Pivotal bioVenture Partners

Windward Bio is a clinical-stage drug development company focused on improving outcomes for individuals with advanced immunological diseases, particularly severe respiratory conditions. The company is advancing a monoclonal antibody targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) into phase 2 development while creating innovative bispecific programs for various immunological disorders. Led by a team of biopharmaceutical executives, Windward Bio aims to address significant unmet medical needs in this field.

Evommune, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Los Altos, California, that develops and manufactures tissue-based medicines for inflammatory diseases. Incorporated in 2020, Evommune focuses on creating novel strategies to treat these disorders by addressing both symptoms and the underlying causes, thereby halting disease progression. The company employs a proprietary tissue-based platform that accelerates the discovery of innovative treatments, enhancing the potential for clinical success. With a commitment to improving the quality of life for patients, Evommune's pipeline includes initiatives aimed at tackling a range of prevalent inflammatory illnesses, positioning the company as a leader in advancing therapies in the fields of immunology and dermatology.

Zenas BioPharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Florida, USA, that specializes in developing immune-based therapies for patients. The company’s lead product candidate, obexelimab, is a bifunctional monoclonal antibody designed to target both CD19 and FcγRIIb, which are found in B cell lineages. This innovative approach aims to inhibit the activity of cells involved in various autoimmune diseases while preserving their presence, thus avoiding depletion. Through its focus on these advanced therapies, Zenas BioPharma seeks to address unmet medical needs in the treatment of autoimmune conditions.

BioAge Labs, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies to treat aging and age-related diseases. The company utilizes a proprietary systems biology and artificial intelligence platform to identify significant drug targets that influence aging, leveraging extensive datasets to uncover the molecular drivers of age-related pathologies. Among its key offerings is BGE-117, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor that activates HIF-1 target genes involved in various biological processes, including tissue regeneration and vascular remodeling. Another notable product is BGE-175, an orally administered inhibitor targeting the prostaglandin D2 DP1 signaling pathway, which is linked to an increased risk of mortality and infections, including those associated with immune aging. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Richmond, California, BioAge Labs is dedicated to harnessing the biology of human aging to create innovative therapies for metabolic and age-related diseases.

Avalyn Pharma is a biopharma company that advances therapies for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and other severe respiratory diseases. Its therapies rapidly advance AP01 for the treatment of IPF, provides additional pipeline candidates for IPF, improve the care and outcomes of severe respiratory diseases, and develop novel inhaled therapeutics. Avalyn Pharma was established in 2011 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Evommune, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Los Altos, California, that develops and manufactures tissue-based medicines for inflammatory diseases. Incorporated in 2020, Evommune focuses on creating novel strategies to treat these disorders by addressing both symptoms and the underlying causes, thereby halting disease progression. The company employs a proprietary tissue-based platform that accelerates the discovery of innovative treatments, enhancing the potential for clinical success. With a commitment to improving the quality of life for patients, Evommune's pipeline includes initiatives aimed at tackling a range of prevalent inflammatory illnesses, positioning the company as a leader in advancing therapies in the fields of immunology and dermatology.

Heranova Lifesciences is a company focused on providing innovative solutions for women's health, specifically in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology. It develops advanced medical technologies that address unmet needs related to women's health issues. By integrating diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and data, Heranova Lifesciences aims to facilitate the early development of innovative treatments for conditions such as endometriosis and gynecological inflammation. This comprehensive approach enables the company to effectively respond to the unique challenges faced by women in managing their health.

Oculis Holding AG is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing eye care and preserving vision. The company has developed a novel drug delivery platform that enhances the absorption of therapeutics to both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. This innovative approach enables the treatment of posterior eye diseases, such as diabetic macular edema, through a simple topical application, thus offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods. Oculis's product pipeline includes OCS-01, a topical treatment for diabetic macular edema; OCS-02, a topical biologic for dry eye disease; and OCS-05, a disease-modifying candidate targeting acute optic neuritis and other neuro-ophthalmic disorders, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Through its cutting-edge technologies and therapeutic candidates, Oculis aims to significantly improve patient outcomes in the field of ophthalmology.

Zenas BioPharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Florida, USA, that specializes in developing immune-based therapies for patients. The company’s lead product candidate, obexelimab, is a bifunctional monoclonal antibody designed to target both CD19 and FcγRIIb, which are found in B cell lineages. This innovative approach aims to inhibit the activity of cells involved in various autoimmune diseases while preserving their presence, thus avoiding depletion. Through its focus on these advanced therapies, Zenas BioPharma seeks to address unmet medical needs in the treatment of autoimmune conditions.

Plexium, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development of targeted protein degradation therapeutics aimed at treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2017, Plexium focuses on identifying E3 ligase modulating small molecules to create innovative therapies. The company has developed a screening platform known as DELPhe, which utilizes advanced techniques to miniaturize cell-based assays for high-content readouts. This platform enables the modulation of E3 ligases to selectively target various cancers, including small cell lung and breast tumors, while also inducing immune responses. By exploring next-generation drug candidates that extend beyond traditional approaches, Plexium is poised to uncover new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of medical applications.

Arkuda Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative treatments for patients with neurological diseases. The company utilizes new insights into progranulin and lysosomal biology to create therapies that aim to correct progranulin deficiency and address lysosomal dysfunction, particularly in genetically-defined frontotemporal dementia associated with mutations in the GRN gene. By targeting these underlying biological mechanisms, Arkuda's lead compounds are designed to improve cellular health in the brain, potentially delaying the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and the onset of their symptoms.

SanReno Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of therapies for kidney diseases and related conditions. Operating primarily in the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Singapore, the company is dedicated to advancing research and development in this therapeutic area. Formed as a joint venture between Chinook Therapeutics, Frazier Healthcare Partners, and Pivotal bioVenture Partners China, SanReno Therapeutics aims to create innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from kidney-related ailments.

Evommune, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Los Altos, California, that develops and manufactures tissue-based medicines for inflammatory diseases. Incorporated in 2020, Evommune focuses on creating novel strategies to treat these disorders by addressing both symptoms and the underlying causes, thereby halting disease progression. The company employs a proprietary tissue-based platform that accelerates the discovery of innovative treatments, enhancing the potential for clinical success. With a commitment to improving the quality of life for patients, Evommune's pipeline includes initiatives aimed at tackling a range of prevalent inflammatory illnesses, positioning the company as a leader in advancing therapies in the fields of immunology and dermatology.

Obsidian Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing next-generation cell and gene therapies aimed at enhancing adoptive immunotherapy for cancer patients. Its innovative approach utilizes pharmacologic operating systems that enable precise control over protein activity within cells. This technology allows for the creation of adoptive cell therapies with novel functionalities, which can be regulated by treating physicians using simple and safe orally active medications. Through these advancements, Obsidian Therapeutics seeks to improve upon existing cell therapies and expand treatment options for a broader patient demographic.

Vigil Neuroscience Inc is a therapeutics company focused on developing treatments for both rare and common neurodegenerative diseases by targeting microglia, the brain's immune cells. The company aims to restore the vigilance of these cells to improve patient outcomes. Vigil is advancing its lead candidate, a monoclonal antibody TREM2 agonist, through Phase 1 clinical studies, while also working on VG-3927, an orally available small molecule TREM2 agonist. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to build a robust pipeline of therapies supported by the understanding of microglia biology as a critical therapeutic pathway. Vigil's clinical candidate, iluzanebart, is currently undergoing a Phase 2 proof-of-concept trial in patients with ALSP, marking a significant step in the company's commitment to precision-based neuroscience drug development.

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.

Plexium, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development of targeted protein degradation therapeutics aimed at treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2017, Plexium focuses on identifying E3 ligase modulating small molecules to create innovative therapies. The company has developed a screening platform known as DELPhe, which utilizes advanced techniques to miniaturize cell-based assays for high-content readouts. This platform enables the modulation of E3 ligases to selectively target various cancers, including small cell lung and breast tumors, while also inducing immune responses. By exploring next-generation drug candidates that extend beyond traditional approaches, Plexium is poised to uncover new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of medical applications.

Evommune, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Los Altos, California, that develops and manufactures tissue-based medicines for inflammatory diseases. Incorporated in 2020, Evommune focuses on creating novel strategies to treat these disorders by addressing both symptoms and the underlying causes, thereby halting disease progression. The company employs a proprietary tissue-based platform that accelerates the discovery of innovative treatments, enhancing the potential for clinical success. With a commitment to improving the quality of life for patients, Evommune's pipeline includes initiatives aimed at tackling a range of prevalent inflammatory illnesses, positioning the company as a leader in advancing therapies in the fields of immunology and dermatology.

Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies. Utilizing its proprietary Boltbody platform, the company creates immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISAC) that link tumor-targeting antibodies with potent immune stimulants. This approach aims to transform cold tumors into immunologically active ones, enhancing the body’s ability to eliminate cancer. Bolt Biotherapeutics is advancing several candidates in its pipeline, including BDC-1001, which is being developed as a monotherapy for patients with HER2-expressing solid tumors. With a strong emphasis on myeloid biology and cancer drug development, the company is dedicated to harnessing both innate and adaptive immune responses to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, Bolt Biotherapeutics continues to push the boundaries of immuno-oncology.

Avalyn Pharma is a biopharma company that advances therapies for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and other severe respiratory diseases. Its therapies rapidly advance AP01 for the treatment of IPF, provides additional pipeline candidates for IPF, improve the care and outcomes of severe respiratory diseases, and develop novel inhaled therapeutics. Avalyn Pharma was established in 2011 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Rallybio, LLC is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in New Haven, Connecticut, focused on developing innovative therapies for patients with severe and rare disorders. Founded in 2018, Rallybio is dedicated to addressing critical medical needs, particularly in the fields of hematology, immuno-inflammation, maternal-fetal health, and metabolic disorders. Its lead product candidate, RLYB211, is designed for the prevention of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), a serious condition that can lead to uncontrolled bleeding in fetuses and newborns. The company emphasizes the use of antibodies, small molecules, and engineered proteins in its drug development efforts. Rallybio is supported by a team of experienced professionals with extensive expertise in biopharmaceutical research and development, particularly in the realm of rare diseases.

Vaxcyte, Inc. is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative vaccines to prevent and treat infectious diseases globally. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Vaxcyte's lead candidate is VAX-24, a 24-valent investigational pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The company is also advancing VAX-XP, which aims to address emerging strains of pneumococcal disease and antibiotic resistance. Additionally, Vaxcyte is developing VAX-A1, a conjugate vaccine for Group A Streptococcus, and VAX-PG, a novel therapeutic vaccine targeting periodontal disease. Utilizing a proprietary cell-free protein synthesis platform, Vaxcyte designs and produces the essential components of vaccines, enhancing their efficacy compared to traditional technologies. Founded in 2013 and originally named SutroVax, Vaxcyte rebranded in May 2020 to reflect its commitment to improving global health through superior vaccine development.

Akouos, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing precision genetic medicine aimed at restoring, improving, and preserving hearing for individuals with various forms of hearing loss. Utilizing a proprietary adeno-associated viral vector library and an innovative delivery approach, Akouos focuses on gene therapies tailored to genetically-defined patient populations, including those affected by specific genetic mutations, ototoxic drug exposure, and age-related hearing loss. The company's lead product candidate, AK-OTOF, targets hearing loss associated with mutations in the OTOF gene. Founded in 2016 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, Akouos collaborates with strategic partners, including Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Lonza, Inc., to advance its mission of providing effective treatments for sensorineural hearing loss.

Aligos Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2018 and based in South San Francisco, California. The company is dedicated to developing innovative therapeutics to meet unmet medical needs in viral and liver diseases. Its primary focus is on chronic hepatitis B (CHB), with a robust pipeline that includes several drug candidates: ALG-010133, a synthetic oligonucleotide currently in Phase I clinical trials; ALG-000184, a capsid assembly modulator; ALG-020572, another oligonucleotide; and ALG-125097, an siRNA drug candidate. Additionally, Aligos is advancing ALG-055009, a small molecule THR-ß agonist aimed at treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Aligos aims to leverage its expertise in liver diseases and viral infections to develop targeted antiviral therapies and establish itself as a leader in this therapeutic area.

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Westlake Village, California, specializing in the development and commercialization of treatments for immune-mediated dermatological diseases. Founded in 2016, Arcutis is focused on addressing unmet medical needs in dermatology by leveraging advances in immunology and inflammation. Its lead product candidate, a topical cream formulation of roflumilast, is undergoing Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Additionally, the company is developing other innovative therapies, including a topical foam formulation for seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis, a selective small molecule inhibitor for hand eczema, and a specialized formulation designed for alopecia areata. Arcutis aims to provide differentiated therapies that effectively tackle persistent treatment challenges in serious skin conditions.

Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Hamilton, Canada, specializing in the development of next-generation radiopharmaceuticals as precision medicines for challenging cancers. The company leverages its Targeted Alpha Therapies platform and proprietary Fast-Clear linker technology to connect alpha particle-emitting isotopes with antibodies and other targeting molecules, enabling selective delivery of cytotoxic payloads to tumors. Its lead product candidate, FPI-1434, is currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials as a monotherapy for solid tumors expressing insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor. Additionally, Fusion is conducting preclinical studies to explore the combination of FPI-1434 with approved checkpoint inhibitors and DNA damage response inhibitors to enhance anti-tumor activity. The company is also advancing FPI-1966, aimed at treating head and neck and bladder cancers that express fibroblast growth factor receptor. Founded in 2014, Fusion Pharmaceuticals aims to innovate within the field of radiopharmaceuticals, transforming internalizing antibodies into effective cytotoxic drugs for improved cancer treatment outcomes.

Karuna Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders and pain. Its lead product candidate, KarXT, is an oral modulator that has completed a Phase II clinical trial for treating acute psychosis in schizophrenia patients and is undergoing a Phase Ib clinical trial for various central nervous system disorders, including cognitive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and dementia-related psychosis. The company is also developing additional muscarinic-targeted drug candidates to address unmet medical needs in these areas. Founded in 2009, Karuna Therapeutics has established partnerships with organizations such as Eli Lilly and Company and PureTech Health LLC, focusing on advancing its drug discovery efforts through collaborations with Charles River Laboratories and PsychoGenics Inc.

Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies. Utilizing its proprietary Boltbody platform, the company creates immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISAC) that link tumor-targeting antibodies with potent immune stimulants. This approach aims to transform cold tumors into immunologically active ones, enhancing the body’s ability to eliminate cancer. Bolt Biotherapeutics is advancing several candidates in its pipeline, including BDC-1001, which is being developed as a monotherapy for patients with HER2-expressing solid tumors. With a strong emphasis on myeloid biology and cancer drug development, the company is dedicated to harnessing both innate and adaptive immune responses to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, Bolt Biotherapeutics continues to push the boundaries of immuno-oncology.

Stealth BioTherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapies targeting diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in George Town, the Cayman Islands, the company’s lead product candidate, Elamipretide, aims to address both rare genetic and common age-related mitochondrial diseases. Additionally, Stealth BioTherapeutics is developing SBT-20, a small peptide designed to stabilize mitochondrial structure and function under oxidative stress, and SBT-272, which is being evaluated for its potential in treating rare neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. By focusing on mitochondrial health, Stealth BioTherapeutics seeks to improve outcomes for patients suffering from these challenging conditions.

Oculis Holding AG is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing eye care and preserving vision. The company has developed a novel drug delivery platform that enhances the absorption of therapeutics to both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. This innovative approach enables the treatment of posterior eye diseases, such as diabetic macular edema, through a simple topical application, thus offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods. Oculis's product pipeline includes OCS-01, a topical treatment for diabetic macular edema; OCS-02, a topical biologic for dry eye disease; and OCS-05, a disease-modifying candidate targeting acute optic neuritis and other neuro-ophthalmic disorders, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Through its cutting-edge technologies and therapeutic candidates, Oculis aims to significantly improve patient outcomes in the field of ophthalmology.

Entasis Therapeutics is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative treatments for serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, a significant global health challenge. The company utilizes a pathogen-targeted design platform to create a diverse pipeline of antibacterial products aimed at addressing critical health needs. Notable product candidates include ETX2514SUL and SUL-DUR, which target infections from Acinetobacter baumannii, ETX0282CPDP for Enterobacteriaceae infections, and zoliflodacin, which focuses on Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Additionally, the company is also advancing ETX0462, targeting infections from various Gram-negative pathogens, including Pseudomonas. Through its research and development efforts, Entasis aims to deliver meaningful therapeutic options for patients affected by drug-resistant infections.

Vaxcyte, Inc. is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative vaccines to prevent and treat infectious diseases globally. Headquartered in Foster City, California, Vaxcyte's lead candidate is VAX-24, a 24-valent investigational pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The company is also advancing VAX-XP, which aims to address emerging strains of pneumococcal disease and antibiotic resistance. Additionally, Vaxcyte is developing VAX-A1, a conjugate vaccine for Group A Streptococcus, and VAX-PG, a novel therapeutic vaccine targeting periodontal disease. Utilizing a proprietary cell-free protein synthesis platform, Vaxcyte designs and produces the essential components of vaccines, enhancing their efficacy compared to traditional technologies. Founded in 2013 and originally named SutroVax, Vaxcyte rebranded in May 2020 to reflect its commitment to improving global health through superior vaccine development.