Marker Therapeutics
Grant in 2024
Marker Therapeutics is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing adoptive non-gene modified T cell therapies for treating hematologic malignancies. Its MultiTAA technology selectively expands non-engineered T cells to target and kill tumor cells expressing multiple tumor-associated antigens, preventing immune escape.
VenoStent develops bioabsorbable smart polymer wraps for vascular surgeries. Its flagship product, SelfWrap, is a perivascular wrap designed to reduce failures at the vein-artery junction in dialysis patients by promoting outward vein growth and providing custom-fit mechanical support. The company's technology acts as an external stent, reducing surgery time, infection risk, and wound reopening while improving vein usability and durability.
Base Pair Biotechnologies
Grant in 2023
Base Pair Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Pearland, Texas, specializing in the research, development, and discovery of aptamer affinity ligands. Established in 2012, the company offers custom aptamer development services and a catalog of ready-made aptamers. Its innovative platform incorporates novel libraries and proprietary methods for multiplexing the aptamer discovery process, allowing for efficient screening and validation. Base Pair Biotechnologies collaborates with academic, commercial, and government institutions to create advanced tools and technologies across various sectors, including diagnostics, therapeutics, animal testing, agriculture, and environmental testing. The company's expertise in aptamer research, which began in 2004, has positioned it as a leader in the field, enabling clients to obtain high-quality aptamers with reduced time and cost.
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Grant in 2023
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio serves San Antonio and the 50,000 square-mile area of South Texas. It extends to campuses in the metropolitan border communities of Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley.
More than 3,000 students a year train in an environment that involves more than 100 affiliated hospitals, clinics and health care facilities in South Texas.
The UT Health Science Center and its Cancer Therapy & Research Center hold diversity as a core value. In this context, they are mindful of all aspects of human differences, such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability and age.
At the UT Health Science Center and CTRC, inclusion is a core element for successfully achieving diversity, as they strive to create a climate that fosters belonging, respect and value for all. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, the UT Health Science Center and CTRC exercise these core values of diversity and inclusion by promoting and ensuring equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
Marker Therapeutics
Grant in 2023
Marker Therapeutics is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing adoptive non-gene modified T cell therapies for treating hematologic malignancies. Its MultiTAA technology selectively expands non-engineered T cells to target and kill tumor cells expressing multiple tumor-associated antigens, preventing immune escape.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Grant in 2023
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution dedicated exclusively to cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. Located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas, it was established as one of the original three comprehensive cancer centers under the National Cancer Act of 1971. MD Anderson serves as both a degree-granting academic institution and a specialized cancer treatment facility. It is affiliated with two prominent medical schools: The University of Texas Medical School at Houston and Baylor College of Medicine. Renowned for its exceptional cancer care, MD Anderson has consistently ranked among the top cancer hospitals in the United States, earning the No. 1 position in U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals" survey for ten of the past twelve years. The center is widely recognized for its commitment to advancing cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes.
Rice University
Grant in 2023
Rice University, established in 1912, is a private comprehensive research university based in Houston, Texas. It offers personalized academic experiences across various disciplines and fosters an intellectually diverse environment.
Texas Biomedical Research Institute
Grant in 2022
Founded in 1941, Texas Biomedical Research Institute is a renowned scientific research organization based in San Antonio, Texas. It focuses on innovative and cutting-edge research to understand and combat chronic and infectious diseases.
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Grant in 2022
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio serves San Antonio and the 50,000 square-mile area of South Texas. It extends to campuses in the metropolitan border communities of Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley.
More than 3,000 students a year train in an environment that involves more than 100 affiliated hospitals, clinics and health care facilities in South Texas.
The UT Health Science Center and its Cancer Therapy & Research Center hold diversity as a core value. In this context, they are mindful of all aspects of human differences, such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability and age.
At the UT Health Science Center and CTRC, inclusion is a core element for successfully achieving diversity, as they strive to create a climate that fosters belonging, respect and value for all. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, the UT Health Science Center and CTRC exercise these core values of diversity and inclusion by promoting and ensuring equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
BiVACOR, Inc. is a Houston-based company founded in 2008 that specializes in designing and manufacturing advanced centrifugal heart pumps. The company develops an artificial heart-pumping device aimed at fully replacing the function of a failing heart. This innovative device features a compact, magnetically levitated rotor situated between opposing pump casings, utilizing rotary blood pump technology to deliver necessary cardiac output. By minimizing the risk of blood-cell damage and clotting, BiVACOR's technology offers patients a reliable substitute for natural blood pumping systems. With a team of skilled engineers, medical specialists, and business executives, BiVACOR has established a robust network for collaboration both in the United States and internationally, including an office in Brisbane, Australia.
Cassava Sciences
Grant in 2021
Cassava Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience, developing novel treatments and diagnostics for nervous system disorders, notably Alzheimer's disease.
Solenic Medical
Grant in 2020
Founded in 2019, Solenic Medical specializes in the development of a non-invasive medical device that uses alternating magnetic fields to eradicate biofilm on metallic implants. Its technology aims to address complications arising from surgeries like knee and hip replacements, as well as trauma-related implants.
Cassava Sciences
Grant in 2020
Cassava Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience, developing novel treatments and diagnostics for nervous system disorders, notably Alzheimer's disease.
VenoStent develops bioabsorbable smart polymer wraps for vascular surgeries. Its flagship product, SelfWrap, is a perivascular wrap designed to reduce failures at the vein-artery junction in dialysis patients by promoting outward vein growth and providing custom-fit mechanical support. The company's technology acts as an external stent, reducing surgery time, infection risk, and wound reopening while improving vein usability and durability.
7 Hills Pharma
Grant in 2018
7 Hills Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Houston, Texas. It focuses on developing innovative therapies to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy, and cord blood transplant for treating solid tumors and orphan genetic diseases.
CerSci Therapeutics
Grant in 2017
CerSci Therapeutics Inc. is a Dallas, Texas-based biotechnology company focused on developing non-opioid alternatives for the treatment of acute post-operative and chronic neuropathic pain, including pain associated with diabetes and chemotherapy. Founded in 2015, the company is advancing its lead drug candidate, CT-044, which has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration to proceed with Phase I clinical trials. CT-044 is a small molecule designed to decompose radical species such as peroxynitrite and hydrogen peroxide, and it is intended to address both acute and chronic pain conditions. As of August 2020, CerSci Therapeutics operates as a subsidiary of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Grant in 2017
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio serves San Antonio and the 50,000 square-mile area of South Texas. It extends to campuses in the metropolitan border communities of Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley.
More than 3,000 students a year train in an environment that involves more than 100 affiliated hospitals, clinics and health care facilities in South Texas.
The UT Health Science Center and its Cancer Therapy & Research Center hold diversity as a core value. In this context, they are mindful of all aspects of human differences, such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability and age.
At the UT Health Science Center and CTRC, inclusion is a core element for successfully achieving diversity, as they strive to create a climate that fosters belonging, respect and value for all. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, the UT Health Science Center and CTRC exercise these core values of diversity and inclusion by promoting and ensuring equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
CerSci Therapeutics
Grant in 2017
CerSci Therapeutics Inc. is a Dallas, Texas-based biotechnology company focused on developing non-opioid alternatives for the treatment of acute post-operative and chronic neuropathic pain, including pain associated with diabetes and chemotherapy. Founded in 2015, the company is advancing its lead drug candidate, CT-044, which has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration to proceed with Phase I clinical trials. CT-044 is a small molecule designed to decompose radical species such as peroxynitrite and hydrogen peroxide, and it is intended to address both acute and chronic pain conditions. As of August 2020, CerSci Therapeutics operates as a subsidiary of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Pulmotect, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Houston, Texas, specializing in the development of inhaled therapeutics aimed at preventing and treating respiratory infections, particularly in cancer patients with compromised immune systems. Founded in 2007, the company's innovative approach focuses on enhancing the innate immune system to provide rapid and effective protection against a wide range of pathogens, including bacterial pneumonia, influenza, and fungal pneumonia, as well as potential bioterror agents. Pulmotect’s lead product, PUL-042, is a clinical-stage inhaled therapeutic that delivers immediate immune response, offering broad-spectrum protection that lasts for several days. By boosting the body’s natural defenses, Pulmotect aims to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality in vulnerable patient populations at risk of severe respiratory diseases.
Cassava Sciences
Grant in 2015
Cassava Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience, developing novel treatments and diagnostics for nervous system disorders, notably Alzheimer's disease.
ZZ Biotech
Seed Round in 2014
ZZ Biotech develops biological treatments for ischemic stroke and other neurological disorders. Its flagship product is 3K3A-APC, a genetically engineered variant of activated protein C (APC), designed to reduce bleeding risks while preserving cell-protective and anti-inflammatory activities. The company, founded in 2006, is currently conducting Phase 2 clinical trials for its treatment.
AquaMost, Inc. is a Madison, Wisconsin-based company specializing in the development and manufacturing of chemical-free water treatment solutions. Founded in 2006, AquaMost's flagship product, the SX Reactor, integrates multiple bacteria-killing technologies, including onsite generation of chlorine and hydroxyl radicals combined with ultraviolet irradiation, achieving over 99% efficacy in eliminating bacteria. This innovative system is particularly tailored for the oil and gas industry, but its applications extend to various sectors including food and beverage, drinking water treatment, dairy, and other industrial uses. AquaMost also provides delivery, setup, and maintenance support for its systems, which have been deployed in regions such as Texas, Colorado, Utah, and Canada.
Molecular Templates
Grant in 2010
Molecular Templates, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to the discovery and development of biologic therapeutics aimed at treating cancer and other serious diseases. The company utilizes its proprietary engineered toxin body (ETB) platform to create therapies with unique mechanisms of action that differ from traditional antibody-drug conjugates. Its lead candidate, MT-3724, is currently undergoing Phase II clinical trials for relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Additionally, Molecular Templates is developing other candidates, including MT-4019, which targets CD38, and has a partnership with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company to create CD38-targeted therapies for multiple myeloma. The company also collaborates with Vertex Pharmaceuticals to enhance the hematopoietic stem cell transplant process through novel conditioning regimens.