Mission BioCapital

SiteOne Therapeutics is a San Francisco-based company focused on developing innovative therapeutics and diagnostics for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. The company aims to address the limitations of existing pain management therapies, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, by creating safer and more effective alternatives. Their lead candidates are highly selective inhibitors of the voltage-gated sodium ion channel Naᵥ1.7, which is crucial in the generation and conduction of pain signals. By targeting this channel, SiteOne Therapeutics seeks to provide healthcare professionals with advanced treatment options for neuropathic pain, ultimately improving patient outcomes and efficiency in pain management.

Alessa Therapeutics, Inc. is a pre-clinical stage company based in San Francisco, California, focused on developing localized treatments for solid organ diseases, particularly prostate cancer. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in a drug delivery implantable system that administers anti-androgen drugs directly to prostate tumors. This innovative system allows for sustained and localized treatment, minimizing systemic exposure and enhancing the efficacy of therapy for patients. By concentrating on specific organ diseases, Alessa Therapeutics aims to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients suffering from these conditions.

Nuvig Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative therapies aimed at restoring immune homeostasis and rebalancing immune function, particularly following inflammation. The company is building a pipeline of novel immune therapeutics specifically designed for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. By leveraging natural mechanisms to modulate immune responses, Nuvig seeks to enhance treatment options available to healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes.

Jupiter Bioventures is a venture builder firm dedicated to supporting early-stage therapeutic projects. The company aims to de-risk these initiatives by carefully evaluating opportunities against specific investment criteria. By providing small amounts of seed capital, Jupiter Bioventures enables founders to cultivate their projects and advance their development. Through its focused approach, the firm plays a crucial role in fostering innovation in the therapeutic sector.

Babylon Biosciences is a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing small-molecule therapeutics to treat Alzheimer's disease. Its proprietary platform facilitates the identification and advancement of these therapeutics, aiming to alleviate the burden of nerve and brain-related diseases.

Cloverleaf Bio specializes in the development of an innovative RNA therapeutic platform focused on oncology. This platform enables the direct inhibition of cancer-promoting enzymes using a single therapeutic molecule, offering a novel approach to improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment.

Bullseye Bio is a biotechnology company specializing in drug discovery services. It operates a therapeutics discovery platform designed to generate scalable data for machine learning, with a focus on unlocking the therapeutic potential of intracellular protein-protein interactions. The company's pipeline includes treatments for cardiometabolic, inflammation, and oncology indications, aiming to provide life-saving therapies for high-need conditions.

Umlaut.Bio is a spinout of the European Molecule Biology Laboratory (EMBL), is pursuing tRNA targets for treatment of cancer and immunological diseases.

NuCyRNA Therapeutics aims to refine RNA-targeting therapeutics based on a novel oligonucleotide platform, with an initial focus on CNS diseases.

TippingPoint Biosciences is focused on developing therapeutics that address diseases linked to defects in DNA packaging, including various cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Utilizing a drug discovery platform, the company aims to identify innovative treatments that specifically target unique genome packaging states associated with these diseases. This approach not only facilitates the treatment of cancers but also supports the development of stem cell therapies by addressing the underlying issues of dysfunctional genome packaging. Through its efforts, TippingPoint Biosciences seeks to advance medical care and improve patient outcomes in complex genetic conditions.

March Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in cell therapies for hematological cancers. Its primary focus is on developing CAR-T cell therapies, with a lead asset, MB-105, targeting CD5 in refractory T-cell lymphoma and leukemia, currently in Phase 1 trials. The company's approach involves biologically informed target selection, simplified CAR-T engineering, and a streamlined manufacturing process that prioritizes cell functionality and consistency.

ImmunOs Therapeutics AG is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Schlieren, Switzerland, founded in 2014. The company specializes in the discovery and development of novel human immunomodulatory proteins aimed at enhancing cancer treatment and addressing autoimmune diseases. By focusing on next-generation therapeutics, ImmunOs aims to create drugs that not only exhibit direct anti-tumor effects but also remodel the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, the company is developing antibodies designed to block the activation of specific HLA molecules associated with autoimmune conditions. Through its innovative approach, ImmunOs Therapeutics seeks to improve the lives of patients suffering from serious diseases.

Vaxess Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2011. The company focuses on developing and commercializing innovative silk biomaterial technologies. Its key product, the MIMIX microneedle platform, facilitates the transdermal delivery of vaccines and therapeutics. This sustained release patch technology allows for a controlled release of vaccines, mimicking the natural infection process to enhance immune response and effectiveness. Vaxess's patch is engineered for stability, eliminating the need for refrigeration, which enables shipping and application in low-resource settings. In addition to its vaccine delivery systems, Vaxess is also engaged in creating novel therapies aimed at oncology care and infectious diseases, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes with reduced treatment burdens.

Progentos Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative treatments for multiple sclerosis by harnessing the body's natural repair mechanisms. The company creates novel small-molecule therapeutics aimed at activating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, which are crucial for myelin regeneration. This approach seeks to help patients recover lost functions and enhance their overall quality of life. Through its targeted research and development efforts, Progentos Therapeutics is dedicated to addressing the challenges associated with chronic diseases, particularly in the context of neurological disorders.

Nocion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 2017. The company focuses on developing novel therapeutics called "nocions," which are designed to treat conditions associated with neurogenic inflammation. These nocions specifically target activated sensory neurons, entering nociceptors through large-pore channels that open in response to stimulation. This mechanism allows for the selective blocking of sodium channels, providing targeted and sustained relief for serious conditions such as cough, itch, pain, and inflammation. By offering an alternative to traditional small molecule anesthetics, Nocion Therapeutics aims to deliver more effective treatment options for patients suffering from these debilitating symptoms.

Aperture Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing novel therapies for age-related neurodegenerative diseases. It employs a distinctive drug discovery platform that leverages the genetic diversity of patients to identify new disease pathways and drug targets. Currently in the pre-clinical stage, the company operates from a lab incubator, integrating insights from neuroscience and immunology to progress its research. Aperture Therapeutics focuses on harnessing the power of genetic diversity to create more effective treatments for neurodegeneration and neuroimmunology conditions.

Mediar Therapeutics is a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of fibrosis. Founded in 2019, the company aims to provide innovative solutions by targeting key fibrotic mediator proteins that contribute to the development of fibrosis in chronically damaged organs. Through its research and development efforts, Mediar seeks to enable medical practitioners to halt and potentially reverse critical fibrosis and related conditions, addressing a significant unmet need in the field of fibrotic diseases.

QurAlis Corporation is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing therapeutics for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes proprietary platforms and biomarkers to create precision medicines targeting genetically validated disease-causing alterations. Its pipeline includes various treatments aimed at specific subtypes of ALS, such as therapies designed to restore dysfunctional cellular waste clearance, manage overactive neurons to prevent cell death, and eliminate toxic proteins. QurAlis aims to advance its antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule programs to address the most prevalent forms of ALS, ultimately working to halt disease progression and improve patient outcomes. The company was incorporated in 2016 and operates as a subsidiary of Q-State Biosciences, Inc.

Vaxess Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2011. The company focuses on developing and commercializing innovative silk biomaterial technologies. Its key product, the MIMIX microneedle platform, facilitates the transdermal delivery of vaccines and therapeutics. This sustained release patch technology allows for a controlled release of vaccines, mimicking the natural infection process to enhance immune response and effectiveness. Vaxess's patch is engineered for stability, eliminating the need for refrigeration, which enables shipping and application in low-resource settings. In addition to its vaccine delivery systems, Vaxess is also engaged in creating novel therapies aimed at oncology care and infectious diseases, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes with reduced treatment burdens.

Vaxess Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2011. The company focuses on developing and commercializing innovative silk biomaterial technologies. Its key product, the MIMIX microneedle platform, facilitates the transdermal delivery of vaccines and therapeutics. This sustained release patch technology allows for a controlled release of vaccines, mimicking the natural infection process to enhance immune response and effectiveness. Vaxess's patch is engineered for stability, eliminating the need for refrigeration, which enables shipping and application in low-resource settings. In addition to its vaccine delivery systems, Vaxess is also engaged in creating novel therapies aimed at oncology care and infectious diseases, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes with reduced treatment burdens.

Integrated Biosciences focuses on developing innovative therapeutics aimed at combating age-related diseases. Founded on research from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and UCSB, the company has made significant strides in the field, including the first AI-driven discovery of anti-aging drug candidates and the introduction of a novel structural class of antibiotics in six decades. By leveraging synthetic biology and machine learning, Integrated Biosciences seeks to control cellular stress responses, facilitating advancements in cellular rejuvenation and empowering medical professionals with next-generation treatment options.

Dren Bio is a biotechnology company that specializes in protein engineering technologies designed to target and deplete pathogenic cells, protein aggregates, and other disease-causing agents. With a focus on hematologic neoplasms, solid cancers, autoimmune disorders, and diseases related to protein aggregation, the company aims to provide innovative solutions for healthcare professionals in their efforts to combat various serious diseases. Operating under a holding company model, Dren Bio develops multiple projects as standalone assets, seeking to create value through its diverse portfolio of biotechnology initiatives.

ImmunOs Therapeutics AG is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Schlieren, Switzerland, founded in 2014. The company specializes in the discovery and development of novel human immunomodulatory proteins aimed at enhancing cancer treatment and addressing autoimmune diseases. By focusing on next-generation therapeutics, ImmunOs aims to create drugs that not only exhibit direct anti-tumor effects but also remodel the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, the company is developing antibodies designed to block the activation of specific HLA molecules associated with autoimmune conditions. Through its innovative approach, ImmunOs Therapeutics seeks to improve the lives of patients suffering from serious diseases.

Nuvig Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative therapies aimed at restoring immune homeostasis and rebalancing immune function, particularly following inflammation. The company is building a pipeline of novel immune therapeutics specifically designed for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. By leveraging natural mechanisms to modulate immune responses, Nuvig seeks to enhance treatment options available to healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes.

Arkuda Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2018. The company focuses on developing innovative medicines for patients suffering from neurological diseases, particularly targeting neurodegenerative conditions. Arkuda leverages insights into progranulin and lysosomal biology to create therapies aimed at addressing progranulin deficiency and lysosomal dysfunction, specifically in genetically-defined frontotemporal dementia related to mutations in the GRN gene. Its lead compounds are designed to improve cellular health in the brain, with the goal of delaying disease progression and the onset of symptoms.

AmbAgon Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing small-molecule therapeutics for cancer treatment. The company specializes in research aimed at stabilizing the interactions of oncogenic proteins, thereby enhancing the activity of tumor-suppressing proteins. By targeting these proteins, AmbAgon Therapeutics seeks to address significant unmet clinical needs in oncology that conventional treatment methods have struggled to meet. Founded by Christian Ottmann, Lucas Brunsveld, and Michelle Arkin, the company aims to provide innovative solutions in cancer care through its unique approach to drug development.

Tune Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative cell and gene therapies that utilize epigenetic programming to address serious diseases. By harnessing the epigenome, the company aims to create new pathways for treatment without making changes to the DNA sequence itself. This approach allows for the potential development of therapies for complex and widespread medical conditions, positioning Tune Therapeutics at the forefront of advancements in the field of epigenetics.

Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2019. The company specializes in the development of immunotherapy drugs aimed at effectively treating cancer. Its innovative therapies are designed to enhance the immune system's ability to target and eliminate cancer cells while minimizing side effects. This focus allows healthcare providers to deliver effective treatments to patients in a shorter timeframe, aiming to improve overall outcomes in cancer care.

Shape Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2018 and based in Seattle, Washington. The company specializes in RNA-editing gene therapy targeting neurodegenerative disorders, oncology, metabolic conditions, and rare genetic diseases. Its proprietary RNAfix technology enables precise editing of RNA using the body's natural cellular mechanisms, which minimizes risks associated with immunogenicity, cellular toxicity, and off-target DNA editing. Shape Therapeutics employs a comprehensive approach to RNA gene therapy, integrating innovative payload, delivery, and manufacturing platform technologies. This strategy aims to facilitate the development of effective treatments and potential cures for a wide range of diseases, with the goal of enhancing patient outcomes across the healthcare landscape.

Vedere Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 2019. The company focuses on developing gene therapy products aimed at restoring functional vision for patients who have experienced vision loss due to Inherited Retinal Degenerations (IRDs) and other causes of vision impairment, both genetic and non-genetic. Unlike many ocular gene therapies that primarily slow the progression of vision loss, Vedere Bio seeks to restore lost vision, regardless of the patient's genetic background or stage of their condition. As of September 2020, Vedere Bio operates as a subsidiary of Novartis AG.

Mediar Therapeutics is a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of fibrosis. Founded in 2019, the company aims to provide innovative solutions by targeting key fibrotic mediator proteins that contribute to the development of fibrosis in chronically damaged organs. Through its research and development efforts, Mediar seeks to enable medical practitioners to halt and potentially reverse critical fibrosis and related conditions, addressing a significant unmet need in the field of fibrotic diseases.

Caribou Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, that specializes in cellular engineering and genome editing solutions using CRISPR technology. Incorporated in 2011, the company has developed a CRISPR-Cas gene editing platform that allows precise modifications to DNA, which is applicable across various fields including human and animal therapeutics, agricultural biotechnology, and industrial biotech. Caribou's innovative approach aims to create transformative therapies, particularly in the development of allogeneic CAR-T and CAR-NK cell therapies, targeting serious diseases. The company focuses on advancing its pipeline of next-generation genome-edited cell therapies while also contributing to basic and applied biological research.

Dren Bio is a biotechnology company that specializes in protein engineering technologies designed to target and deplete pathogenic cells, protein aggregates, and other disease-causing agents. With a focus on hematologic neoplasms, solid cancers, autoimmune disorders, and diseases related to protein aggregation, the company aims to provide innovative solutions for healthcare professionals in their efforts to combat various serious diseases. Operating under a holding company model, Dren Bio develops multiple projects as standalone assets, seeking to create value through its diverse portfolio of biotechnology initiatives.

QurAlis Corporation is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing therapeutics for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes proprietary platforms and biomarkers to create precision medicines targeting genetically validated disease-causing alterations. Its pipeline includes various treatments aimed at specific subtypes of ALS, such as therapies designed to restore dysfunctional cellular waste clearance, manage overactive neurons to prevent cell death, and eliminate toxic proteins. QurAlis aims to advance its antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule programs to address the most prevalent forms of ALS, ultimately working to halt disease progression and improve patient outcomes. The company was incorporated in 2016 and operates as a subsidiary of Q-State Biosciences, Inc.

Pandion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions. The company's lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered variant of interleukin-2 currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to PT101, Pandion's pipeline includes PT627, a systemic PD-1 agonist in preclinical studies, and PT001 and PT002, which are bifunctional molecules designed for tissue-selective immunomodulation in the gastrointestinal tract. These molecules utilize a unique approach to achieve localized treatment, potentially enhancing efficacy and safety compared to traditional therapies. Pandion also collaborates with Astellas Pharma to develop locally acting immunomodulators targeting autoimmune diseases of the pancreas. The company is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts.

Arkuda Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2018. The company focuses on developing innovative medicines for patients suffering from neurological diseases, particularly targeting neurodegenerative conditions. Arkuda leverages insights into progranulin and lysosomal biology to create therapies aimed at addressing progranulin deficiency and lysosomal dysfunction, specifically in genetically-defined frontotemporal dementia related to mutations in the GRN gene. Its lead compounds are designed to improve cellular health in the brain, with the goal of delaying disease progression and the onset of symptoms.

Shape Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2018 and based in Seattle, Washington. The company specializes in RNA-editing gene therapy targeting neurodegenerative disorders, oncology, metabolic conditions, and rare genetic diseases. Its proprietary RNAfix technology enables precise editing of RNA using the body's natural cellular mechanisms, which minimizes risks associated with immunogenicity, cellular toxicity, and off-target DNA editing. Shape Therapeutics employs a comprehensive approach to RNA gene therapy, integrating innovative payload, delivery, and manufacturing platform technologies. This strategy aims to facilitate the development of effective treatments and potential cures for a wide range of diseases, with the goal of enhancing patient outcomes across the healthcare landscape.

Vaxess Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2011. The company focuses on developing and commercializing innovative silk biomaterial technologies. Its key product, the MIMIX microneedle platform, facilitates the transdermal delivery of vaccines and therapeutics. This sustained release patch technology allows for a controlled release of vaccines, mimicking the natural infection process to enhance immune response and effectiveness. Vaxess's patch is engineered for stability, eliminating the need for refrigeration, which enables shipping and application in low-resource settings. In addition to its vaccine delivery systems, Vaxess is also engaged in creating novel therapies aimed at oncology care and infectious diseases, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes with reduced treatment burdens.

Comet Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2018. It specializes in developing novel small-molecule treatments targeting various diseases, particularly orphan neurological disorders. The company's core innovation is its CoEnzyme metabolism platform, which aims to restore dysregulated CoEnzyme A metabolism. This therapeutic approach enables healthcare providers to address significant unmet medical needs in the treatment of these complex conditions.

Vedere Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 2019. The company focuses on developing gene therapy products aimed at restoring functional vision for patients who have experienced vision loss due to Inherited Retinal Degenerations (IRDs) and other causes of vision impairment, both genetic and non-genetic. Unlike many ocular gene therapies that primarily slow the progression of vision loss, Vedere Bio seeks to restore lost vision, regardless of the patient's genetic background or stage of their condition. As of September 2020, Vedere Bio operates as a subsidiary of Novartis AG.

Nocion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 2017. The company focuses on developing novel therapeutics called "nocions," which are designed to treat conditions associated with neurogenic inflammation. These nocions specifically target activated sensory neurons, entering nociceptors through large-pore channels that open in response to stimulation. This mechanism allows for the selective blocking of sodium channels, providing targeted and sustained relief for serious conditions such as cough, itch, pain, and inflammation. By offering an alternative to traditional small molecule anesthetics, Nocion Therapeutics aims to deliver more effective treatment options for patients suffering from these debilitating symptoms.

Alessa Therapeutics, Inc. is a pre-clinical stage company based in San Francisco, California, focused on developing localized treatments for solid organ diseases, particularly prostate cancer. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in a drug delivery implantable system that administers anti-androgen drugs directly to prostate tumors. This innovative system allows for sustained and localized treatment, minimizing systemic exposure and enhancing the efficacy of therapy for patients. By concentrating on specific organ diseases, Alessa Therapeutics aims to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients suffering from these conditions.

Telo Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative treatments to combat cancer by reversing the immortality of cancer cells. The company's approach centers on inhibiting telomerase, an enzyme that cancer cells utilize during their immortalization process. By targeting this enzyme, Telo Therapeutics aims to preserve healthy cells while effectively treating cancer, thereby enhancing the survival and quality of life for patients who have exhausted other treatment options. Through its precision medicine platform, the company seeks to improve treatment outcomes and offer new hope to those affected by cancer.

QurAlis Corporation is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing therapeutics for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes proprietary platforms and biomarkers to create precision medicines targeting genetically validated disease-causing alterations. Its pipeline includes various treatments aimed at specific subtypes of ALS, such as therapies designed to restore dysfunctional cellular waste clearance, manage overactive neurons to prevent cell death, and eliminate toxic proteins. QurAlis aims to advance its antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule programs to address the most prevalent forms of ALS, ultimately working to halt disease progression and improve patient outcomes. The company was incorporated in 2016 and operates as a subsidiary of Q-State Biosciences, Inc.

Principia Biopharma Inc. is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing innovative therapies for immune-mediated diseases. The company's lead candidate, rilzabrutinib, is an inhibitor currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for pemphigus and pemphigus foliaceus, as well as Phase 1/2 and Phase 2 trials for immune thrombocytopenia and IgG4-related disease, respectively. Additionally, Principia is advancing PRN2246/SAR442168, aimed at treating multiple sclerosis and other central nervous system disorders, which is in Phase II trials. Another candidate, PRN473, is in Phase I trials for various immune-mediated diseases. Principia Biopharma collaborates with Genzyme Corporation to explore treatments for relapsing and progressive multiple sclerosis, enhancing its commitment to addressing significant unmet medical needs in immunology and oncology. Established in 2008, the company operates as a subsidiary of Sanofi.

Alector, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company utilizes advanced antibody technology and insights from neuroimmunology and human genetics to create innovative treatments. Alector’s pipeline includes several candidates, such as AL001, which is undergoing phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia, and AL101, currently in phase I trials for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Additionally, AL002 and AL003 are in phase 1b trials for Alzheimer’s disease. The company is actively engaged in research and development, with a total of ten programs at various stages. Alector has formed a strategic collaboration with Adimab, LLC to enhance its antibody research and development capabilities, aiming to efficiently generate and validate antibody drugs that target key disease-related mechanisms.

Cereius, Inc. is a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing small-molecule therapies aimed at treating brain metastasis, particularly in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Cereius employs innovative radiolabeling chemistries that enhance the uptake and retention of radionuclides in target tumors while reducing absorption in normal tissues. This approach significantly improves the therapeutic index and diagnostic contrast of targeting agents, enabling medical practitioners to more effectively treat solid tumor brain metastasis and potentially increase patient survival rates.

ViewPoint Therapeutics, a biotechnology company founded in 2014 and based in San Francisco, focuses on developing treatments for diseases caused by protein misfolding, particularly cataracts. The company is advancing its research on crystallin stabilizers, which are small molecules designed to prevent and treat age-related cataracts and presbyopia. These stabilizers have shown promise in preclinical models through a systematic screening and optimization process. By targeting protein misfolding, ViewPoint Therapeutics aims to provide effective therapies for common age-related disorders, including cataracts and neurodegenerative diseases, ultimately enhancing treatment options for physicians and their patients.

Magnap specializes in manufacturing surgical equipment aimed at treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The company has developed a minimally invasive device that utilizes magnetic force to prevent airway collapse during sleep. This innovative treatment involves a custom, removable external neck accessory containing a magnet, which works by attracting an internal hyoid magnet to keep the airway open. The implant is discreet and not easily detectable unless felt on the neck. Magnap's clinical trials are conducted in the United States, focusing on providing healthcare professionals with advanced surgical tools to enhance patient care for those suffering from sleep apnea.

True North Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies that target the complement pathway of the immune system, specifically for rare diseases with high unmet clinical needs. Founded in 2013 and based in South San Francisco, California, the company’s lead product, TNT009, is a monoclonal antibody designed to selectively inhibit the classical complement pathway. This approach aims to prevent inflammatory mediators and phagocytosis in conditions such as cold agglutinin disease, warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and other complement-mediated disorders. True North is also exploring additional treatment options for a variety of diseases in hematology, dermatology, and neurology. The company operates as a subsidiary of Bioverativ Inc.

Cell Design Labs, Inc. is a biotherapeutics company based in San Francisco, California, focused on developing innovative cell-based therapies for cancer and other serious diseases. Established in 2015, the company aims to harness the immune system's capabilities to create advanced treatments that offer improved power, precision, safety, and durability. Cell Design Labs specializes in disruptive T cell receptor therapies, which modify the body's immune cells to specifically recognize and eliminate malignant cells. This approach enables researchers to efficiently develop effective cell-based therapies that address some of the most challenging medical conditions. The company operates as a subsidiary of Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Avexegen Therapeutics Inc. is a development-stage company based in San Diego, California, established in 2014. The company focuses on creating innovative therapies aimed at healing damaged and inflamed gut tissue in patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, specifically Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Avexegen's approach also extends to treating premature infants affected by necrotizing enterocolitis. By developing novel treatments, the company seeks to improve long-term health outcomes for these patients, offering a promising avenue for addressing significant gastrointestinal health challenges.

Epiodyne, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2016. The company focuses on developing innovative drugs that target the delta opioid receptors and the brain's opioid peptide system. Epiodyne utilizes quantitative pharmacological and behavioral techniques to create novel analgesics aimed at treating neurobehavioral symptoms associated with various brain disorders, including compulsivity, self-injury, and addiction. By restoring the function of the brain's reward system, Epiodyne seeks to provide effective treatment options for patients suffering from these challenging conditions.

Mitokinin, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York, specializing in the development of small molecule therapeutics aimed at enhancing the activity of PINK1, a protein associated with Parkinson's disease. Founded in 2017, the company is focused on creating kinetin analogs that are optimized for activating PINK1 without disrupting its natural regulation. Mitokinin's team, comprised of neuroscientists, chemists, and pharmacologists, is dedicated to advancing disease-modifying therapies for neurodegenerative conditions, particularly Parkinson's disease. Through its medicinal chemistry efforts, Mitokinin aims to provide innovative treatment options that can improve patient outcomes in the field of neurology.

eFFECTOR Therapeutics Inc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California. Established in 2012, the company specializes in developing selective translation regulators for cancer and other serious diseases. Its innovative approach involves small molecule drugs known as selective translation regulator inhibitors (STRIs), which target the eIF4F complex and its associated kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2 (MNK 1/2). This complex plays a crucial role in the translation of specific messenger RNA into proteins linked to cancer progression. eFFECTOR's lead product candidate, tomivosertib, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b trial in combination with pembrolizumab for non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, zotatifin, an inhibitor of eIF4A, is undergoing dose-escalation trials with plans for further expansion. The company also collaborates with Pfizer to develop inhibitors targeting eIF4E. Through these efforts, eFFECTOR aims to address the challenges of tumor growth, survival, and immune evasion in cancer treatment.

Vivace Therapeutics, Inc. is a drug discovery and development company focused on creating cancer therapies that target the Hippo pathway, which plays a crucial role in tissue regeneration and organ development. Established in 2014 and located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Vivace Therapeutics employs an innovative approach to develop small molecule treatments aimed at improving patient outcomes in oncology. The company collaborates with leading academic institutions to advance research and develop therapies that can be used alone or in combination with existing treatments. With a commitment to enhancing cancer care, Vivace Therapeutics is dedicated to delivering novel solutions that can help patients combat cancer more effectively.

Redwood Bioscience is focused on advancing biotherapeutics through precision protein-chemical engineering. Founded in 2008 and based in Emeryville, California, the company specializes in site-specific modification technology, which addresses the challenges of conjugating biologics with synthetic molecules. This innovative approach enables the creation of optimized and novel hybrid biotherapeutics, including antibody-drug conjugates and other semi-synthetic products. By combining the binding specificity and extended half-life of biologic carriers with the potency of small molecules and synthetic peptides, Redwood Bioscience aims to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Symic Biomedical, based in San Francisco, California, is a biotechnology company founded in 2012 that focuses on developing matrix regulator therapeutics. These therapeutics are designed to target and bind to matrix structures that are damaged due to injury or disease, thereby inhibiting pathological inflammatory responses. The company's research primarily addresses treatments for osteoarthritis and cardiovascular conditions, while also exploring applications in fibrosis, oncology, and diseases affecting the central nervous system. As a subsidiary of Symic Holdings, LLC, Symic Biomedical aims to provide innovative solutions in the healthcare sector through its specialized technology.

Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey. The company focuses on developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics by employing proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry. Circle Pharma utilizes an iterative design process that leverages large virtual libraries of conformationally diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their inherent permeability. This approach allows the company to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through multiple routes, including oral delivery. The therapeutics target challenging clinical issues, particularly intracellular protein-protein interactions that are significant contributors to cancer, thereby addressing unmet medical needs and enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals in their treatment efforts.

SiteOne Therapeutics is a San Francisco-based company focused on developing innovative therapeutics and diagnostics for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. The company aims to address the limitations of existing pain management therapies, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, by creating safer and more effective alternatives. Their lead candidates are highly selective inhibitors of the voltage-gated sodium ion channel Naᵥ1.7, which is crucial in the generation and conduction of pain signals. By targeting this channel, SiteOne Therapeutics seeks to provide healthcare professionals with advanced treatment options for neuropathic pain, ultimately improving patient outcomes and efficiency in pain management.

Pionyr Immunotherapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, that focuses on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies. Founded in 2015, the company aims to enhance the body's antitumor immunity by targeting the tumor microenvironment. Utilizing advanced target discovery and antibody generation technologies, Pionyr has created a unique approach called Myeloid Tuning™, which modifies the cellular infiltrate within tumors to improve the immune system's response against cancer. This strategy is intended to be particularly effective when used in conjunction with checkpoint inhibitors, offering new avenues for cancer treatment.