Ligand Pharmaceuticals

Castle Creek Biosciences, Inc. is a gene therapy company headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, that specializes in developing and commercializing personalized gene therapies for rare skin and connective tissue disorders. Founded in 2015, the company utilizes a fibroblast technology platform that extracts fibroblast cells from a patient's own skin to create localized therapies tailored to the individual’s unique biology. This innovative approach aims to address the underlying causes of diseases that currently have high unmet medical needs, ultimately improving the lives of patients suffering from these underserved conditions.

Palvella Therapeutics, based in Wayne, Pennsylvania, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company established in 2015. It focuses on developing and commercializing targeted therapies for serious and rare genetic skin diseases, specifically genodermatoses. The company's lead product, QTORIN, is a specialized anhydrous gel designed to deliver active ingredients effectively into the skin, addressing the underlying causes of various dermatological conditions. Palvella's pipeline includes candidates aimed at treating microcystic lymphatic malformations and cutaneous venous malformations, utilizing its proprietary QTORIN platform to offer innovative solutions for underserved patient populations.

invIOs is a private biotechnology company that specializes in the discovery and development of next-generation cancer therapies that empower and educate the immune system to fight cancer.

Agenus Inc. is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative immunotherapies and vaccines for cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Lexington, Massachusetts, the company aims to activate the immune system to recognize and combat cancer cells through a diverse portfolio that includes checkpoint antibodies, tumor microenvironment modifiers, and vaccine adjuvants. Agenus utilizes its proprietary Retrocyte Display platform for antibody discovery and develops a range of therapeutic candidates, including monoclonal antibodies and vaccines targeting various tumor-specific neo-epitopes. The company has several products in clinical trials, including CTLA-4 and PD-1 antagonists, and collaborates with notable partners such as Incyte Corporation and Merck Sharpe & Dohme to advance its immuno-oncology therapies. Founded in 1994, Agenus continues to build its capabilities in research, development, and manufacturing within the field of immunotherapy.

Novan, Inc. is a clinical development-stage biotechnology company headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina, focused on creating nitric oxide-based therapies for dermatological and oncovirus-mediated diseases. The company is engaged in the development of several clinical-stage dermatology product candidates, including SB204, a topical treatment for acne vulgaris; SB206, an anti-viral gel for viral skin infections; SB208, a broad-spectrum anti-fungal gel for skin and nail infections; and SB414, a topical cream for inflammatory skin diseases. Additionally, Novan is developing SB207, another topical anti-viral product candidate. By utilizing a proprietary technology platform that encapsulates nitric oxide in nano-particles, Novan aims to deliver therapeutic agents precisely to targeted areas in the body. Established in 2006, the company collaborates with strategic partners to advance its innovative therapies addressing unmet medical needs.

xCella Biosciences Inc. is an antibody discovery company focused on developing therapeutics through advanced protein engineering and innovative technology. Founded in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, the company specializes in transforming patient outcomes by utilizing its xPloration platform. This integrated hardware and software system enables high-dimensional measurement and analysis of genotype, phenotype, and cellular functions at the single-cell level, processing millions of cells simultaneously. This capability allows researchers to achieve comprehensive coverage of antibody repertoires, facilitating the discovery of rare antibodies that target complex challenges, such as ion channels. As of September 2020, xCella operates under the umbrella of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.

Taurus Biosciences LLC is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on the discovery and development of innovative antibodies derived from immunized cows. Founded in 2017, the company specializes in ultralong CDR3 antibodies, which are characterized by their unique genetic and structural diversity, enabling them to bind effectively to challenging antigens. These antibodies have potential applications in therapeutics, diagnostics, and research. Taurus Biosciences holds intellectual property related to its antibody discoveries, which stem from significant research conducted at Scripps Research and the Applied Biomedical Science Institute. As of September 2020, Taurus Biosciences operates as a subsidiary of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.

Pfenex Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development of protein therapies to address unmet medical needs. The company is known for its lead product candidate, PF708, which is a therapeutic equivalent to Forteo for treating osteoporosis. Other notable candidates include PF743, a recombinant crisantaspase, and PF745, an extended half-life version of the same protein. Pfenex is also advancing PF810, a next-generation therapeutic in preclinical development, along with additional products such as sparX-1 and sparX-2. The company's innovative Pfēnex Expression Technology, which employs the microorganism Pseudomonas fluorescens, facilitates the rapid and efficient production of therapeutic proteins, vaccines, and biosimilars. Pfenex also holds license and supply agreements for CRM197, a non-toxic variant of diphtheria toxin. As of late September 2020, Pfenex operates as a subsidiary of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.

Palvella Therapeutics, based in Wayne, Pennsylvania, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company established in 2015. It focuses on developing and commercializing targeted therapies for serious and rare genetic skin diseases, specifically genodermatoses. The company's lead product, QTORIN, is a specialized anhydrous gel designed to deliver active ingredients effectively into the skin, addressing the underlying causes of various dermatological conditions. Palvella's pipeline includes candidates aimed at treating microcystic lymphatic malformations and cutaneous venous malformations, utilizing its proprietary QTORIN platform to offer innovative solutions for underserved patient populations.

Technology Platform. Icagen’s extensive biological capability focused on ion channels, transporters and x-ray fluorescence, along with a strong track record in novel drug discovery from screening to lead optimization. Ion channels are key components in a wide variety of biological processes that involve rapid changes in cells and have broad therapeutic applicability including cancer, metabolic disease, pain, neurological diseases, infectious diseases and others. Roche Collaboration to develop and commercialize therapies for neurological diseases. The collaboration provides research funding, potential milestone payments of up to $274 million and tiered royalty payments should a drug be commercialized. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) Collaboration to discover therapeutics to treat patients with cystic fibrosis caused by specific genetic mutations. The CFF collaboration allows for up to $11 million in research funding, milestone payments of up to $59 million and tiered royalties on sales, should a product be commercialized. Proprietary Service Unit to Drive New Collaborations and Revenue, including a 32-person R&D team based in Raleigh, N.C., now known as Icagen, a Ligand Company, focused on drug discovery of ion channels and transporters. Icagen provides Ligand with an East Coast operation to efficiently serve partners and brings a portfolio of current or recent/active collaboration agreements with over 30 biopharma companies plus an ongoing business development pipeline. Novel, Unpartnered Programs that include six preclinical-stage assets applicable to a range of therapy areas including diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, pain and other disorders.

Ab Initio Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of protein therapeutics, specifically targeting G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) through its proprietary antigen discovery platform. This platform enables the identification of both activating and inactivating antibodies and facilitates the generation of therapeutic antibodies against challenging cellular targets. The company's research encompasses various therapeutic areas, including cancer immunotherapy, as well as treatments for neurological, cardiovascular, endocrine, and gastrointestinal disorders. Established in 2015 and based in South San Francisco, California, Ab Initio Biotherapeutics operates as a subsidiary of Ligand Pharmaceuticals, maintaining a strategic collaboration with Pfizer to enhance its drug development initiatives.

Dianomi Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in Madison, Wisconsin, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing innovative therapeutics using its proprietary mineral coated microparticle (MCM) technology, which enhances the delivery and efficacy of both large and small molecules targeting inflammatory diseases, particularly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Dianomi's MCM system addresses challenges faced by traditional drug delivery methods by enabling sustained release of active biologics, thereby improving patient outcomes through enhanced safety, efficacy, and duration of therapeutic effects. The company collaborates with biotech and pharmaceutical firms to advance its treatment solutions in the field of inflammatory disease management.

Palvella Therapeutics, based in Wayne, Pennsylvania, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company established in 2015. It focuses on developing and commercializing targeted therapies for serious and rare genetic skin diseases, specifically genodermatoses. The company's lead product, QTORIN, is a specialized anhydrous gel designed to deliver active ingredients effectively into the skin, addressing the underlying causes of various dermatological conditions. Palvella's pipeline includes candidates aimed at treating microcystic lymphatic malformations and cutaneous venous malformations, utilizing its proprietary QTORIN platform to offer innovative solutions for underserved patient populations.

Vernalis Limited is a commercial stage pharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focused on the research, development, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products for various medical disorders. The company offers several products, including Tuzistra XR for the U.S. prescription cough-cold market, Moxatag, a once-daily amoxicillin formulation for treating tonsillitis and pharyngitis, and frovatriptan for acute migraine treatment. Vernalis engages in developing and commercializing additional products through licensing agreements, emphasizing its strategy of combining internal research with collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies. Its research laboratories employ advanced techniques such as fragment-based approaches, structural biology, and medicinal chemistry to facilitate drug discovery. Established in 1988, Vernalis operates as a subsidiary of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.

Crystal Bioscience is a privately-held biotechnology company based in Emeryville, California, founded in 2008. The company specializes in discovering and developing therapeutic antibodies using chickens as part of its unique discovery platform. This approach leverages the significant evolutionary distance between birds and mammals to generate a wide variety of antibodies targeting human proteins that have been difficult to address with traditional methods. Crystal Bioscience's technology allows for the isolation of monoclonal antibodies from immunized chickens and enables simultaneous screening for specificity and biological activity, facilitating the development of therapeutic antibodies for various diseases.

OMT

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in San Diego, California, that develops innovative therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. Its lead drug candidate, VK2809, is an orally available selective agonist of the thyroid hormone receptor beta, currently undergoing Phase 2b clinical trials for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Another key candidate, VK5211, is a non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator being tested in Phase II trials to aid recovery from non-elective hip fracture surgery. Additionally, the company is advancing VK0612, a drug candidate for type 2 diabetes, and VK0214, targeted for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Viking Therapeutics emphasizes the development of first-in-class and best-in-class therapies, leveraging its expertise in metabolism to address significant unmet medical needs.

CyDex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing drugs that overcome the limitations of existing therapies. The company utilizes its proprietary drug formulation technology, specifically Captisol, a type of cyclodextrin, to create a diverse portfolio of product candidates. Notable products include Geodon IM and Abilify Injection IM for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, Vfend IV for antifungal treatments, and Cerenia for canine motion sickness. Additionally, CyDex is developing medications such as Fosphenytoin IV and IM for status epilepticus, Melphalan IV for multiple myeloma, and several others targeting conditions like epilepsy, arrhythmia, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. The company also outlicenses its technology to third parties for their product development needs. Founded in 1993 and based in Lenexa, Kansas, CyDex Pharmaceuticals was formerly known as CyDex, Inc. before its name change in 2007.

Neurogen Corporation is a drug development company historically focusing on small-molecule drugs to improve the lives of patients suffering from psychiatric and neurological disorders with significant unmet medical need. Neurogen has conducted its drug development independently and, when advantageous, collaborated with world-class pharmaceutical companies to access additional resources and expertise.

Metabasis is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel drugs by applying its proprietary technologies, scientific expertise and unique capabilities for targeting the liver and liver pathways. The Company has established a broad pipeline of product candidates and advanced research programs targeting large markets with significant unmet needs. Metabasis' product pipeline represents candidates indicated for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as hyperlipidemia and diabetes, among others. Additionally, our pipeline includes drug candidates for the treatment of liver diseases such as hepatitis and primary liver cancer which the company plans to license to companies focused on these areas. All of our product candidates were developed internally using proprietary technologies including our NuMimetic and HepDirect technologies.

Pharmacopeia, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of therapeutics for unmet medical needs. The company's internal program portfolio includes PS433540, a dual-acting angiotensin and endothelin receptor antagonist currently in phase II clinical development for cardiovascular and renal diseases, such as hypertension and diabetic nephropathy. Additionally, PS178990, a muscle selective SARM agonist, is in phase I clinical development. Pharmacopeia also has a preclinical product, PS031291, aimed at treating multiple myeloma and inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, as well as JAK3 inhibitors targeting T-cell and cytokine mediated dermatologic and ocular conditions, including psoriasis and dry eye. The company has formed strategic alliances with several pharmaceutical firms, enhancing its research and development capabilities. Founded in 1993 and based in Cranbury, New Jersey, Pharmacopeia was previously known as Pharmacopeia Drug Discovery, Inc. and became a subsidiary of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. in 2008.