Polaris Partners, established in 1996 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a venture capital firm focusing on healthcare, life sciences, and biotechnology sectors. The firm invests across various stages, from early-stage companies to growth equity, partnering with repeat entrepreneurs and innovators. Polaris' healthcare portfolio spans digital health, consumer-centric businesses, patient-provider solutions, data science, and analytics, while its life sciences and biotechnology investments center around molecules, platforms, therapeutics, and genomics. With offices in Boston and San Francisco, Polaris has a 20-year history of supporting companies that improve people's lives and work.
Auron Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Wellesley, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for cancer. Founded in 2018, the company aims to transform the treatment paradigm by shifting from traditional cell-killing approaches to differentiation therapy, which seeks to convert malignant cells into normal functioning cells. This strategy reactivates the body's inherent cellular programs to promote tumor maturation and restore normal tissue. Auron Therapeutics utilizes advanced platforms that integrate large omic datasets with high-throughput flow cytometry, enabling the rapid identification and validation of multiple therapeutic targets and drugs using primary human patient samples. Through its research, the company aspires to address unmet medical needs in oncology and provide life-saving treatments for cancer patients.
Leyden Labs
Series B in 2025
Leyden Labs is a biotechnology company focused on developing intranasal products aimed at protecting individuals from respiratory viruses. By targeting commonalities among various viral families, Leyden Labs seeks to provide broad-spectrum protection against multiple strains of viruses, including those in the influenza and coronavirus families. Unlike traditional vaccines that typically address specific variants, Leyden Labs' innovative approach allows for simultaneous protection against a range of viruses, thereby empowering individuals to safeguard their health and prevent the transmission of diseases. The company's team comprises experienced biotechnology professionals and new talent, all committed to advancing solutions that alleviate the impact of respiratory infections on global health.
Noema Pharma
Series B in 2024
Noema Pharma AG is a biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2019. The company focuses on developing therapeutic products and therapies for orphan neurological disorders characterized by imbalanced neuronal networks. Its research and development efforts aim to address disabling symptoms in conditions affecting the nervous system, including Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and Tourette syndrome. By creating novel therapies, Noema Pharma seeks to improve the quality of life and patient outcomes for individuals suffering from these rare conditions.
TRex Bio
Series B in 2024
TRexBio is a biotechnology company that leverages cutting-edge computational biology tools, a focus on human tissue, and expertise in immunobiology to develop therapeutics for cancer and inflammatory diseases. Its 'deep biology' discovery engine maps human tissue Treg behavior to disease processes, identifying and characterizing novel targets for therapeutic intervention. The platform supports the development of a portfolio of therapies that modulate the immune system to restore tissue immune homeostasis.
Sunbird Bio
Venture Round in 2024
Sunbird Bio is a diagnostics platform developer focused on advancing molecular diagnostics to deliver faster and more accurate results. Founded by Huilin Shao, the company specializes in detecting a wide array of diseases, including infectious diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. By enabling early diagnosis, Sunbird Bio aims to enhance healthcare outcomes and support physicians in making informed decisions. The platform is designed to improve clarity and accessibility in diagnostic testing, thereby contributing to better patient care.
Noetik
Series A in 2024
Noetik is an AI-native biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of cancer immunotherapies. Utilizing advanced machine learning techniques, Noetik's platform identifies new therapeutic targets and designs innovative treatments. By leveraging self-supervised learning and integrating human multimodal data, the company aims to enhance the effectiveness and personalization of cancer therapies, thereby improving patient outcomes in oncology.
Delphia Therapeutics
Series A in 2024
Delphia Therapeutics, headquartered in Boston, USA, is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer treatments. It operates a laboratory where researchers study cancer-driving pathways to create targeted therapies. The company's approach involves selectively over-activating certain cancer-linked cell signaling pathways, making tumor cells unsustainable and enabling more effective cancer treatment for patients.
Capstan Therapeutics
Series B in 2024
Capstan Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on enhancing the therapeutic potential of in vivo RNA-based therapies. It develops proprietary targeted delivery systems, including targeted lipid nanoparticles, to improve the efficacy and control of dosage in engineered cell therapies. This innovative platform aims to address a variety of diseases, particularly in the fields of oncology, fibrosis, and inflammation, where there are significant unmet clinical needs. By advancing precision in vivo cell engineering, Capstan Therapeutics seeks to create transformative therapeutics that can offer new solutions for patients facing these challenging conditions.
Freenome
Series E in 2024
Freenome, Inc. is an artificial intelligence genomics biotech company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. The company focuses on developing accurate, accessible, and non-invasive blood tests for the early detection of cancer and treatment selection. Utilizing a proprietary multi-omics platform, Freenome employs advanced algorithms to analyze cell-free genomic data, which aids in identifying early-stage cancers and other diseases. This innovative approach aims to transform disease management by enabling timely interventions and proactive treatment strategies. In addition to its diagnostic solutions, Freenome also offers clinical research services to further advance cancer detection and management.
Vico Therapeutics
Series B in 2024
Vico Therapeutics B.V., founded in 2019 and based in Leiden, the Netherlands, specializes in developing RNA modulating therapies aimed at treating rare neurological disorders. The company's primary focus is on conditions such as spinocerebellar ataxias, Huntington’s disease, and Rett syndrome. By discovering and delivering innovative therapies, Vico Therapeutics aims to address the unmet medical needs of patients suffering from these severe central nervous system disorders, thereby enhancing treatment options available to medical professionals.
Lyndra Therapeutics
Series E in 2023
Lyndra Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of ultra-long-acting oral medicines. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating orally administered dosage forms that can deliver a sustained release of medications for periods ranging from a week to a month while remaining in the stomach. Lyndra's therapeutic initiatives target a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, psychiatric issues, opioid use disorders, immunology, HIV, malaria vector control, and oral contraceptives. By enhancing medication adherence and improving health outcomes, Lyndra Therapeutics aims to contribute to lower healthcare costs and better patient care.
Tome Biosciences
Series A in 2023
Tome Biosciences is a biotechnology company specializing in programmable gene insertion technology. Utilizing CRISPR, the company develops methods to insert genetic sequences of any size at various locations within any genome. This innovative approach aims to enhance the ability to detect and eliminate deoxyribonucleic acid from similar bacteriophages during infections. By advancing cell and genome engineering, Tome Biosciences seeks to provide effective therapeutic solutions for patients, paving the way for significant advancements in genetic medicine.
Seismic Therapeutic
Series B in 2023
Seismic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company focused on accelerating immunology drug development through the integration of machine learning in the biologics discovery process. Its IMPACT™ platform addresses key challenges in biologics discovery by combining structural biology, protein engineering, and translational immunology. This innovative approach aims to create optimized therapies more efficiently, ultimately benefiting patients with autoimmune diseases and disorders linked to adaptive immune system dysregulation. With a robust pipeline of biologics, Seismic Therapeutic is committed to enhancing the speed and efficacy of drug development in the field of immunology.
Engine Biosciences
Series A in 2023
Engine Biosciences, established in 2014 and headquartered in Singapore, specializes in drug discovery and cellular reprogramming. The company's core offering is a validated platform that combines artificial intelligence and genetic perturbation to uncover gene interactions and biological networks. This platform enables researchers and drug developers to create targeted therapies and apply precision medicine. Engine Biosciences caters to prominent American corporations and research institutions, accelerating and reducing the costs of R&D for new medical therapies.
Triveni Bio
Series A in 2023
Triveni Bio is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of novel antibody therapies for immunological and inflammatory disorders. The company employs a genetics-driven precision medicine approach to identify patients most likely to respond to its treatments, aiming to accelerate drug development and improve the effectiveness and safety of therapies.
Tisento Therapeutics
Series A in 2023
Tisento Therapeutics, based in Massachusetts, specializes in developing innovative medicines to address diseases with substantial unmet medical needs. Its primary focus is on treating Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy with Lactic Acidosis and Stroke (MELAS), a severe mitochondrial disorder. The company's therapies aim to improve various aspects of the disease, including neuronal and mitochondrial function, cerebrovascular hemodynamics, and inflammatory processes, ultimately aiming to provide swift and effective treatment for patients.
Engine Biosciences
Series A in 2023
Engine Biosciences, established in 2014 and headquartered in Singapore, specializes in drug discovery and cellular reprogramming. The company's core offering is a validated platform that combines artificial intelligence and genetic perturbation to uncover gene interactions and biological networks. This platform enables researchers and drug developers to create targeted therapies and apply precision medicine. Engine Biosciences caters to prominent American corporations and research institutions, accelerating and reducing the costs of R&D for new medical therapies.
EpiBiologics
Series A in 2023
EpiBiologics focuses on developing antibody-based targeted therapies aimed at membrane and extracellular proteins that contribute to various diseases. The company utilizes its EpiTAC platform to create therapeutics that degrade these disease-driving proteins, addressing the underlying biology of disorders. By specializing in protein degradation, EpiBiologics enables researchers to manipulate cellular proteostasis, offering potential solutions for a wide range of medical conditions.
Crossbow Therapeutics
Series A in 2023
Crossbow Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer treatments. The company engineers antibodies that mimic T-cells, which are essential components of the immune system, to target cancer cells with high precision. This next-generation approach allows for the assembly of immunotherapies that can reach previously inaccessible cancer cell targets, significantly broadening the scope of antibody therapy. By utilizing T-cell receptor (TCR)-mimetic antibodies, Crossbow Therapeutics aims to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and unlock new therapeutic potentials across various types of cancer.
Lyndra Therapeutics
Series D in 2023
Lyndra Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of ultra-long-acting oral medicines. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating orally administered dosage forms that can deliver a sustained release of medications for periods ranging from a week to a month while remaining in the stomach. Lyndra's therapeutic initiatives target a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, psychiatric issues, opioid use disorders, immunology, HIV, malaria vector control, and oral contraceptives. By enhancing medication adherence and improving health outcomes, Lyndra Therapeutics aims to contribute to lower healthcare costs and better patient care.
Candesant Biomedical
Series B in 2023
Candesant Biomedical develops innovative solutions for excessive sweating and hyperhidrosis. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company focuses on a proprietary medical device known as CDX-101. This non-invasive technology utilizes water-activated principles to deliver targeted energy to active sweat glands, effectively inactivating them without discomfort for patients. By controlling the interaction between alkali metals and water, Candesant's device aims to reduce excessive sweating and inhibit bacterial growth, providing a significant improvement in quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.
Larkspur Biosciences
Series A in 2023
Larkspur Biosciences is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing precision immunotherapies aimed at improving cancer treatment outcomes. The company focuses on addressing how tumors manipulate the immune system, creating therapies tailored for specific molecularly defined patient groups. By targeting the critical interactions between tumors and the immune system, Larkspur's approach seeks to enhance patients' immune responses, particularly in colorectal cancer and other malignancies. This strategic focus aims to overcome existing challenges that allow tumors to evade immune detection and attack, thereby advancing the efficacy of cancer therapies.
EpiBiologics
Series A in 2023
EpiBiologics focuses on developing antibody-based targeted therapies aimed at membrane and extracellular proteins that contribute to various diseases. The company utilizes its EpiTAC platform to create therapeutics that degrade these disease-driving proteins, addressing the underlying biology of disorders. By specializing in protein degradation, EpiBiologics enables researchers to manipulate cellular proteostasis, offering potential solutions for a wide range of medical conditions.
QurAlis
Series B in 2023
QurAlis Corporation is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing therapeutics for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes proprietary platforms and biomarkers to create precision medicines targeting genetically validated disease-causing alterations. Its pipeline includes various treatments aimed at specific subtypes of ALS, such as therapies designed to restore dysfunctional cellular waste clearance, manage overactive neurons to prevent cell death, and eliminate toxic proteins. QurAlis aims to advance its antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule programs to address the most prevalent forms of ALS, ultimately working to halt disease progression and improve patient outcomes. The company was incorporated in 2016 and operates as a subsidiary of Q-State Biosciences, Inc.
Noema Pharma
Series B in 2023
Noema Pharma AG is a biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2019. The company focuses on developing therapeutic products and therapies for orphan neurological disorders characterized by imbalanced neuronal networks. Its research and development efforts aim to address disabling symptoms in conditions affecting the nervous system, including Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and Tourette syndrome. By creating novel therapies, Noema Pharma seeks to improve the quality of life and patient outcomes for individuals suffering from these rare conditions.
Volastra
Series A in 2023
Volastra Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York that focuses on developing therapies for metastatic cancers. Founded in 2019, the company utilizes a library of organoids derived from metastatic cancer samples to understand tumor spread and create targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at chromosomal instability. By integrating artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and proprietary imaging techniques, Volastra identifies cancers at higher risk of metastasis, allowing healthcare professionals to select appropriate patients for therapy and improve treatment outcomes. Through its innovative approach, Volastra seeks to advance the understanding and management of metastatic diseases.
Paratus Sciences
Series A in 2023
Paratus Sciences is a biotechnology company focused on enhancing human health and health security through the study of bat biology. By exploring the unique aspects of the bat genome, the company aims to identify and develop therapeutics for a variety of diseases. Paratus Sciences seeks to unlock the secrets of bat biology to facilitate innovative treatments, ultimately helping patients combat the health challenges they encounter.
August Bioservices
Series B in 2022
August Bioservices, LLC is a contract development and manufacturing organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, with an additional office in Celina, Tennessee. The company specializes in providing a wide range of services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including drug discovery, pharmaceutical development, and clinical manufacturing. Its research and discovery capabilities encompass target validation, functional characterization, assay development, protein engineering, and both in vitro and in vivo services. In addition, August offers formulation development, process design, optimization, and analytical method development as part of its pharmaceutical development services. The clinical manufacturing services provided include cGMP non-sterile and bulk manufacturing, aseptic fill and finish, and quality control, among others. Furthermore, August Bioservices offers specialized testing services such as pregnancy testing and testing for various viral diseases. Established in 2017 and formerly known as PMI BioPharma Solutions, the company rebranded in July 2020 to reflect its evolving service offerings.
Jnana Therapeutics
Series C in 2022
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that focuses on drug discovery through its innovative platform targeting solute carrier (SLC) transporters. Established in 2016, the company aims to improve patient outcomes by developing small molecule therapies for various diseases, including those related to immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense. By utilizing advanced chemoproteomics techniques, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets, addressing significant unmet medical needs in areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. The company's approach seeks to enhance drug discovery efficiency by comprehensively targeting the vast family of membrane proteins associated with SLC transporters.
Neumora Therapeutics
Series B in 2022
Neumora Therapeutics operates as a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering precision medicines for brain diseases through the integration of data science and neuroscience.
CoV Biotechnology
Seed Round in 2022
CoV Biotechnology is an early-stage biotechnology company dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by the evolving and mutating nature of the coronavirus. The company develops booster vaccines and therapeutics specifically aimed at combating variants of the SARS-2 beta coronavirus. By focusing on creating vaccines that offer protection against both current and future variants, as well as potential crossovers of related coronaviruses from animals to humans, CoV Biotechnology aims to provide broad-spectrum solutions. This approach enables the development of vaccines and therapeutic antibodies that can safeguard against future coronavirus pandemics.
Capstan Therapeutics
Series A in 2022
Capstan Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on enhancing the therapeutic potential of in vivo RNA-based therapies. It develops proprietary targeted delivery systems, including targeted lipid nanoparticles, to improve the efficacy and control of dosage in engineered cell therapies. This innovative platform aims to address a variety of diseases, particularly in the fields of oncology, fibrosis, and inflammation, where there are significant unmet clinical needs. By advancing precision in vivo cell engineering, Capstan Therapeutics seeks to create transformative therapeutics that can offer new solutions for patients facing these challenging conditions.
Auron Therapeutics
Series A in 2022
Auron Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Wellesley, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for cancer. Founded in 2018, the company aims to transform the treatment paradigm by shifting from traditional cell-killing approaches to differentiation therapy, which seeks to convert malignant cells into normal functioning cells. This strategy reactivates the body's inherent cellular programs to promote tumor maturation and restore normal tissue. Auron Therapeutics utilizes advanced platforms that integrate large omic datasets with high-throughput flow cytometry, enabling the rapid identification and validation of multiple therapeutic targets and drugs using primary human patient samples. Through its research, the company aspires to address unmet medical needs in oncology and provide life-saving treatments for cancer patients.
CAMP4 Therapeutics
Series B in 2022
CAMP4 Therapeutics Corporation, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in bioinformatics and gene regulation circuitry. Founded in 2015, the company has developed a 4-D gene circuitry platform that translates the activation of the human genome's 24,000 genes into a set of combinatorial rules based on existing signaling pathways. This innovative approach allows CAMP4 to control gene expression effectively, addressing the root causes of diseases. By leveraging this gene circuitry code, the company aims to expedite the drug development process, significantly reducing both time and risk associated with bringing new treatments to patients.
Scholar Rock
Post in 2022
Scholar Rock is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapies that target dysregulated growth factors within disease microenvironments. Founded in 2012 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company employs a proprietary platform to create monoclonal antibodies that selectively modulate the activation of these signaling proteins. This approach aims to avoid traditional challenges associated with growth factor inhibition while facilitating efficient drug development. Scholar Rock's lead product, SRK-015, is designed as a first-in-class inhibitor of myostatin activation, targeting conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy. The company's pipeline includes additional candidates, such as SRK-181, which inhibits latent transforming growth factor beta-1 for cancer treatment. Scholar Rock's research focuses on serious diseases, including neuromuscular disorders, cancer, fibrosis, and autoimmune diseases, reflecting its commitment to transforming patient outcomes through targeted therapies.
Tessa Therapeutics
Series A in 2022
Tessa Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in T cell therapy aimed at treating cancer, particularly solid tumors and lymphoma. The company focuses on developing both autologous and allogeneic cell therapies, including virus-specific T-cells and CAR T cells. Tessa Therapeutics aims to harness the body's anti-viral immune response to target and eliminate cancer cells, thereby transforming cancer treatment and enhancing the quality of life for patients. Through its innovative platform, Tessa Therapeutics is committed to advancing therapeutic options for healthcare providers and improving patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.
TRex Bio
Series A in 2022
TRexBio is a biotechnology company that leverages cutting-edge computational biology tools, a focus on human tissue, and expertise in immunobiology to develop therapeutics for cancer and inflammatory diseases. Its 'deep biology' discovery engine maps human tissue Treg behavior to disease processes, identifying and characterizing novel targets for therapeutic intervention. The platform supports the development of a portfolio of therapies that modulate the immune system to restore tissue immune homeostasis.
Satellite Bio
Series A in 2022
Satellite Bio is a company that specializes in cell therapy, regenerative medicine, synthetic biology, cell biology, and tissue engineering. It is dedicated to developing a therapeutic platform aimed at creating innovative cell therapies to address complex diseases. The company’s primary focus is on the design and implementation of proprietary, off-the-shelf, implantable satellite organs, which serve as living therapeutic solutions. These satellite organs are intended to improve the lives of millions of patients suffering from serious health conditions.
Kallyope
Series D in 2022
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.
Seismic Therapeutic
Series A in 2022
Seismic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company focused on accelerating immunology drug development through the integration of machine learning in the biologics discovery process. Its IMPACT™ platform addresses key challenges in biologics discovery by combining structural biology, protein engineering, and translational immunology. This innovative approach aims to create optimized therapies more efficiently, ultimately benefiting patients with autoimmune diseases and disorders linked to adaptive immune system dysregulation. With a robust pipeline of biologics, Seismic Therapeutic is committed to enhancing the speed and efficacy of drug development in the field of immunology.
Dewpoint Therapeutics
Series C in 2022
Dewpoint Therapeutics is a Boston-based biotech company focused on the research and development of treatments targeting biomolecular condensates to address various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and immunological conditions. Founded in 2018, the company employs an innovative drug platform that utilizes machine-learning-based image analysis for visualizing condensates. This technology supports an engine of engineered cell lines designed to track and mitigate harmful protein sequestration. By leveraging its proprietary platform, Dewpoint seeks to facilitate drug discovery across a wide range of medical indications and collaborates with leading academic and pharmaceutical partners to enhance the accessibility of new therapies for unmet healthcare needs.
76Bio
Venture Round in 2022
76Bio is a biotechnology company based in New York that focuses on developing innovative therapies for patients with life-threatening diseases. Founded in 2020, the company specializes in targeted protein degraders, a class of therapeutics designed to selectively degrade unneeded proteins in the body. By leveraging advanced technology, 76Bio aims to create transformational treatments that address critical medical needs, offering hope for improved outcomes in patients suffering from serious health conditions.
Ankyra
Series B in 2021
Ankyra is a biotechnology company focused on developing anchored immunotherapy for cancer treatment. The company addresses the limitations of traditional cytokine therapies, which are often restricted due to widespread immune activation and associated toxicity. Ankyra's innovative approach involves the use of its Anchored Immunotherapy Platform to create ANK-101, a stable complex of a modified IL-12 cytokine and aluminum hydroxide, an FDA-approved adjuvant. This combination allows for targeted intratumoral delivery, enhancing the localized retention and activity of IL-12 while reducing systemic side effects. By optimizing the therapeutic potential of anchored immunotherapy, Ankyra aims to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients, offering a safer and more effective alternative to conventional therapies.
Cardurion Pharmaceuticals
Venture Round in 2021
Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2017. The company specializes in developing innovative therapeutics aimed at treating heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Cardurion is advancing clinical programs that focus on inhibiting PDE9 and CaMKII, utilizing its knowledge of cardiovascular signaling pathways to meet significant patient needs in this area.
Neumora Therapeutics
Series A in 2021
Neumora Therapeutics operates as a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering precision medicines for brain diseases through the integration of data science and neuroscience.
Jnana Therapeutics
Series B in 2021
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that focuses on drug discovery through its innovative platform targeting solute carrier (SLC) transporters. Established in 2016, the company aims to improve patient outcomes by developing small molecule therapies for various diseases, including those related to immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense. By utilizing advanced chemoproteomics techniques, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets, addressing significant unmet medical needs in areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. The company's approach seeks to enhance drug discovery efficiency by comprehensively targeting the vast family of membrane proteins associated with SLC transporters.
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.
CAMP4 Therapeutics
Series A in 2021
CAMP4 Therapeutics Corporation, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in bioinformatics and gene regulation circuitry. Founded in 2015, the company has developed a 4-D gene circuitry platform that translates the activation of the human genome's 24,000 genes into a set of combinatorial rules based on existing signaling pathways. This innovative approach allows CAMP4 to control gene expression effectively, addressing the root causes of diseases. By leveraging this gene circuitry code, the company aims to expedite the drug development process, significantly reducing both time and risk associated with bringing new treatments to patients.
Kojin Therapeutics
Series A in 2021
Kojin Therapeutics, founded by Stuart Schreiber, Benjamin Cravatt, Stephanie Dougan, and Vasanthi Viswanathan, focuses on advancing a drug discovery platform that links complex cell states to established biochemical processes, specifically ferroptosis, which involves iron-dependent cell death. This innovative approach enables the development of targeted therapies for a wide range of challenging diseases that are often difficult to treat. The company's biology platform aims to identify disease-specific targets, ensuring that patients receive effective treatments tailored to their specific conditions. Kojin Therapeutics is supported by a diverse group of investors, including Polaris Partners, Newpath Partners, and AbbVie, among others.
Cyclerion Therapeutics
Post in 2021
Cyclerion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing treatments for serious and orphan diseases. The company leverages soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) pharmacology to create next-generation sGC stimulators. Its pipeline includes Olinciguat, an orally administered vascular sGC stimulator in Phase II studies for sickle cell disease; Praliciguat, another oral sGC stimulator in Phase II trials for diabetic nephropathy and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; and IW-6463, a CNS-penetrant sGC stimulator in Phase I trials for neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, Cyclerion is exploring liver-targeted and lung-targeted sGC stimulators. The company was incorporated in 2018.
August Bioservices
Series A in 2021
August Bioservices, LLC is a contract development and manufacturing organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, with an additional office in Celina, Tennessee. The company specializes in providing a wide range of services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including drug discovery, pharmaceutical development, and clinical manufacturing. Its research and discovery capabilities encompass target validation, functional characterization, assay development, protein engineering, and both in vitro and in vivo services. In addition, August offers formulation development, process design, optimization, and analytical method development as part of its pharmaceutical development services. The clinical manufacturing services provided include cGMP non-sterile and bulk manufacturing, aseptic fill and finish, and quality control, among others. Furthermore, August Bioservices offers specialized testing services such as pregnancy testing and testing for various viral diseases. Established in 2017 and formerly known as PMI BioPharma Solutions, the company rebranded in July 2020 to reflect its evolving service offerings.
Engine Biosciences
Series A in 2021
Engine Biosciences, established in 2014 and headquartered in Singapore, specializes in drug discovery and cellular reprogramming. The company's core offering is a validated platform that combines artificial intelligence and genetic perturbation to uncover gene interactions and biological networks. This platform enables researchers and drug developers to create targeted therapies and apply precision medicine. Engine Biosciences caters to prominent American corporations and research institutions, accelerating and reducing the costs of R&D for new medical therapies.
PathAI
Series C in 2021
PathAI, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence solutions for pathology laboratories. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Austin, Texas, PathAI focuses on enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The company's platform employs machine and deep learning techniques to analyze large datasets, assisting pathologists in making rapid and precise diagnoses for patients. By addressing complex challenges in pathology, PathAI aims to facilitate personalized medicine and improve patient outcomes by identifying individuals who may benefit from innovative therapies.
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.
Invivyd
Series C in 2021
Invivyd is a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing antibody-based therapies aimed at providing protection against serious viral infectious diseases. The company focuses on creating solutions that go beyond naturally occurring immunity, particularly in response to viral threats with pandemic potential, starting with SARS-CoV-2. Its product pipeline includes ADG20, which is designed for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, and VYD222, a monoclonal antibody engineered for enhanced potency and broad coverage. By prioritizing rapid and enduring therapeutic options, Invivyd aims to safeguard vulnerable populations from the severe impacts of circulating viral infections.
Tectonic Therapeutic
Series A in 2021
Tectonic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative drugs that target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). With a focus on therapeutic proteins and antibodies, Tectonic aims to address the complexities of GPCR-targeted drug discovery through its proprietary technology platform, GEODe. The company is committed to unlocking the therapeutic potential of challenging receptors, striving to create biologic medicines that can effectively modify disease progression. Founded by experts in biochemistry and molecular pharmacology, Tectonic combines a strong scientific foundation with a history of entrepreneurial success to advance its mission in the biopharmaceutical landscape.
Volastra
Seed Round in 2021
Volastra Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York that focuses on developing therapies for metastatic cancers. Founded in 2019, the company utilizes a library of organoids derived from metastatic cancer samples to understand tumor spread and create targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at chromosomal instability. By integrating artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and proprietary imaging techniques, Volastra identifies cancers at higher risk of metastasis, allowing healthcare professionals to select appropriate patients for therapy and improve treatment outcomes. Through its innovative approach, Volastra seeks to advance the understanding and management of metastatic diseases.
Amunix
Series B in 2021
Amunix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative protein and peptide therapeutics aimed at treating cancer. The company employs several proprietary platforms, including XTEN for extending drug half-life, XPAT for analyzing protease activity in the tumor microenvironment, and ProTIA, which focuses on immuno-oncology therapeutics. Amunix's product pipeline includes prodrugs and transformative T-cell engagers designed to activate the immune system against solid tumors. The company collaborates with various academic, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sectors, maintaining strategic partnerships with organizations such as Janssen and Biogen-Idec. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, Amunix strives to deliver breakthroughs that can harness the immune system to combat cancer more effectively.
Egenesis
Series C in 2021
Egenesis Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on gene editing and genome engineering to create human transplantable organs, tissues, and cells. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional office in New York City, Egenesis aims to address the global organ shortage by developing solid organs and therapeutic cell transplantation solutions for various diseases. The company utilizes a gene editing platform that incorporates techniques such as single-cell cloning and somatic cell nuclear transfer, which are essential for creating human-compatible organ tissues and cells. Egenesis is particularly engaged in advancing programs related to kidney and islet cell transplantation, striving to provide alternative treatment options for patients with life-threatening conditions.
Auron Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2021
Auron Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Wellesley, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for cancer. Founded in 2018, the company aims to transform the treatment paradigm by shifting from traditional cell-killing approaches to differentiation therapy, which seeks to convert malignant cells into normal functioning cells. This strategy reactivates the body's inherent cellular programs to promote tumor maturation and restore normal tissue. Auron Therapeutics utilizes advanced platforms that integrate large omic datasets with high-throughput flow cytometry, enabling the rapid identification and validation of multiple therapeutic targets and drugs using primary human patient samples. Through its research, the company aspires to address unmet medical needs in oncology and provide life-saving treatments for cancer patients.
IconOVir Bio
Series A in 2021
IconOVir Bio is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative oncolytic virus therapies for cancer treatment. The company's proprietary platform aims to overcome the limitations associated with first- and second-generation oncolytic viruses, thereby enhancing the therapeutic options available to healthcare professionals. By prioritizing personalized therapy, IconOVir Bio seeks to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients, positioning itself at the forefront of advancements in oncology.
Tectonic Therapeutic
Seed Round in 2021
Tectonic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative drugs that target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). With a focus on therapeutic proteins and antibodies, Tectonic aims to address the complexities of GPCR-targeted drug discovery through its proprietary technology platform, GEODe. The company is committed to unlocking the therapeutic potential of challenging receptors, striving to create biologic medicines that can effectively modify disease progression. Founded by experts in biochemistry and molecular pharmacology, Tectonic combines a strong scientific foundation with a history of entrepreneurial success to advance its mission in the biopharmaceutical landscape.
Noema Pharma
Series A in 2020
Noema Pharma AG is a biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2019. The company focuses on developing therapeutic products and therapies for orphan neurological disorders characterized by imbalanced neuronal networks. Its research and development efforts aim to address disabling symptoms in conditions affecting the nervous system, including Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and Tourette syndrome. By creating novel therapies, Noema Pharma seeks to improve the quality of life and patient outcomes for individuals suffering from these rare conditions.
Satellite Bio
Seed Round in 2020
Satellite Bio is a company that specializes in cell therapy, regenerative medicine, synthetic biology, cell biology, and tissue engineering. It is dedicated to developing a therapeutic platform aimed at creating innovative cell therapies to address complex diseases. The company’s primary focus is on the design and implementation of proprietary, off-the-shelf, implantable satellite organs, which serve as living therapeutic solutions. These satellite organs are intended to improve the lives of millions of patients suffering from serious health conditions.
Invivyd
Series B in 2020
Invivyd is a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing antibody-based therapies aimed at providing protection against serious viral infectious diseases. The company focuses on creating solutions that go beyond naturally occurring immunity, particularly in response to viral threats with pandemic potential, starting with SARS-CoV-2. Its product pipeline includes ADG20, which is designed for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, and VYD222, a monoclonal antibody engineered for enhanced potency and broad coverage. By prioritizing rapid and enduring therapeutic options, Invivyd aims to safeguard vulnerable populations from the severe impacts of circulating viral infections.
Primmune Therapeutics
Series A in 2020
Primmune Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing small molecule, orally administered toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonists for cancer immunotherapy. Founded in 2017, the company aims to stimulate innate immunity to enhance the effectiveness of adaptive cancer treatments, such as checkpoint inhibitors. Its TLR7 agonist is designed to activate the immune system by producing cytokines and chemokines that boost cellular responses and facilitate the activation of natural killer cells. This approach enables healthcare providers to target metastatic diseases more effectively and promotes B-cell proliferation and activation, ultimately improving overall response rates and treatment durability for patients.
Dewpoint Therapeutics
Series B in 2020
Dewpoint Therapeutics is a Boston-based biotech company focused on the research and development of treatments targeting biomolecular condensates to address various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and immunological conditions. Founded in 2018, the company employs an innovative drug platform that utilizes machine-learning-based image analysis for visualizing condensates. This technology supports an engine of engineered cell lines designed to track and mitigate harmful protein sequestration. By leveraging its proprietary platform, Dewpoint seeks to facilitate drug discovery across a wide range of medical indications and collaborates with leading academic and pharmaceutical partners to enhance the accessibility of new therapies for unmet healthcare needs.
Neogene Therapeutics
Series A in 2020
Neogene Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York, founded in 2018, that focuses on developing T cell therapies for cancer treatment. The company specializes in creating personalized engineered T cells that target neo-antigens, which are mutated proteins present in cancer cells due to DNA mutations. By leveraging advanced technologies, Neogene isolates T cell receptor (TCR) genes specific to these neo-antigens from tumor biopsies routinely collected from patients. This process utilizes high-sensitivity DNA sequencing and genetic screening to identify TCRs that can effectively recognize and attack cancer cells. Neogene's innovative approach aims to enhance the precision and efficacy of cancer therapies, offering improved treatment options for patients facing a broad spectrum of cancers.
Freenome
Series C in 2020
Freenome, Inc. is an artificial intelligence genomics biotech company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. The company focuses on developing accurate, accessible, and non-invasive blood tests for the early detection of cancer and treatment selection. Utilizing a proprietary multi-omics platform, Freenome employs advanced algorithms to analyze cell-free genomic data, which aids in identifying early-stage cancers and other diseases. This innovative approach aims to transform disease management by enabling timely interventions and proactive treatment strategies. In addition to its diagnostic solutions, Freenome also offers clinical research services to further advance cancer detection and management.
Kronos Bio
Private Equity Round in 2020
Kronos Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative cancer therapeutics. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company focuses on targeting dysregulated transcription factors and oncogenic signaling pathways. Its lead candidate, entospletinib, is a selective inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase aimed at treating acute myeloid leukemia. Additionally, Kronos Bio is developing KB-0742, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 9, intended for MYC-amplified solid tumors. By leveraging advanced technologies such as high-throughput small-molecule microarrays and targeted protein degradation, Kronos Bio aims to identify effective compounds that can modulate historically undruggable cancer targets, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes through precision medicine.
Vico Therapeutics
Series A in 2020
Vico Therapeutics B.V., founded in 2019 and based in Leiden, the Netherlands, specializes in developing RNA modulating therapies aimed at treating rare neurological disorders. The company's primary focus is on conditions such as spinocerebellar ataxias, Huntington’s disease, and Rett syndrome. By discovering and delivering innovative therapies, Vico Therapeutics aims to address the unmet medical needs of patients suffering from these severe central nervous system disorders, thereby enhancing treatment options available to medical professionals.
Invivyd
Series A in 2020
Invivyd is a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing antibody-based therapies aimed at providing protection against serious viral infectious diseases. The company focuses on creating solutions that go beyond naturally occurring immunity, particularly in response to viral threats with pandemic potential, starting with SARS-CoV-2. Its product pipeline includes ADG20, which is designed for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, and VYD222, a monoclonal antibody engineered for enhanced potency and broad coverage. By prioritizing rapid and enduring therapeutic options, Invivyd aims to safeguard vulnerable populations from the severe impacts of circulating viral infections.
Glympse Bio
Series B in 2020
Glympse Bio, Inc. is a diagnostic company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that focuses on developing modular nanoparticle sensors for noninvasive disease monitoring. Founded in 2015, the company creates engineered diagnostic agents designed to interrogate the body for specific disease states, subsequently conveying this information through urine analysis. This innovative approach facilitates the monitoring of various conditions, including fibrosis, cancer, immunology, and infectious diseases, while also assessing drug responses. Glympse Bio's flagship product, Glympse Inside, serves as a pan-disease platform aimed at revolutionizing how diseases are monitored and treated. The technology was initially developed at MIT and is supported by a team of experts in nanomedicine and biomedical engineering.
SQZ Biotech
Series D in 2020
SQZ Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cell therapies for patients facing cancer, infectious diseases, and other serious health conditions. Utilizing its proprietary CellSqueeze technology, SQZ Biotech can deliver a variety of materials into diverse patient cell types, enabling the engineering of therapies that address a wide array of clinical challenges. The company aims to create well-tolerated cell therapies that not only enhance therapeutic benefits but also improve the overall patient experience compared to traditional cell therapy methods. Through a combination of internal research initiatives and external collaborations, SQZ Biotech is advancing a new generation of cellular therapies aimed at both immune activation and immune suppression.
Ankyra
Seed Round in 2020
Ankyra is a biotechnology company focused on developing anchored immunotherapy for cancer treatment. The company addresses the limitations of traditional cytokine therapies, which are often restricted due to widespread immune activation and associated toxicity. Ankyra's innovative approach involves the use of its Anchored Immunotherapy Platform to create ANK-101, a stable complex of a modified IL-12 cytokine and aluminum hydroxide, an FDA-approved adjuvant. This combination allows for targeted intratumoral delivery, enhancing the localized retention and activity of IL-12 while reducing systemic side effects. By optimizing the therapeutic potential of anchored immunotherapy, Ankyra aims to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients, offering a safer and more effective alternative to conventional therapies.
QurAlis
Series A in 2020
QurAlis Corporation is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing therapeutics for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes proprietary platforms and biomarkers to create precision medicines targeting genetically validated disease-causing alterations. Its pipeline includes various treatments aimed at specific subtypes of ALS, such as therapies designed to restore dysfunctional cellular waste clearance, manage overactive neurons to prevent cell death, and eliminate toxic proteins. QurAlis aims to advance its antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule programs to address the most prevalent forms of ALS, ultimately working to halt disease progression and improve patient outcomes. The company was incorporated in 2016 and operates as a subsidiary of Q-State Biosciences, Inc.
Dyno Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2020
Dyno Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for gene therapy applications. Founded in 2018, the company employs an artificial intelligence-powered platform that integrates next-generation DNA synthesis, high-throughput sequencing, and machine learning. This advanced approach allows Dyno Therapeutics to design and optimize cell-targeting capsids, which are crucial for the effective and safe delivery of gene therapies. By leveraging its technology, the company aims to provide medical researchers with novel AAV vectors that enhance the efficacy of in vivo therapeutic solutions.
Pandion Therapeutics
Series B in 2020
Pandion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions. The company's lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered variant of interleukin-2 currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to PT101, Pandion's pipeline includes PT627, a systemic PD-1 agonist in preclinical studies, and PT001 and PT002, which are bifunctional molecules designed for tissue-selective immunomodulation in the gastrointestinal tract. These molecules utilize a unique approach to achieve localized treatment, potentially enhancing efficacy and safety compared to traditional therapies. Pandion also collaborates with Astellas Pharma to develop locally acting immunomodulators targeting autoimmune diseases of the pancreas. The company is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts.
Kallyope
Series C in 2020
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.
Montis Biosciences
Seed Round in 2020
Montis Biosciences is a biotechnology company based in Meise, Belgium, established in 2020. It focuses on developing immune-oncology therapeutics that address the relationship between vascular dysfunction and immune suppression in the treatment of solid tumors. The company has developed a target screening and assay platform that explores the interactions between tumor endothelial cells and perivascular macrophages. By understanding these cellular interactions, Montis Biosciences aims to create novel therapeutic strategies that enhance immune reactions against solid tumors, offering a new perspective for targeted cancer treatment.
Volastra
Seed Round in 2020
Volastra Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York that focuses on developing therapies for metastatic cancers. Founded in 2019, the company utilizes a library of organoids derived from metastatic cancer samples to understand tumor spread and create targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at chromosomal instability. By integrating artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and proprietary imaging techniques, Volastra identifies cancers at higher risk of metastasis, allowing healthcare professionals to select appropriate patients for therapy and improve treatment outcomes. Through its innovative approach, Volastra seeks to advance the understanding and management of metastatic diseases.
Amagma Therapeutics
Series A in 2020
Amagma Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, founded in 2019. The company focuses on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics aimed at treating inflammatory diseases caused by enzyme hyperactivity. Specifically, Amagma targets overactive extracellular proteases that lead to tissue damage and contribute to widespread inflammatory responses. By addressing these mechanisms, the company aims to provide effective and safe therapeutic options for clinicians dealing with such conditions.
Lyra Therapeutics
Series C in 2020
Lyra Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage therapeutics company that specializes in developing and commercializing innovative drug and delivery solutions for the localized treatment of ear, nose, and throat diseases. Utilizing its proprietary XTreo technology platform, the company aims to deliver medications directly to affected tissues for extended periods with a single administration. Its lead product candidates, LYR-210 and LYR-220, are bioresorbable polymeric matrices designed for non-invasive in-office procedures, providing up to six months of continuous drug therapy specifically for chronic rhinosinusitis. The active ingredient in these formulations is mometasone furoate, which is recognized for its efficacy and safety in various FDA-approved therapies. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Lyra Therapeutics was formerly known as 480 Biomedical, Inc. before rebranding in July 2018.
SQZ Biotech
Series D in 2019
SQZ Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cell therapies for patients facing cancer, infectious diseases, and other serious health conditions. Utilizing its proprietary CellSqueeze technology, SQZ Biotech can deliver a variety of materials into diverse patient cell types, enabling the engineering of therapies that address a wide array of clinical challenges. The company aims to create well-tolerated cell therapies that not only enhance therapeutic benefits but also improve the overall patient experience compared to traditional cell therapy methods. Through a combination of internal research initiatives and external collaborations, SQZ Biotech is advancing a new generation of cellular therapies aimed at both immune activation and immune suppression.
Cardurion Pharmaceuticals
Private Equity Round in 2019
Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2017. The company specializes in developing innovative therapeutics aimed at treating heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Cardurion is advancing clinical programs that focus on inhibiting PDE9 and CaMKII, utilizing its knowledge of cardiovascular signaling pathways to meet significant patient needs in this area.
Faraday Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2019
Faraday Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on developing innovative therapies to treat ischemia-reperfusion injury, particularly following ST elevation myocardial infarction. Founded in 2014, the company has in-licensed proprietary liquid formulations of reduced nonmetal gaseous elements, which were developed in the laboratory of Dr. Mark Roth at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Faraday's therapeutics aim to utilize specific reduced forms of elements to enhance patient outcomes, providing medical practitioners with effective treatment options for ischemia-reperfusion injury and other critical care conditions.
Freenome
Series B in 2019
Freenome, Inc. is an artificial intelligence genomics biotech company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. The company focuses on developing accurate, accessible, and non-invasive blood tests for the early detection of cancer and treatment selection. Utilizing a proprietary multi-omics platform, Freenome employs advanced algorithms to analyze cell-free genomic data, which aids in identifying early-stage cancers and other diseases. This innovative approach aims to transform disease management by enabling timely interventions and proactive treatment strategies. In addition to its diagnostic solutions, Freenome also offers clinical research services to further advance cancer detection and management.
Kronos Bio
Series A in 2019
Kronos Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative cancer therapeutics. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company focuses on targeting dysregulated transcription factors and oncogenic signaling pathways. Its lead candidate, entospletinib, is a selective inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase aimed at treating acute myeloid leukemia. Additionally, Kronos Bio is developing KB-0742, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 9, intended for MYC-amplified solid tumors. By leveraging advanced technologies such as high-throughput small-molecule microarrays and targeted protein degradation, Kronos Bio aims to identify effective compounds that can modulate historically undruggable cancer targets, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes through precision medicine.
Blackthorn Therapeutics
Series B in 2019
Blackthorn Therapeutics, based in South San Francisco, California, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision medicine for neurobehavioral disorders. Founded in 2013, the company utilizes a proprietary computational platform that integrates advances in computational and clinical neuroscience to better understand the relationship between brain function and behavior. By targeting dysfunctional brain circuits, Blackthorn aims to address longstanding challenges in drug discovery and development. The company’s approach involves identifying novel therapeutic targets, small molecule drug candidates, and biologically-based patient subgroups that are most likely to benefit from treatment, thereby enhancing the precision of therapeutic interventions in the central nervous system.
Cyclerion Therapeutics
Post in 2019
Cyclerion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing treatments for serious and orphan diseases. The company leverages soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) pharmacology to create next-generation sGC stimulators. Its pipeline includes Olinciguat, an orally administered vascular sGC stimulator in Phase II studies for sickle cell disease; Praliciguat, another oral sGC stimulator in Phase II trials for diabetic nephropathy and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; and IW-6463, a CNS-penetrant sGC stimulator in Phase I trials for neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, Cyclerion is exploring liver-targeted and lung-targeted sGC stimulators. The company was incorporated in 2018.
Lyndra Therapeutics
Series B in 2019
Lyndra Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of ultra-long-acting oral medicines. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating orally administered dosage forms that can deliver a sustained release of medications for periods ranging from a week to a month while remaining in the stomach. Lyndra's therapeutic initiatives target a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, psychiatric issues, opioid use disorders, immunology, HIV, malaria vector control, and oral contraceptives. By enhancing medication adherence and improving health outcomes, Lyndra Therapeutics aims to contribute to lower healthcare costs and better patient care.
Candesant Biomedical
Venture Round in 2019
Candesant Biomedical develops innovative solutions for excessive sweating and hyperhidrosis. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company focuses on a proprietary medical device known as CDX-101. This non-invasive technology utilizes water-activated principles to deliver targeted energy to active sweat glands, effectively inactivating them without discomfort for patients. By controlling the interaction between alkali metals and water, Candesant's device aims to reduce excessive sweating and inhibit bacterial growth, providing a significant improvement in quality of life for individuals affected by this condition.
Dewpoint Therapeutics
Series A in 2019
Dewpoint Therapeutics is a Boston-based biotech company focused on the research and development of treatments targeting biomolecular condensates to address various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and immunological conditions. Founded in 2018, the company employs an innovative drug platform that utilizes machine-learning-based image analysis for visualizing condensates. This technology supports an engine of engineered cell lines designed to track and mitigate harmful protein sequestration. By leveraging its proprietary platform, Dewpoint seeks to facilitate drug discovery across a wide range of medical indications and collaborates with leading academic and pharmaceutical partners to enhance the accessibility of new therapies for unmet healthcare needs.
Genetic Foresight
Venture Round in 2019
Genetic Foresight’s mission is to prevent adverse drug reactions, increase therapeutic success rates, and minimize healthcare costs by enabling clinicians to make informed decisions. Founded in 2016, Genetic Foresight provides a genetic test that sequences targeted segments of patients' genomes as well as a comprehensive prescription decision platform that incorporates drug-genome, drug-drug, drug-disease, personal health, lifestyle, and medical and family histories to predict drug response. This allows the clinician to more safely and effectively prescribe medication based on the patient. The report is updated based on newly generated research, newly created drugs, and newly prescribed drugs, making it a lifetime test.
Kallyope
Series B in 2018
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.
Glympse Bio
Series A in 2018
Glympse Bio, Inc. is a diagnostic company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that focuses on developing modular nanoparticle sensors for noninvasive disease monitoring. Founded in 2015, the company creates engineered diagnostic agents designed to interrogate the body for specific disease states, subsequently conveying this information through urine analysis. This innovative approach facilitates the monitoring of various conditions, including fibrosis, cancer, immunology, and infectious diseases, while also assessing drug responses. Glympse Bio's flagship product, Glympse Inside, serves as a pan-disease platform aimed at revolutionizing how diseases are monitored and treated. The technology was initially developed at MIT and is supported by a team of experts in nanomedicine and biomedical engineering.
KSQ Therapeutics
Series C in 2018
KSQ Therapeutics, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in precision functional genomics to discover innovative drug therapies. The company employs a novel approach to research and development that emphasizes de-risking prior to the creation of therapeutic candidates. Utilizing its proprietary CRISPRomics™ drug discovery engine, KSQ Therapeutics has mapped the functions of human genes across various diseases, enhancing its understanding of disease biology. This comprehensive insight enables the identification and validation of high-confidence, patient-specific drug targets. As a result, the company is focused on developing medicines that have significant potential to improve patient outcomes and has established a pipeline of preclinical discovery programs.
Morphic Therapeutic
Series B in 2018
Morphic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company focused on developing oral integrin therapies aimed at treating serious chronic diseases such as autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular conditions, metabolic diseases, fibrosis, and cancer. The company specializes in creating small molecule inhibitors that target various integrins. By leveraging insights into integrin biology, Morphic Therapeutic is building a pipeline of innovative therapeutics designed to address a range of immunological, fibrotic, neoplastic, and vascular diseases, thereby offering potential new treatment options for patients with significant unmet medical needs.
SQZ Biotech
Series C in 2018
SQZ Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cell therapies for patients facing cancer, infectious diseases, and other serious health conditions. Utilizing its proprietary CellSqueeze technology, SQZ Biotech can deliver a variety of materials into diverse patient cell types, enabling the engineering of therapies that address a wide array of clinical challenges. The company aims to create well-tolerated cell therapies that not only enhance therapeutic benefits but also improve the overall patient experience compared to traditional cell therapy methods. Through a combination of internal research initiatives and external collaborations, SQZ Biotech is advancing a new generation of cellular therapies aimed at both immune activation and immune suppression.
Alector
Series E in 2018
Alector, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company utilizes advanced antibody technology and insights from neuroimmunology and human genetics to create innovative treatments. Alector’s pipeline includes several candidates, such as AL001, which is undergoing phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia, and AL101, currently in phase I trials for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Additionally, AL002 and AL003 are in phase 1b trials for Alzheimer’s disease. The company is actively engaged in research and development, with a total of ten programs at various stages. Alector has formed a strategic collaboration with Adimab, LLC to enhance its antibody research and development capabilities, aiming to efficiently generate and validate antibody drugs that target key disease-related mechanisms.
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