cleanliness. Sonoma's Microcyn product line targets expedited healing of wounds and includes solutions for both human and animal care, addressing conditions such as hot spots and skin irritations. With over 100 commercialized products in 33 countries, Sonoma Pharmaceuticals aims to meet unmet medical needs while enhancing patient care and reducing healthcare costs. The company, originally known as Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc., was rebranded in December 2016 and is headquartered in Woodstock, Georgia.

Inversago Pharma

Series B in 2020
Inversago Pharma Inc. is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company based in Montreal, Canada, focused on developing innovative peripherally-restricted cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1) inverse agonists. Founded in 2015, the company aims to address various health conditions, including Prader-Willi syndrome, Type-1 diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic disorders such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Inversago's approach seeks to overcome limitations associated with earlier generations of CB1 blockers, thereby maximizing their therapeutic potential. By advancing new drug candidates, Inversago Pharma is positioned to provide healthcare professionals and patients with effective treatment options for metabolic and fibrotic disorders.

Enthera

Series A in 2020
Enthera S.r.l. is a biotechnology company based in Milan, Italy, founded in 2016. The company focuses on developing innovative therapeutic approaches for diabetes and related gastrointestinal complications, particularly enteropathy, along with other intestinal disorders that share similar biological pathways. Enthera operates a monoclonal antibody discovery platform to create first-in-class biologics aimed at addressing these underserved conditions. The company was established as a subsidiary of BiovelocITA S.r.l. and was founded in collaboration with scientists Prof. Paolo Fiorina and Dr. Francesca D’Addio. The name "Enthera" is derived from a combination of the terms "entero," referring to the intestine, and "therapy," reflecting its commitment to developing targeted treatments.

DiogenX

Seed Round in 2020
DiogenX is a preclinical stage biotech company, specializing in the development of pancreatic beta-cell modulators for the treatment of Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). The company, which also has research labs in Nice, France, aims to discover and develop a candidate molecule that regenerates pancreatic insulin-producing cells in patients with diabetes, offering benefits in terms of quality of life and survival. It was discovered in the laboratory of Dr. Patrick Collombat (Inserm, CNRS, Nice University) in France, DiogenX is developing an innovative therapy with the potential to be the first beta-cell regeneration drug for diabetes.

SQZ Biotech

Series D in 2020
SQZ Biotech is a developer of a cell engineering technology designed to deliver a diverse set of materials into patient cells. It is a privately held company that develops cellular therapies for multiple indications using the proprietary CellSqueeze technology. Through internal research programs and external partnerships, SQZ’s unique cell engineering capabilities are being used to develop a new generation of cell therapies by engineering the immune system both through immune activation and immune suppression for a wide range of clinical challenges.

Kriya Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Kriya Therapeutics, Inc. is a gene therapy company based in Palo Alto, California, with an additional office in Durham, North Carolina. Founded in 2019, the company specializes in designing and developing innovative treatments for chronic diseases that are both prevalent and severe. Kriya Therapeutics focuses on conditions with well-understood underlying biology, aiming to create one-time gene therapies that provide durable expression of therapeutic proteins in targeted human tissues. The company's team comprises experts and former leaders from prominent gene therapy firms and academic institutions. Utilizing algorithmic tools, scalable infrastructure, and proprietary technology, Kriya Therapeutics seeks to enhance the efficacy and longevity of its therapies, striving to redefine treatment approaches for serious health conditions.

i2o Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2020
i2O Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Saratoga, California, founded in 2019. The company specializes in developing oral formulations for therapies that are traditionally administered via injections. Utilizing its innovative ionic liquid technology, i2O Therapeutics aims to enhance the delivery of biologics by protecting the drug cargo and improving its absorption through the epithelial lining when taken orally. This approach focuses on creating next-generation oral therapies, particularly for peptides and proteins, which are typically challenging to deliver in pill form. The company's work addresses the need for safer and more convenient alternatives to injection-based treatments, targeting metabolic and inflammatory diseases.

Pandion Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Pandion Operations, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. Its lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered variant of interleukin-2 (IL-2) currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials for various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Other product candidates include PT627, a systemic PD-1 agonist in preclinical studies; PT001, a bifunctional molecule designed to achieve tissue-selective immunomodulation in the gastrointestinal tract; and PT002, which combines an IL-2 mutein with a tether module for similar localized effects. The company collaborates with Astellas Pharma Inc. to develop immunomodulators aimed at autoimmune diseases specifically affecting the pancreas. Headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Pandion Operations seeks to create innovative therapies that can provide durable and tissue-specific treatment options for patients suffering from these conditions.

Repertoire Immune Medicines

Seed Round in 2020
Repertoire Immune Medicines is a clinical stage biotechnology company working to unleash the human immune system to prevent, treat or cure cancer, autoimmune conditions and infectious diseases. The company is currently conducting experimental medicine clinical trials using autologous T cells primed against cancer antigens and tethered to IL-15.

Immunocore

Series B in 2020
Immunocore is a focused on the discovery and development of novel T cell receptor-based drugs to treat diseases with a high unmet need, including cancer and viral disease. The Company’s world-leading expertise in engineering T Cell Receptors (TCRs) and linking them to an antibody fragment (scFv) known as anti-CD3, has led to its first product candidate, IMCgp100, entering clinical trials in patients with metastatic melanoma. The proprietary T Cell Receptor technology platform is well validated and can easily be manufactured for clinical and commercial supply in microbial systems.

IMTherapeutics

Series A in 2019
IMTherapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on creating personalized immunotherapeutic drugs for autoimmune diseases, utilizing genetic insights linked to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes. Founded in 2015 and based in Aurora, Colorado, the company’s lead candidate is an oral medication designed to inhibit the autoimmune process in type 1 diabetes (T1D) by targeting specific immune cells. This approach aims to preserve the function of pancreatic beta cells and support normal insulin production in patients at risk or in the early stages of T1D. Additionally, IMTherapeutics is leveraging its HLA platform to expand its drug pipeline to include treatments for Celiac disease and potentially other autoimmune disorders. The company employs advanced screening techniques and rational drug design to develop targeted therapeutic candidates, enhancing early detection and management of autoimmune conditions.

Veralox Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2019
Veralox Therapeutics develops small molecule therapeutics that treat the underlying pathologies of thrombosis and type one diabetes. Based on an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of these diseases, these efforts will lead to new treatment paradigms and better outcomes for patients.

Biolinq

Series A in 2019
Biolinq Inc. is a San Diego-based company that specializes in developing skin-applied electronic sensors designed to analyze body fluids for health monitoring. Founded in 2012 and originally known as Electrozyme LLC, Biolinq aims to enhance the experience of individuals with diabetes by providing a more affordable and pain-free alternative to conventional continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. The company's platform features minimally invasive electrochemical biosensors capable of measuring multiple analytes, including glucose, ketones, and lactate. This innovative technology not only facilitates easier blood glucose monitoring but also delivers actionable insights into metabolic health, significantly improving the quality of life for patients managing diabetes.

ImmusanT

Venture Round in 2018
ImmusanT, Inc., a biotechnology company, develops therapies and personalized diagnostics to treat patients with celiac disease. The company focusses on disease-modifying approach to induce immune tolerance in autoimmune diseases. It offers Nexvax2, a therapeutic vaccine for celiac disease; and a diagnostic and monitoring tool to improve celiac disease management. ImmusanT, Inc. was founded in 2010 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Capillary Biomedical

Seed Round in 2018
Capillary Biomedical is a medical device startup developing technologies for diabetes management. They aim to dramatically simplify glucose monitoring and insulin delivery, reducing the burden on both patients and the overall healthcare system. The company is based in Irvine, CA and is a spin-out of the Artificial Pancreas Center at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA.

SQZ Biotech

Series C in 2018
SQZ Biotech is a developer of a cell engineering technology designed to deliver a diverse set of materials into patient cells. It is a privately held company that develops cellular therapies for multiple indications using the proprietary CellSqueeze technology. Through internal research programs and external partnerships, SQZ’s unique cell engineering capabilities are being used to develop a new generation of cell therapies by engineering the immune system both through immune activation and immune suppression for a wide range of clinical challenges.

Inversago Pharma

Series A in 2018
Inversago Pharma Inc. is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company based in Montreal, Canada, focused on developing innovative peripherally-restricted cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1) inverse agonists. Founded in 2015, the company aims to address various health conditions, including Prader-Willi syndrome, Type-1 diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic disorders such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Inversago's approach seeks to overcome limitations associated with earlier generations of CB1 blockers, thereby maximizing their therapeutic potential. By advancing new drug candidates, Inversago Pharma is positioned to provide healthcare professionals and patients with effective treatment options for metabolic and fibrotic disorders.

Bigfoot Biomedical

Series B in 2018
Bigfoot Biomedical, Inc., a health solution company, develops automated insulin delivery systems for people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). It develops a T1D Management System with cloud connectivity and human-centered-automation; and insulin pumps. Bigfoot Biomedical, Inc. was formerly known as SmartLoop Labs, Inc. and changed its name to in Bigfoot Biomedical, Inc. February 2015. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Milpitas, California.

Bigfoot Biomedical

Series B in 2017
Bigfoot Biomedical, Inc., a health solution company, develops automated insulin delivery systems for people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). It develops a T1D Management System with cloud connectivity and human-centered-automation; and insulin pumps. Bigfoot Biomedical, Inc. was formerly known as SmartLoop Labs, Inc. and changed its name to in Bigfoot Biomedical, Inc. February 2015. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Milpitas, California.

SQZ Biotech

Venture Round in 2017
SQZ Biotech is a developer of a cell engineering technology designed to deliver a diverse set of materials into patient cells. It is a privately held company that develops cellular therapies for multiple indications using the proprietary CellSqueeze technology. Through internal research programs and external partnerships, SQZ’s unique cell engineering capabilities are being used to develop a new generation of cell therapies by engineering the immune system both through immune activation and immune suppression for a wide range of clinical challenges.

Semma Therapeutics

Series B in 2017
Semma Therapeutics, Inc. is focused on developing innovative cell therapies for patients with Type 1 diabetes, aiming to provide alternatives to insulin injections. The company emerged from research by Professor Douglas Melton, which led to the discovery of a method for generating billions of functional, insulin-producing beta cells in the laboratory. This breakthrough technology has been exclusively licensed to Semma Therapeutics, which is now dedicated to creating a cell-based therapy that combines these proprietary cells with advanced devices to effectively replace the missing beta cells in diabetic patients without the need for immunosuppression. Established in 2014 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Semma Therapeutics operates as a subsidiary of Vertex Pharmaceuticals and is committed to bringing its novel therapeutic solutions to clinical settings, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes.

Diasome Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2017
Diasome Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical stage company focused on developing innovative diabetes therapeutics. The company specializes in insulin-based therapies, notably its hepatocyte directed vesicle (HDV), which acts as a nanoscale carrier delivering insulin directly to the liver. This technology allows for the delivery of 100 insulin molecules per disc and is compatible with various insulin delivery methods, including insulin pumps. In addition to HDV, Diasome offers products such as Oral HVD-I, a targeted oral insulin, and both injectable short-acting (HDV-I) and long-acting (HDV-B) insulins. The company aims to improve treatment options for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Founded in 2004, Diasome Pharmaceuticals is based in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

Tetragenetics

Funding Round in 2017
Tetragenetics, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company meeting the needs of customers who seek a cost-effective alternative platform technology for the production of genetically engineered proteins. Their technology is particularly well suited to the production of eucaryotic membrane and secretory proteins that are difficult to express in conventional systems. Such proteins include vaccine antigens, monoclonal antibodies, and a variety of therapeutic proteins for the treatment and prevention of human and animal disease.

Semma Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2017
Semma Therapeutics, Inc. is focused on developing innovative cell therapies for patients with Type 1 diabetes, aiming to provide alternatives to insulin injections. The company emerged from research by Professor Douglas Melton, which led to the discovery of a method for generating billions of functional, insulin-producing beta cells in the laboratory. This breakthrough technology has been exclusively licensed to Semma Therapeutics, which is now dedicated to creating a cell-based therapy that combines these proprietary cells with advanced devices to effectively replace the missing beta cells in diabetic patients without the need for immunosuppression. Established in 2014 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Semma Therapeutics operates as a subsidiary of Vertex Pharmaceuticals and is committed to bringing its novel therapeutic solutions to clinical settings, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes.

eGenesis

Series A in 2017
EGenesis Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional office in New York. Founded in 2015, the company specializes in gene editing and genome engineering, focusing on the development of human-compatible organs, tissues, and cells for transplantation. EGenesis employs advanced gene editing techniques to create transplantable cells and solid organs, specifically targeting therapeutic applications in kidney and islet cell transplantation. By leveraging its innovative platform, the company aims to transform the field of organ transplantation, providing safe and effective solutions for patients with life-threatening diseases globally.

GluSense

Grant in 2017
GluSense is developing a miniature implantable continuous glucose sensor. The sensor will be implanted under the skin and will transmit continuous glucose values to an external unit or smartphone for over a full year, significantly improving the quality of life of diabetes patients. Founded in 2007, the company is part of the rainbow medical innovation house.

Provention Bio

Series A in 2017
Provention Bio, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development and commercialization of therapeutics and solutions to intercept and prevent immune-mediated diseases. Its products candidates include PRV-031 teplizumab and monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that is in Phase III clinical trial for the interception of type one diabetes (T1D); PRV-6527, an oral CSF-1R inhibitor, which is in Phase IIa clinical trial for the treatment of Crohn’s disease; PRV-3279, which has completed Phase 1b clinical trial for the treatment of lupus; PRV-101, a coxsackie virus B (CVB) vaccine for the prevention of acute CVB infections and onset of T1D; and PRV-015, which is in phase IIb clinical trial for the treatment of gluten-free diet non-responding celiac disease. The company has a license and collaboration agreement with Amgen Inc. for PRV-015, a novel anti-IL-15 monoclonal antibody being developed for the treatment of gluten-free diet non-responsive celiac disease. Provention Bio, Inc. was incorporated in 2016 and is based in Oldwick, New Jersey.