Novo Holdings, established in 1999, is a Danish asset management firm based in Copenhagen. It serves as the investment arm of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, managing its assets and wealth. The company's primary focus is the life science sector, with a diversified portfolio comprising equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure, and private investments. Novo Holdings maintains a significant influence on Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S, ensuring these companies align with the Novo Group's visions and values. It also invests in early and growth-stage life science companies through its venture capital arm, Novo Ventures, which targets investments ranging from USD 5 million to USD 30 million.
Senior Partner and Head of Principal Investments US
Jeffrey Low, MD
Principal, Growth Investments
Heather Ludvigsen
Senior Manager, Venture Investments
Joseph Markson Ph.D
Principal, Venture Investments
Peter Moldt
Partner
Daniel O'Connell
Partner, Venture Investments
Daniel Rasmussen
Principal, Seed Investments
Naveed Siddiqi
Senior Partner, Venture Investments
Eric Snyder
Partner, Venture Investments
Jim Trenkle
Partner, Venture Investments
Past deals in Therapeutics
Tribune Therapeutics
Series A in 2025
Tribune Therapeutics is a preclinical biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative medicines for the treatment of various fibrotic diseases. The company focuses on creating therapies that target the CCN protein family, a group of signaling proteins that play a crucial role in the development of fibrosis. By concentrating on these specific proteins, Tribune Therapeutics aims to provide effective treatment options for patients suffering from fibrotic conditions.
Hillstar Bio
Series A in 2025
Hillstar Bio is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision immunotherapies for treating autoimmune diseases. Its innovative approach selectively targets and depletes harmful immune cells, sparing healthy ones, to address specific disease mechanisms and reduce the risks associated with chronic broad immunosuppression. The company aims to provide durable relief and immune reset for patients with autoimmune conditions, addressing unmet medical needs.
Augustine Therapeutics
Series A in 2025
Augustine Therapeutics N.V., founded in 2019 and based in Gent, Belgium, focuses on developing innovative medicines for patients suffering from Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and other neuromuscular disorders. The company is engaged in two drug discovery programs aimed at identifying new generations of selective HDAC6 inhibitors, which are designed to address axonopathies, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. These novel compounds are intended to protect against nerve degeneration and facilitate the repair of peripheral myelin and axons. By advancing these therapeutic drugs, Augustine Therapeutics aims to enhance the quality of life for patients affected by these debilitating conditions.
Callio Therapeutics
Series A in 2025
Callio Therapeutics specializes in the development of advanced antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer treatment. Their focus lies in creating multi-payload ADCs, which allow for the targeted delivery of drug combinations directly to tumor cells. This innovative approach aims to maximize therapeutic benefits and improve patient outcomes.
Newleos Therapeutics
Series A in 2025
Newleos Therapeutics is a stealth-mode biotechnology company focused on developing safer and more effective treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders, aiming to improve mental health outcomes.
Commit Biologics
Seed Round in 2025
Commit Biologics is a biotechnology research company based in Aarhus, Denmark, founded in 2021. The company focuses on developing a novel immunotherapy platform designed for the treatment of various cancers. This platform utilizes b-specific domain antibodies, which are engineered to effectively target and kill tumor cells. The technology is modular, allowing for customization to engage the body's innate immune response. By activating the complement component of the immune system, Commit Biologics aims to provide innovative treatment options for both cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Windward Bio
Series A in 2025
Windward Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to enhancing outcomes for patients with advanced immunological diseases, focusing on severe respiratory conditions. The company is advancing a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) into Phase 2 clinical trials. This antibody, administered subcutaneously, potently binds to the TSLP ligand, extending its half-life and silencing its effector functions. Windward Bio is also developing innovative bispecific programs for other immunological disorders, aiming to address significant unmet medical needs in these areas. Led by an experienced team of biopharmaceutical executives, the company is committed to accelerating drug development to improve the lives of patients.
Numab
Series C in 2025
Numab is a biotechnology company focused on developing antibody-based therapies for severe diseases like chronic inflammation and cancer. Its proprietary platform streamlines the discovery process by reducing randomness, predictably generating ready-to-develop multispecific biotherapeutics tailored to engage multiple targets simultaneously. This enables healthcare industries to access Numab's platform for innovative treatments in these areas.
Coave Therapeutics
Series A in 2025
Coave Therapeutics specializes in developing gene therapies aimed at treating rare ocular and central nervous system diseases. The company focuses on innovative solutions for rare retinal disorders, utilizing a recombinant adeno-associated virus that substitutes the viral DNA with a functional copy of the PDE6B gene. This therapeutic approach involves injecting the corrected version of the protein between the photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium, providing patients with effective treatment options for various eye conditions.
AnaCardio
Series A in 2025
AnaCardio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative drugs for the treatment of heart failure. The company’s therapeutic drugs aim to enhance the contractility of the heart muscle through a unique mechanism involving a therapeutic peptide. This approach is designed to avoid common adverse effects associated with heart treatments, such as tachycardia, arrhythmia, ischemia, and hypotension. By improving cardiac output safely, AnaCardio's therapies have the potential to enhance organ function, boost quality of life, increase functional capacity, and reduce the risk of hospitalization and mortality in patients with heart failure.
Fire1
Venture Round in 2025
Fire1, based in Dublin, Ireland, is dedicated to developing innovative therapeutic devices aimed at enhancing the lives of heart failure patients. The company has created a remote monitoring system that allows healthcare providers to access real-time patient data and insights. This technology facilitates the early detection of complications associated with heart failure, enabling proactive interventions that can lead to improved patient outcomes. Through its focus on remote monitoring, Fire1 seeks to address critical challenges in heart failure management and contribute to better healthcare solutions.
Orbis Medicines
Series A in 2025
Orbis Medicines is a company focused on drug discovery, utilizing a unique macrocyclic chemistry and computational platform to develop new therapeutics. By employing high-throughput techniques, Orbis aims to accelerate the drug discovery process, particularly for challenging targets that address significant unmet medical needs. Their innovative approach is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of developing treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
SiteOne Therapeutics
Series C in 2024
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.
Nuvig Therapeutics
Series B in 2024
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.
Antag Therapeutics
Series A in 2024
Antag Therapeutics ApS is a biotechnology company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing peptide drugs aimed at treating dietary-related metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Antag Therapeutics focuses on creating peptide-based GIP receptor antagonists, which are designed to monitor and manage these metabolic conditions by reducing blood flow and lipid uptake in adipose tissue.
Adcendo
Series B in 2024
ADCendo ApS is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative anti-cancer drugs through the use of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The company targets novel receptors that are overexpressed in various cancer types, addressing significant unmet medical needs in the field of oncology. Its ADCs aim to provide targeted therapy for patients suffering from aggressive cancers such as soft-tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma multiforme, and triple-negative breast cancer, as well as other carcinomas including those of the breast, colon, pancreas, prostate, ovary, and kidney. Through its research and development efforts, ADCendo strives to create effective treatment options for patients facing challenging cancer diagnoses.
Alentis Therapeutics
Series D in 2024
Alentis Therapeutics AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland, focused on developing innovative therapies for advanced liver diseases, including liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Established in 2019, Alentis is recognized for its pioneering work in targeting CLDN1+ cancers through the use of anti-CLDN1 antibody-drug conjugates and other therapeutic modalities. The company's research platform incorporates clinically relevant read-outs and single-cell RNA sequencing of patient liver tissues, which aids in understanding and treating fibrotic diseases. Alentis aims to modify and reverse disease progression, ultimately addressing significant health challenges associated with liver-related conditions.
Kivu Biosciences
Series A in 2024
Kivu Biosciences, based in San Francisco, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer treatment. The company aims to deliver superior therapeutics and rapidly advance transformative assets, operating discreetly while focusing on its innovative pipeline.
AvenCell
Series B in 2024
Based on our deep science and focused on patients in need.
Booster Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2024
Booster Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative medicines aimed at addressing diseases associated with aging. The company specializes in regulating cellular homeostasis, a process essential for maintaining balance within cells. By targeting the cellular systems responsible for this regulation, Booster Therapeutics aims to eliminate toxic accumulations that can lead to various aging-related conditions. Through its research and development efforts, the company seeks to provide effective treatments that can prevent and manage these diseases, enhancing overall health and longevity.
Convergent Therapeutics
Series A in 2024
Convergent Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative radiopharmaceutical therapies specifically for prostate cancer. The company utilizes a proprietary dual-targeted radionuclide therapy technology, initially developed by Dr. Neil Bander from Weill Cornell Medicine, which is licensed from Cornell University. Its lead product, CONV 01-α, is a monoclonal antibody conjugated with the radioactive alpha particle emitter 225Ac. This therapy is designed to bind to the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and, upon binding, internalize to deliver a potent radioactive payload directly into prostate cancer cells. CONV 01-α is protected by multiple U.S. and foreign patents, and if approved by the FDA, it would be the first antibody to deliver a radioisotope specifically for prostate cancer treatment, marking a significant advancement in cancer therapy. Convergent Therapeutics aims to explore dual-targeted combination strategies to enhance cancer treatment efficacy, leveraging various targeting agents and therapeutic doses.
Route 92
Series F in 2024
Route 92 Medical, established in 2015 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, specializes in the development of innovative medical devices for stroke treatment. Their flagship product is a stealthy catheter designed for rapid and efficient removal of blood clots during acute ischemic stroke, aiming to improve patient outcomes and enhance recovery. Additionally, the company offers a rapid aspiration thrombectomy system and an intra-cerebral implant delivery system, further expanding their capabilities in stroke management.
Draupnir Bio
Seed Round in 2024
Draupnir Bio is focused on developing innovative cholesterol-lowering medications aimed at preventing blood clots in the heart with greater efficacy than existing treatments. The company utilizes a platform that explores the glycome to create novel therapeutics, employing advanced techniques in array technology, protein chemistry, and carbohydrate chemistry. This platform enables the synthesis, screening, and selection of potent heparan sulfate glycomimetic drug candidates, targeting cardiovascular, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. Additionally, Draupnir Bio's technology includes the development of protein degraders that can target extracellular disease proteins, potentially addressing a wide range of unmet therapeutic needs across various medical conditions. This approach promises more convenient and accessible treatment options compared to traditional injectable therapies.
Asceneuron
Series C in 2024
Asceneuron SA is a biotechnology company based in Lausanne, Switzerland, founded in 2012, that focuses on discovering and developing therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders with significant unmet medical needs. The company targets conditions such as progressive supranuclear palsy, orphan tauopathies, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Asceneuron aims to develop orally bioavailable small molecule drugs that address both symptomatic relief and disease progression for these debilitating conditions. Tauopathies, characterized by the accumulation of tau protein deposits in the brain, are a key area of focus, as they currently lack effective treatments. With the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease posing a major healthcare challenge, Asceneuron aspires to become a leading entity in the biotech sector by providing innovative and more effective therapeutic options for patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. The company operates as a subsidiary of Merck KGaA.
HepaRegenix
Series C in 2024
HepaRegeniX GmbH, founded in 2016 and based in Ulm, Germany, focuses on developing innovative drugs for acute and chronic liver diseases. The company's therapeutic approach is centered on a proprietary molecular target known as mitogen-activated protein kinase 4 (MKK4), identified as a crucial regulator of liver regeneration through research by Professor Lars Zender and his team at the University Hospital Tübingen. HepaRegeniX aims to create small-molecule inhibitors of MKK4 that can enhance the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes, even in severely diseased livers. This research has significant implications for treating various liver disorders, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Adcendo
Series A in 2024
ADCendo ApS is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative anti-cancer drugs through the use of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The company targets novel receptors that are overexpressed in various cancer types, addressing significant unmet medical needs in the field of oncology. Its ADCs aim to provide targeted therapy for patients suffering from aggressive cancers such as soft-tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma multiforme, and triple-negative breast cancer, as well as other carcinomas including those of the breast, colon, pancreas, prostate, ovary, and kidney. Through its research and development efforts, ADCendo strives to create effective treatment options for patients facing challenging cancer diagnoses.
Cargo Therapeutics
Post in 2024
Cargo Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation CAR T-cell therapies aimed at overcoming cancer treatment resistance and improving patient access to potentially curative options. The company aims to enhance treatment outcomes by addressing the limitations of existing therapies, which currently provide curative benefits to less than half of cancer patients. Its lead program, CRG-022, is a novel CAR T-cell product candidate that targets CD22, a tumor antigen prevalent in many B-cell malignancies. By tackling issues such as limited durability, safety concerns, and supply chain obstacles, Cargo Therapeutics is committed to advancing innovative solutions that make effective cancer treatments more accessible to patients.
Bluejay Therapeutics
Series C in 2024
Bluejay Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing cures for infectious diseases, with a primary focus on chronic Hepatitis B. This condition poses a significant global health challenge, and the company aims to address the urgent need for effective treatments. Bluejay is advancing two innovative therapeutic approaches: best-in-class fully human IgG1 anti-HBs monoclonal antibodies and first-in-class oral small molecule inhibitors targeting HBsAg. These strategies are designed to reduce hepatitis B surface antigen levels and restore adaptive immunity, potentially leading to a functional cure for patients. Additionally, the company’s research encompasses therapeutic options for chronic Hepatitis D, further solidifying its commitment to improving immunity and recovery for individuals affected by serious viral and liver diseases.
Commit Biologics
Seed Round in 2024
Commit Biologics is a biotechnology research company based in Aarhus, Denmark, founded in 2021. The company focuses on developing a novel immunotherapy platform designed for the treatment of various cancers. This platform utilizes b-specific domain antibodies, which are engineered to effectively target and kill tumor cells. The technology is modular, allowing for customization to engage the body's innate immune response. By activating the complement component of the immune system, Commit Biologics aims to provide innovative treatment options for both cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Reunion Neuroscience
Series A in 2024
Reunion Neuroscience is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing therapeutic solutions for underserved mental health conditions. The company's lead product, RE104, is a proprietary serotonergic psychedelic compound aimed at providing a fast-acting and durable antidepressant option for individuals suffering from postpartum depression and other mental health issues. Additionally, Reunion is advancing the RE200 series, which includes compounds designed for more selective serotonin receptor activity and reduced psychoactivity, potentially broadening their application in chronic treatment paradigms and various mental health conditions.
Obsidian Therapeutics
Series C in 2024
Obsidian Therapeutics develops innovative cell and gene therapies aimed at enhancing adoptive immunotherapy for cancer patients. Founded in 2015 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating next-generation therapies that utilize pharmacologic operating systems to provide precise control over protein activity within cells. This technology allows for the development of adoptive cell therapies with advanced functionalities that can be managed by physicians using simple, safe, and orally active medications. By offering improved control over treatment, Obsidian Therapeutics aims to provide better outcomes for patients compared to existing cell therapy options.
Clasp Therapeutics
Series A in 2024
Clasp Therapeutics is focused on advancing cancer treatment through its innovative immunotherapeutics platform. The company develops precision medicines designed to enhance the immune system's ability to identify and eliminate challenging tumors that possess common driver mutations, irrespective of the tumor type. By enabling the targeting of cancer-specific markers, Clasp Therapeutics aims to allow for precise and selective destruction of tumor cells, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes in the field of immuno-oncology.
Asgard Therapeutics
Series A in 2024
Asgard Therapeutics is a private biotech company focused on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies through direct cell reprogramming technologies. Emerging as a spin-off from Lund University, the company utilizes its proprietary TrojanDC technology to initiate immune responses by leveraging the unique properties of professional antigen-presenting cells. This approach aims to create efficient and personalized gene therapy products that activate robust anti-cancer immune defenses. By offering off-the-shelf solutions, Asgard Therapeutics seeks to provide new treatment options for patients suffering from cancers that are resistant to traditional therapies, thereby expanding the possibilities for effective cancer treatment.
Lexeo Therapeutics
Post in 2024
Lexeo Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated therapies for both rare and common diseases caused by single gene mutations. Headquartered in New York, the company maintains an integrated pipeline developed in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine's Department of Genetic Medicine. Lexeo focuses on advancing its clinical programs towards commercialization while continuing to research new therapies for various patient populations and unmet medical needs.
Orbis Medicines
Seed Round in 2024
Orbis Medicines is a company focused on drug discovery, utilizing a unique macrocyclic chemistry and computational platform to develop new therapeutics. By employing high-throughput techniques, Orbis aims to accelerate the drug discovery process, particularly for challenging targets that address significant unmet medical needs. Their innovative approach is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of developing treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Catalent Pharma Solutions
Acquisition in 2024
Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc. provides drug delivery technologies and outsourced development, manufacturing, and packaging services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and consumer health industry worldwide. It operates in four segments: Development and Clinical Services, Oral Technologies, Sterile Technologies, and Packaging Services. The Development and Clinical Services segment provides manufacturing, packaging, storage, and inventory management for drugs and biologics in clinical trials. It also offers analytical chemical and cell-based testing and scientific services, respiratory products formulation and manufacturing, regulatory consulting, and biologics proprietary expression technology, and product development. The Oral Technologies segment provides formulation, development, and manufacturing services for the oral dose forms. Its oral drug delivery technologies include proprietary delivery technologies for drugs and consumer health products. This segment also offers formulation, development, and manufacturing services for conventional oral dose forms, including controlled release formulations, as well as immediate release tablets and capsules. The Sterile Technologies segment provides proprietary and traditional dose forms for separate routes of administration. It offers formulation and development for injectable drugs; and fills drugs or biologics into vials, pre-filled syringes, bags, and other sterile delivery formats. This segment's blow-fill-seal technology provides integrated dose form creation and filling of sterile liquids in a single process for respiratory, ophthalmic, and other routes of administration. The Packaging Services segment offers packaging services for pharmaceuticals, biologics, consumer health, and veterinary products, which include packaging drugs in blisters, bottles, pouches, and unit doses; and printed components, such as creating package inserts or folding cartons. The company is based in Somerset, New Jersey.
Claris Biotherapeutics
Series A in 2024
Claris Biotherapeutics develops a topical formulation intended to cure corneal wounds, ulcers, and scars. The formulation creates a recombinant hepatocyte growth factor which accelerates the healing process, providing healthcare providers noninvasive therapeutic treatment.
OnCusp Therapeutics
Series A in 2024
OnCusp Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative oncology therapies aimed at improving treatments for cancer patients worldwide. Founded by Bing Yuan, Eric Slosberg, and Andy Fu, the company is dedicated to translating cutting-edge research into clinical applications. It specializes in advancing preclinical drug candidates to the clinical proof-of-concept stage, enabling a swift transition into global early clinical development. By prioritizing this process, OnCusp Therapeutics aims to accelerate the innovation of oncology medications, ultimately providing critical support and hope to those affected by cancer.
Hoba Therapeutics
Series A in 2023
Hoba Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative biopharmaceuticals aimed at treating neuropathic pain and central nervous system disorders. The company is advancing a novel therapeutic protein designed to target specific cells, providing medical practitioners with effective, safe, and disease-modifying treatment options. Hoba Therapeutics aims to offer relief and prevention for chronic pain and hearing loss, addressing significant medical needs for patients suffering from these conditions.
NMD Pharma
Series B in 2023
NMD Pharma A/S is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Aarhus, Denmark, focused on developing small molecule therapies for orphan motor neuron diseases such as myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy. The company's lead candidate, NMD670, is currently undergoing clinical trials to alleviate symptoms associated with myasthenia gravis. NMD Pharma employs ClC-1 Cl- ion channel inhibitors and utilizes a translational muscle electrophysiology platform to enhance neuromuscular transmission and muscle function. By addressing significant unmet medical needs, NMD Pharma aims to improve the quality of life and survival for patients suffering from various neuromuscular disorders. The company was founded in 2015 and is committed to delivering innovative therapies that transform the lives of individuals affected by these conditions.
Terremoto Biosciences
Series B in 2023
Terremoto Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on drug delivery and discovery, specializing in small-molecule medicines. The company utilizes lysine-based covalency to develop optimized therapies with enhanced clinical profiles and superior therapeutic benefits. Terremoto's innovative platform aims to improve existing medicines and create new treatments for serious diseases, contributing to advancements in the healthcare sector.
MapLight Therapeutics
Series C in 2023
MapLight Therapeutics is focused on discovering and developing innovative therapies for brain disorders. The company utilizes a unique platform that integrates single-cell transcriptomics with optogenetics, enabling the identification of novel drug targets. By leveraging these advanced technologies, MapLight aims to create effective treatments tailored to address complex neurological conditions. Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California, the company is committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of brain disorders through its cutting-edge research and development efforts.
MinervaX
Venture Round in 2023
Minervax is focused on developing a vaccine to prevent infections caused by Group B streptococcus (GBS), which can lead to serious health issues in newborns and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The company is researching a specific fusion protein that has demonstrated the ability to stimulate strong protective immunity against various clinically significant GBS strains. By utilizing this innovative approach, Minervax aims to provide medical professionals with an effective tool to protect newborns from potentially life-threatening bacterial infections associated with GBS.
Avalyn Pharma
Series C in 2023
Avalyn Pharma, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other severe respiratory diseases. The company is advancing inhaled formulations of pirfenidone, specifically AP01, which aims to enhance drug delivery to the lungs while potentially reducing side effects associated with oral treatments. This innovative approach seeks to improve the care and outcomes for patients suffering from these conditions. Established in 2011, Avalyn Pharma operates from its headquarters in Seattle, Washington, and maintains an additional office in San Diego, California. The company was previously known as Genoa Pharmaceuticals, Inc. before rebranding in July 2017.
Paratek Pharmaceuticals
Acquisition in 2023
Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative therapies derived from novel tetracycline chemistry. The company’s lead product, NUZYRA, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic administered in both oral and intravenous forms, targeting adult patients with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. Another significant product, SEYSARA, is designed for the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Paratek has received Qualified Infectious Disease Product designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its lead antibiotic, reflecting its commitment to addressing urgent public health threats, including antibiotic resistance. The company maintains various collaboration agreements, including partnerships with Zai Lab and Allergan, as well as research agreements with academic institutions and military organizations, to further its mission in combating infectious diseases and exploring additional therapeutic areas such as multiple sclerosis and systemic inflammatory diseases.
Ray Therapeutics
Series A in 2023
Ray Therapeutics is a company focused on developing innovative optogenetic gene therapies aimed at treating patients with blinding diseases. By creating technology that enhances the understanding of rare retinal conditions, the company strives to empower healthcare professionals to effectively diagnose, cure, and manage inherited retinal diseases. Through its commitment to advancing optogenetics, Ray Therapeutics seeks to improve the quality of life for those affected by these debilitating conditions.
Alentis Therapeutics
Series C in 2023
Alentis Therapeutics AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland, focused on developing innovative therapies for advanced liver diseases, including liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Established in 2019, Alentis is recognized for its pioneering work in targeting CLDN1+ cancers through the use of anti-CLDN1 antibody-drug conjugates and other therapeutic modalities. The company's research platform incorporates clinically relevant read-outs and single-cell RNA sequencing of patient liver tissues, which aids in understanding and treating fibrotic diseases. Alentis aims to modify and reverse disease progression, ultimately addressing significant health challenges associated with liver-related conditions.
Adcendo
Series A in 2023
ADCendo ApS is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative anti-cancer drugs through the use of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The company targets novel receptors that are overexpressed in various cancer types, addressing significant unmet medical needs in the field of oncology. Its ADCs aim to provide targeted therapy for patients suffering from aggressive cancers such as soft-tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma multiforme, and triple-negative breast cancer, as well as other carcinomas including those of the breast, colon, pancreas, prostate, ovary, and kidney. Through its research and development efforts, ADCendo strives to create effective treatment options for patients facing challenging cancer diagnoses.
Fire1
Venture Round in 2023
Fire1, based in Dublin, Ireland, is dedicated to developing innovative therapeutic devices aimed at enhancing the lives of heart failure patients. The company has created a remote monitoring system that allows healthcare providers to access real-time patient data and insights. This technology facilitates the early detection of complications associated with heart failure, enabling proactive interventions that can lead to improved patient outcomes. Through its focus on remote monitoring, Fire1 seeks to address critical challenges in heart failure management and contribute to better healthcare solutions.
Hemab
Series B in 2023
Hemab is a company that creates preventative treatments for bleeding and thrombosis problems. The medicines developed by the business aggregate, modify, balance, and at times recruit endogenous clotting components already present in the blood to the site of injury, allowing patients to produce hemostatic plugs or clots to avert life-threatening complications. Hemab Therapeutics was established in 2017 in Copenhagen, Hovedstaden by Johan H. Faber and Mads Behrndt.
Spruce Biosciences
Post in 2023
Spruce Biosciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for rare endocrine disorders, particularly those affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Daly City, California, the company is advancing its lead product candidate, tildacerfont, which is currently undergoing Phase IIb clinical trials for adult patients and Phase II clinical trials for children with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Tildacerfont is positioned as a potential first non-steroidal therapy that aims to improve disease control and reduce the reliance on steroids for patients with CAH. Additionally, Spruce is exploring the use of tildacerfont for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The company has also entered into a licensing agreement with Eli Lilly and Company to research and develop compounds for various pharmaceutical applications.
Amolyt Pharma
Series C in 2023
Amolyt Pharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing peptide-based therapies for rare endocrine and metabolic disorders. The company's key programs include AZP-3601, a parathyroid hormone analog aimed at treating hypoparathyroidism by maintaining sustained calcium levels in the blood, and AZP-3404, a novel peptide designed to improve fat and glucose metabolism. By addressing severe insulin resistance and other critical metabolic conditions, Amolyt Pharma aims to provide effective treatment options for patients facing these rare disorders.
Metagenomi
Series B in 2023
Metagenomi, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing gene editing systems aimed at treating genetic diseases. Founded in 2016 and based in Emeryville, California, Metagenomi utilizes metagenomics and machine learning to uncover novel genome editing technologies derived from previously uncharacterized organisms. The company's innovative discovery platform enables the creation of highly efficient and specific gene editing tools, including programmable nucleases, base editors, and advanced integration systems such as prime editing and CRISPR-associated transposases. By harnessing these naturally evolved systems, Metagenomi seeks to address a wide range of genetic mutations that traditional genome engineering approaches have struggled to target, with the ultimate goal of providing transformative therapies for patients globally.
Breye Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2022
Breye Therapeutics, a Danish-based biopharmaceutical firm in the clinical stages, is working to provide cutting-edge oral treatments for the management of retinal vascular diseases.
Disc Medicine
Venture Round in 2022
Disc Medicine, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative treatments for severe hematologic disorders. Founded in 2017, the company specializes in human genetics-based therapeutics that aim to improve red blood cell production in patients suffering from various hematologic diseases. Disc Medicine's pipeline includes therapeutic candidates targeting critical pathways involved in red blood cell biology, such as heme biosynthesis and iron homeostasis. Notable programs include bitopertin, which is being developed for conditions like erythropoietic porphyrias and Diamond-Blackfan anemia. Through its research and development efforts, Disc Medicine seeks to transform the lives of patients affected by these challenging disorders.
TheraXyte
Seed Round in 2022
TheraXyte BioScience is a biotechnology company specializing in extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated drug delivery and the development of novel therapeutics based on EVs. The company has created an advanced drug delivery platform, known as TAXY, which facilitates the mass production of customizable EVs at a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) level. This platform is designed to efficiently package therapeutic payloads and target specific organs or cells, enabling the effective release of drug molecules and biological agents. TheraXyte's mission is to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications, addressing significant challenges in therapeutic delivery and making a meaningful impact on human health through innovative EV-based solutions.
Inspirna
Series D in 2022
Inspirna is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative drug candidates that target essential drivers of cancer. The company utilizes a microRNA-based target discovery platform to identify novel RNA dysregulated cancer drivers, which can be addressed by small molecules and biologics. Inspirna's clinical programs include first-in-class oral small molecules aimed at treating patients with RAS mutant colorectal cancer (RGX-202) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (RGX-104), both currently in Phase 1b/2 trials. Through its research, Inspirna aims to provide effective treatment options that specifically target cancer metabolism and progression, offering potential advancements in cancer care.
Nuvig Therapeutics
Series A in 2022
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.
Invetx
Series B in 2022
Invetx, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing protein-based therapeutics for animal health care and veterinary medicine. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Invetx's team comprises veterinary scientists and clinicians dedicated to discovering and creating biotherapeutics for both pets and farm animals. The company aims to enhance health outcomes in the animal health industry by leveraging biopharma technologies, supported by a network of experts in animal and human health. Through its innovative platform, Invetx is committed to advancing a portfolio of therapies and technologies designed to improve animal care and well-being.
Engimmune Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2022
Engimmune Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative T cell receptor (TCR) therapies for cancer treatment, particularly targeting solid tumors. The company utilizes advanced technologies, including genome editing, high-throughput screening, deep sequencing, and machine learning, to create highly potent and specific immunotherapies. By addressing critical challenges in efficacy and safety, Engimmune aims to provide effective solutions for patients facing serious diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Through its comprehensive platform, the company is dedicated to advancing the next generation of TCR-based therapies, contributing to the evolving landscape of cancer treatment.
Rondo Therapeutics
Series A in 2022
Rondo Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel bispecific antibodies aimed at activating the immune system to combat cancer. Founded in 2021 and based in Hayward, California, the company specializes in creating cancer immunotherapies specifically for solid tumor types that do not respond to conventional immune checkpoint inhibitors. By targeting areas of unmet medical need, Rondo Therapeutics enables researchers to advance innovative drug solutions in the fight against cancer.
Centauri Therapeutics
Series A in 2022
Centauri Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of innovative immunotherapeutics aimed at addressing life-threatening diseases. Utilizing its proprietary Alphamer technology, Centauri creates chemically synthesized molecules that redirect naturally occurring antibodies to specific pathogens, enhancing the body's immune response. The company's dual-action approach involves directly targeting cell surface antigens while employing a glycan effector domain to stimulate a robust polyclonal immune response. This mechanism promotes cell death via enhanced complement fixation, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and phagocytosis by myeloid cells. Centauri has demonstrated strong pre-clinical results, showcasing significant improvements in complement fixation and opsonophagocytosis for both anti-bacterial and oncology therapeutics, as well as in vivo proof-of-concept data across various infection models.
NMD Pharma
Venture Round in 2022
NMD Pharma A/S is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Aarhus, Denmark, focused on developing small molecule therapies for orphan motor neuron diseases such as myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy. The company's lead candidate, NMD670, is currently undergoing clinical trials to alleviate symptoms associated with myasthenia gravis. NMD Pharma employs ClC-1 Cl- ion channel inhibitors and utilizes a translational muscle electrophysiology platform to enhance neuromuscular transmission and muscle function. By addressing significant unmet medical needs, NMD Pharma aims to improve the quality of life and survival for patients suffering from various neuromuscular disorders. The company was founded in 2015 and is committed to delivering innovative therapies that transform the lives of individuals affected by these conditions.
Metagenomi
Series B in 2022
Metagenomi, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing gene editing systems aimed at treating genetic diseases. Founded in 2016 and based in Emeryville, California, Metagenomi utilizes metagenomics and machine learning to uncover novel genome editing technologies derived from previously uncharacterized organisms. The company's innovative discovery platform enables the creation of highly efficient and specific gene editing tools, including programmable nucleases, base editors, and advanced integration systems such as prime editing and CRISPR-associated transposases. By harnessing these naturally evolved systems, Metagenomi seeks to address a wide range of genetic mutations that traditional genome engineering approaches have struggled to target, with the ultimate goal of providing transformative therapies for patients globally.
The Ritedose
Acquisition in 2022
The Ritedose Corporation is a specialized pharmaceutical manufacturing company based in Columbia, South Carolina, founded in 1995. It focuses on blow-fill-seal (BFS) contract manufacturing services, primarily for small fill volume sterile and non-sterile liquids. The company manufactures a range of products, including inhalation vials, eye drops, ear drops, and oral liquids, catering specifically to the respiratory market. Notable products include unit dose nebulized liquids such as albuterol and ipratropium. The Ritedose is recognized for its expertise in aseptic manufacturing and liquid packaging, ensuring efficient and safe dosage delivery for its clients. The company was formerly known as Holopack International Corp. until its acquisition by Olympus Partners in 2009, when it adopted its current name.
Asgard Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2021
Asgard Therapeutics is a private biotech company focused on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies through direct cell reprogramming technologies. Emerging as a spin-off from Lund University, the company utilizes its proprietary TrojanDC technology to initiate immune responses by leveraging the unique properties of professional antigen-presenting cells. This approach aims to create efficient and personalized gene therapy products that activate robust anti-cancer immune defenses. By offering off-the-shelf solutions, Asgard Therapeutics seeks to provide new treatment options for patients suffering from cancers that are resistant to traditional therapies, thereby expanding the possibilities for effective cancer treatment.
Amolyt Pharma
Series B in 2021
Amolyt Pharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing peptide-based therapies for rare endocrine and metabolic disorders. The company's key programs include AZP-3601, a parathyroid hormone analog aimed at treating hypoparathyroidism by maintaining sustained calcium levels in the blood, and AZP-3404, a novel peptide designed to improve fat and glucose metabolism. By addressing severe insulin resistance and other critical metabolic conditions, Amolyt Pharma aims to provide effective treatment options for patients facing these rare disorders.
Disc Medicine
Series B in 2021
Disc Medicine, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative treatments for severe hematologic disorders. Founded in 2017, the company specializes in human genetics-based therapeutics that aim to improve red blood cell production in patients suffering from various hematologic diseases. Disc Medicine's pipeline includes therapeutic candidates targeting critical pathways involved in red blood cell biology, such as heme biosynthesis and iron homeostasis. Notable programs include bitopertin, which is being developed for conditions like erythropoietic porphyrias and Diamond-Blackfan anemia. Through its research and development efforts, Disc Medicine seeks to transform the lives of patients affected by these challenging disorders.
Orbis Medicines
Venture Round in 2021
Orbis Medicines is a company focused on drug discovery, utilizing a unique macrocyclic chemistry and computational platform to develop new therapeutics. By employing high-throughput techniques, Orbis aims to accelerate the drug discovery process, particularly for challenging targets that address significant unmet medical needs. Their innovative approach is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of developing treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Aristea Therapeutics
Series B in 2021
Aristea Therapeutics is a clinical-stage drug development company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2018. The company focuses on creating novel therapies for serious inflammatory diseases and autoimmune conditions. Its research and development efforts are concentrated on addressing unmet medical needs for patients suffering from various conditions, including palmoplantar pustulosis, hidradenitis suppurativa, inflammatory bowel disease, familial Mediterranean fever, and Behçet's disease. By employing a focused and agile approach, Aristea aims to provide innovative treatment options that improve patient outcomes in these challenging therapeutic areas.
Hemab
Series A in 2021
Hemab is a company that creates preventative treatments for bleeding and thrombosis problems. The medicines developed by the business aggregate, modify, balance, and at times recruit endogenous clotting components already present in the blood to the site of injury, allowing patients to produce hemostatic plugs or clots to avert life-threatening complications. Hemab Therapeutics was established in 2017 in Copenhagen, Hovedstaden by Johan H. Faber and Mads Behrndt.
Muna Therapeutics
Series A in 2021
Muna Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing therapies aimed at slowing or halting the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Multiple Sclerosis. The company is dedicated to identifying new medicines that preserve cognitive function and enhance resilience against these debilitating conditions, thereby providing individuals affected by neurodegenerative diseases with access to effective treatment options. Through its innovative approach, Muna Therapeutics strives to improve the quality of life for those suffering from these challenging disorders.
Tribune Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2021
Tribune Therapeutics is a preclinical biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative medicines for the treatment of various fibrotic diseases. The company focuses on creating therapies that target the CCN protein family, a group of signaling proteins that play a crucial role in the development of fibrosis. By concentrating on these specific proteins, Tribune Therapeutics aims to provide effective treatment options for patients suffering from fibrotic conditions.
Numab
Series C in 2021
Numab is a biotechnology company focused on developing antibody-based therapies for severe diseases like chronic inflammation and cancer. Its proprietary platform streamlines the discovery process by reducing randomness, predictably generating ready-to-develop multispecific biotherapeutics tailored to engage multiple targets simultaneously. This enables healthcare industries to access Numab's platform for innovative treatments in these areas.
Hummingbird Bioscience
Series C in 2021
Hummingbird Bioscience is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of novel therapeutic antibodies for oncology and immuno-oncology indications. Utilizing systems biology approaches and proprietary computational platforms, they discover and engineer innovative biotherapeutics targeting challenging disease pathways with strong biological validation. Their pipeline includes lead assets HMBD-001 (anti-HER3) and HMBD-002 (anti-VISTA), both in cancer treatment. The company has formed strategic partnerships with Cancer Research UK and Amgen, and received a product development grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
Adcendo
Series A in 2021
ADCendo ApS is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative anti-cancer drugs through the use of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The company targets novel receptors that are overexpressed in various cancer types, addressing significant unmet medical needs in the field of oncology. Its ADCs aim to provide targeted therapy for patients suffering from aggressive cancers such as soft-tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma multiforme, and triple-negative breast cancer, as well as other carcinomas including those of the breast, colon, pancreas, prostate, ovary, and kidney. Through its research and development efforts, ADCendo strives to create effective treatment options for patients facing challenging cancer diagnoses.
Exscientia
Series D in 2021
Exscientia is a biotechnology company that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the discovery and design of novel therapeutic compounds. By integrating human expertise with advanced computational techniques, Exscientia accelerates the development of small-molecule drug candidates, aiming to produce safe and effective treatments for clinical testing. The company's innovative approach seeks to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry by improving the precision and efficiency of drug discovery, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
Exscientia
Series C in 2021
Exscientia is a biotechnology company that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the discovery and design of novel therapeutic compounds. By integrating human expertise with advanced computational techniques, Exscientia accelerates the development of small-molecule drug candidates, aiming to produce safe and effective treatments for clinical testing. The company's innovative approach seeks to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry by improving the precision and efficiency of drug discovery, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
Altasciences
Acquisition in 2021
Altasciences is a mid-sized contract research organization based in Laval, Quebec, specializing in preclinical and clinical pharmacology services for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The company provides a comprehensive range of services, including preclinical safety testing, clinical pharmacology, drug formulation, manufacturing, bioanalysis, medical writing, biostatistics, and clinical monitoring. By offering integrated and customizable solutions, Altasciences supports sponsors in making informed decisions throughout early drug development. The company's focus is on accelerating the clinical research process to help bring effective drugs to market more rapidly, ultimately improving access for patients in need.
Verve Therapeutics
Series B in 2021
Verve Therapeutics, Inc. is a genetic medicines company focused on innovative treatments for cardiovascular disease through gene editing. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a research facility in Philadelphia, the company aims to shift the management of cardiovascular conditions from chronic treatments to single-course gene editing therapies. Its initial programs concentrate on the PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 genes, which are known to significantly impact blood lipid levels, a major factor in cardiovascular disease. Verve Therapeutics collaborates with partners such as Beam Therapeutics and Verily to enhance its gene editing delivery technologies. The company is staffed by a team of experts in cardiovascular medicine, human genetics, and drug development, positioning itself to address the challenges of cardiovascular health effectively.
IO Biotech
Series B in 2021
IO Biotech is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative immune therapies for cancer treatment. Utilizing its proprietary T-win technology platform, the company creates immune-modulating cancer vaccines that activate T cells specifically targeting immune-suppressive molecules. This approach aims to induce the immune system to disrupt multiple pathways responsible for tumor-induced immunosuppression. IO Biotech has a solid track record in advancing both preclinical and clinical compounds, with its two lead candidates targeting IDO and PD-L1 currently in clinical development, while several additional therapies remain in the preclinical stage.
Hemab
Seed Round in 2020
Hemab is a company that creates preventative treatments for bleeding and thrombosis problems. The medicines developed by the business aggregate, modify, balance, and at times recruit endogenous clotting components already present in the blood to the site of injury, allowing patients to produce hemostatic plugs or clots to avert life-threatening complications. Hemab Therapeutics was established in 2017 in Copenhagen, Hovedstaden by Johan H. Faber and Mads Behrndt.
Reneo Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2020
Reneo Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, that focuses on developing therapies for patients with rare genetic mitochondrial diseases. These conditions are linked to defects in energy metabolism, leading to issues such as muscle weakness and wasting. The company is developing REN001, an oral drug designed to modulate genes involved in mitochondrial function, aiming to enhance adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which is essential for cellular energy. By improving mitochondrial activity, Reneo seeks to enhance the daily functioning and quality of life for patients suffering from these disorders. Founded in 2014, Reneo Pharmaceuticals is committed to addressing the needs of individuals with orphan metabolic diseases.
Edgewise Therapeutics
Series C in 2020
Edgewise Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Boulder, Colorado, that specializes in developing small molecule therapies for severe, rare musculoskeletal diseases. Founded in 2017, the company employs a precision medicine approach to create innovative treatments targeting various muscle disorders, including Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies, as well as limb girdle muscular dystrophies. Utilizing its proprietary muscle-focused drug discovery platform, Edgewise integrates expertise in muscle biology and small molecule engineering to identify and develop therapies that address genetically defined muscle disorders. The company emphasizes a holistic drug discovery method that assesses integrated muscle function, enabling it to create orally bioavailable therapies aimed at improving outcomes for patients with significant unmet medical needs in neuromuscular and cardiac diseases.
Stargazer Pharmaceuticals
Series A in 2020
Stargazer Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2018. The company specializes in developing and manufacturing therapies for rare eye diseases, with a particular focus on Stargardt’s disease, a form of juvenile retinal degeneration. Currently operating in stealth mode, Stargazer Pharmaceuticals aims to provide novel treatment options for conditions that lack existing therapies, thus enabling healthcare professionals to better address the needs of patients with these rare diseases.
Evotec
Post in 2020
Evotec is a drug discovery partnership firm that collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. The company specializes in a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, diabetes, inflammation, oncology, infectious diseases, and women's health. Approximately 80% of its revenue comes from shared research and development services, which involve fee-for-service work and integrated drug discovery collaborations utilizing proprietary assets. The remaining 20% of sales derive from its Just-Evotec Biologics segment, which provides contract development and manufacturing organization services for biologics. Evotec's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists, to enhance drug discovery and development processes.
Rappta Therapeutics
Series A in 2020
Rappta Therapeutics Oy is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative anti-cancer drugs that target protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a vital enzyme involved in regulating protein de-phosphorylation and tumor growth. Established in 2019 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, with an additional office in the United States, the company is in the lead-optimization stage of creating a first-in-class series of molecules aimed at reactivating this key tumor suppressor. The firm employs proprietary development tools to facilitate rational drug design, aiming to provide therapeutic solutions for various cancer types and select non-oncology conditions.
Syndesi Therapeutics
Series A in 2020
Syndesi Therapeutics SA is a biopharmaceutical company based in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, founded in 2018. The company focuses on developing drug molecules that modulate the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, which is crucial for synaptic transmission—the process that facilitates communication between neurons in the brain. By regulating this transmission, Syndesi aims to create effective treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease and other cognitive impairment disorders. The company holds an exclusive license to its innovative platform technology from UCB, a leader in SV2A research. Through its efforts, Syndesi Therapeutics seeks to provide healthcare providers with advanced therapeutic options for managing these challenging conditions.
Galecto
Series D in 2020
Galecto is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing small-molecule therapeutics to address severe diseases, particularly fibrosis and cancer. Established in 2011, Galecto builds on over a decade of research into the roles of galectin-3 and lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) in fibrotic diseases. The company's lead product candidate, GB0139, is an inhaled galectin-3 inhibitor specifically designed for treating severe fibrotic lung diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), where there is a significant unmet medical need. Additionally, Galecto is advancing GB1211, an oral selective galectin-3 inhibitor aimed at addressing fibrosis related to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. With a robust patent portfolio, Galecto leverages its unique therapeutic platform to target the underlying biological processes associated with fibrosis and related diseases.
Lava Therapeutics
Series C in 2020
Lava Therapeutics B.V. is a biotechnology company based in Utrecht, the Netherlands, founded in 2016. The company specializes in developing proprietary bispecific antibodies aimed at engaging gamma-delta T cells for the treatment of both hematological and solid cancers. Its innovative platform, known as the Gammabody platform, is designed to create next-generation bispecific antibodies that activate the immune system to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. By harnessing the potential of γδ T cells, Lava Therapeutics aims to produce potent, safe, and cost-effective biopharmaceuticals that enhance the body's ability to combat cancer, thereby transforming the landscape of cancer treatment.
ESCAPE Bio
Venture Round in 2020
ESCAPE Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing small molecule therapies for genetically defined subpopulations affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2015 and based in South San Francisco, California, the company aims to improve the lives of patients suffering from conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and sphingolipid storage disorders. ESCAPE Bio's pipeline includes innovative candidates like ESB1609, a small molecule S1P5 receptor agonist targeting CNS lysosomal storage disorders, and ESB5070, a kinase inhibitor specifically designed for Parkinson's patients with the LRRK2 G2019S variant. Additionally, the company is developing a program aimed at addressing the needs of Alzheimer's patients who carry the ApoE4 risk allele. Through its precision-targeted approach, ESCAPE Bio seeks to provide effective treatment options for individuals with these complex genetic profiles.
ReViral
Series C in 2020
ReViral Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Stevenage, United Kingdom, that specializes in the discovery and development of antiviral drugs targeting the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Founded in 2011, ReViral focuses on creating novel first-in-class compounds, including a highly potent fusion inhibitor designed to treat severe RSV infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as neonates. The company's innovative approach aims to expand the antiviral market by providing effective treatment options for patients affected by RSV, a virus known for causing significant respiratory illness. Through its research and development efforts, ReViral seeks to address unmet medical needs in the realm of viral infections.
Mission Bio
Series C in 2020
Mission Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in tools for studying cellular heterogeneity in human health and life sciences. The company has developed the Tapestri Platform, the first single-cell multi-omics platform, which allows for the simultaneous analysis of genotype and phenotype from the same cell. This platform utilizes proprietary microfluidic droplet technology to enable precise detection of genomic variability at single-cell resolution, facilitating research in various applications, including oncology, blood cancers, solid tumors, and genome editing. Additionally, Mission Bio offers Tapestri Designer, a cloud-based tool for creating customized single-cell DNA panels, further enhancing its capabilities in targeted molecular analysis. Founded in 2011 and based in South San Francisco, California, the company was previously known as Torrent Bio, Inc. before rebranding in 2013.
F2G
Venture Round in 2020
F2G Ltd is a biotechnology company based in Manchester, United Kingdom, that specializes in developing innovative therapies for serious fungal diseases. Established in 1998, F2G focuses on its F3 series of antifungal compounds, particularly targeting challenging fungi such as Aspergillus and other filamentous molds that pose significant health risks. The company leverages its proprietary genomics technology, MycoBank, to identify critical gene targets in fungi, facilitating the creation of effective antifungal agents. Since its initial funding in 2002, F2G has expanded its research and development capabilities, enabling it to advance its patented compounds and contribute to addressing life-threatening fungal infections that affect individuals with compromised immune systems.
Praxis Precision Medicines
Series C in 2020
Praxis Precision Medicines is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for central nervous system disorders marked by neuronal imbalance. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company leverages genetic insights to create innovative treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions. Its leading product candidates include PRAX-114, an allosteric modulator targeting GABAA receptors, currently undergoing Phase IIa trials for major depressive disorder and perimenopausal depression, and PRAX-944, a selective inhibitor of T-type calcium channels in Phase IIa trials for essential tremor. Additionally, Praxis is advancing PRAX-562, a sodium current blocker in Phase I trials for severe pediatric epilepsy and adult cephalgia, along with PRAX-222, an antisense oligonucleotide aimed at treating patients with SCN2A epilepsy, and a program focused on KCNT1-related epilepsy. The company has established collaborations and licensing agreements with various organizations to enhance its research and development efforts.
Verona Pharma
Post in 2020
Verona Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in London, established in 2005. The company specializes in developing and commercializing therapies for respiratory diseases that have significant unmet medical needs, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and asthma. Its lead product candidate, ensifentrine, is an inhaled dual inhibitor of the enzymes phosphodiesterase 3 and 4, functioning as both a bronchodilator and an anti-inflammatory agent. Ensifentrine is being developed in various formulations, including nebulized, dry powder inhaler, and pressurized metered-dose inhaler, with the nebulized form currently in Phase 2b clinical development for the maintenance treatment of COPD. Verona Pharma's commitment is to enhance the health and quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic respiratory conditions through innovative therapeutic solutions.
ISD-Immunotech
Venture Round in 2020
ISD-Immunotech is focused on developing a novel therapy aimed at treating severe cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The company's approach involves utilizing sting modulators to target the STING pathway, which is crucial in regulating the immune response. By dampening the activity of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein, ISD-Immunotech's therapy seeks to reduce the overproduction of inflammatory proteins, such as interferons and cytokines, that can exacerbate autoimmune conditions. This innovative treatment is designed to help patients manage their immune response more effectively, potentially improving their ability to combat infections and reduce the severity of lupus symptoms.
Bolt Biotherapeutics
Series C in 2020
Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapy solutions for cancer treatment. The company employs its proprietary Boltbody platform, which features immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISAC) that link tumor-targeting antibodies with powerful immune stimulants. This approach aims to activate the immune system against tumors, effectively transforming cold tumors into immunologically active ones. Bolt Biotherapeutics is advancing several candidates in its pipeline, including BDC-1001, a monotherapy targeting HER2-expressing solid tumors, and BDC-3042, among others. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, the company leverages its expertise in myeloid biology and cancer drug development to create targeted therapies that harness both innate and adaptive immune responses.
Freeline Therapeutics
Series C in 2020
Freeline Therapeutics, established in 2015 and based in Stevenage, UK, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of systemic adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene therapies. The company focuses on treating inherited, debilitating diseases by delivering functional copies of therapeutic genes into human liver cells, aiming to express functional proteins in the patient's bloodstream. Freeline's advanced product candidates include FLT180a for hemophilia B, FLT190 for Fabry disease, and FLT201 for Gaucher disease Type 1, all in various stages of clinical trials. Additionally, Freeline offers expertise in CMC process development, analytics, and AAV technologies.
Checkmate Pharmaceuticals
Series C in 2020
Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing novel immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The company specializes in CpG oligonucleotides, which are designed to stimulate an anti-tumor T-cell response while counteracting the mechanisms that tumors use to evade the immune response. Checkmate aims to enhance the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies and provide new treatment options for patients through its innovative approaches. Since its incorporation in 2015, Checkmate has established strategic partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies, including Merck KGaA and Pfizer, to advance its clinical programs and broaden the impact of its research in the field of cancer immunotherapy.
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