Ridgeback Capital

LENZ Therapeutics is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative ophthalmic therapies. It focuses on addressing vision-related issues, particularly presbyopia, which affects the near vision of individuals, especially those over the age of 45. The company's primary product is an aceclidine-based eye drop designed to restore near vision loss associated with this condition. Through its advancements in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, LENZ Therapeutics aims to improve the quality of life for those impacted by vision challenges.

Nkarta Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing engineered natural killer (NK) cells for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. The company aims to enhance the efficacy of cell therapy by leveraging the inherent ability of NK cells to identify and eliminate abnormal cells without the need for genetic alteration. This approach allows for a broader application across various hematologic and solid tumor malignancies while potentially minimizing side effects associated with traditional T-cell therapies. Nkarta combines its NK expansion platform technology with proprietary cell engineering methods to produce a substantial supply of NK cells, enhancing their ability to recognize therapeutic targets and improving their persistence in the body for sustained activity. Through this innovative strategy, Nkarta seeks to provide more potent, well-tolerated, and rapidly available therapies for patients facing diverse cancer types.

Pyxis Oncology, established in 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of antibody therapeutics for cancer treatment. The company focuses on promoting the body's immune response to cancer by analyzing tumor antigen-specific tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) within hot tumors and tumor cell signaling pathways within cold tumors. Pyxis aims to create novel antibody-based immunotherapies to directly kill tumor cells and address underlying pathologies that enable cancer proliferation and immune evasion, with the goal of improving patient outcomes for difficult-to-treat cancers.

Crisp, Inc. is a technology company established in 2018 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, that specializes in demand forecasting software tailored for the food industry. The company offers a data platform that connects consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands with real-time point-of-sale and inventory data from over 40 retailers and distributors. By leveraging advanced analytics and business intelligence tools, Crisp provides actionable insights through interactive dashboards, enabling nearly 6,000 CPGs to optimize sales and supply chain operations. The platform's primary aim is to enhance efficiency within the food supply chain, helping retailers and suppliers manage inventory effectively while reducing waste.

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.

Quell's vision is to become a leading engineered Treg cell therapy company. The company will seek to develop next generation engineered T-regulatory cell (Treg) therapies for a range of solid organ transplant and autoimmune conditions. Quell has been founded by Syncona in partnership with six leading experts in the Treg field, cell engineering, solid organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases: Giovanna Lombardi, Professor of Human Transplant Immunology at Kings College London (KCL), Alberto Sanchez-Fueyo, Professor of Hepatology in the Institute of Liver Studies at KCL, Hans Stauss, Professor of Tumour Immunology and Director of the Institute of Immunity and Transplantation at University College London (UCL), Emma Morris, Professor of Clinical Cell & Gene Therapy and Inflammation, Immunity and Immunotherapeutics Theme Director, National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Marc Martinez-Llordella, Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Liver Studies at KCL and Elmar Jaeckel, Co-Leader Liver Transplant program MHH, Group Leader "Immune tolerance" in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology at Hannover Medical School.

Arbor Biotechnologies, Inc., founded in 2016 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, operates as a bio-discovery company in the biotechnology sector. The company focuses on developing genomic tools that enhance human health and sustainability. Utilizing a combination of artificial intelligence, genome sequencing, gene synthesis, and high-throughput screening, Arbor's platform accelerates the discovery of proteins and facilitates human diagnostic development. The technology aggregates genomic sequence data through AI and machine learning, enabling drug developers to replace entire genes and precisely correct mutations. This approach aims to streamline the development of curative treatments for previously incurable genetic diseases, ultimately improving the lives of patients affected by such conditions.

Garuda Therapeutics is a biotech company focused on developing off-the-shelf hematopoietic stem cell therapies aimed at treating life-threatening diseases, particularly those affecting blood, bone marrow, immunity, and metabolism. The company is dedicated to eliminating the reliance on donor or patient cells for blood stem cell transplants by leveraging its innovative platform technology to generate self-renewing blood stem cells. This approach is designed to ensure rapid and broad access to consistent, durable, HLA-compatible, and transgene-free blood stem cell therapies for patients. Garuda Therapeutics employs advanced methodologies, including the use of zebrafish, mice, and human-induced pluripotent stem cells, to clone and analyze novel genes and mechanisms critical for blood formation, ultimately developing mechanism-based therapies that address unmet medical needs.

Turnstone Biologics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Ottawa, Canada, with an additional office in New York. Founded in 2015, the company is dedicated to advancing innovative viral immunotherapies aimed at improving cancer patient survival. Its lead product, RIVAL-01, utilizes a vaccinia virus backbone that encodes several immunomodulators, including Flt3 ligand, anti-CTLA-4 antibody, and IL-12 cytokine, which work together to enhance immune activity and optimize the tumor microenvironment for effective cancer treatment. Additionally, Turnstone Biologics is developing next-generation tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies by isolating and expanding the most potent and tumor-reactive T cells from patients' tumors, thereby harnessing the body's own immune system to combat solid tumors. Through these innovative approaches, Turnstone Biologics aims to deliver breakthrough cancer immunotherapies that significantly improve clinical outcomes for patients.

TwinStrand Biosciences specializes in advanced DNA sequencing technologies, significantly enhancing the accuracy of mutation detection beyond conventional methods. Their proprietary Duplex Sequencing technology enables the identification of mutations that are often undetectable by standard approaches, making it valuable in various fields such as oncology, infectious disease, organ transplantation, reproductive and genetic health, and forensics. The company is dedicated to improving diagnostic capabilities and advancing research through its innovative sequencing solutions. TwinStrand is also involved in biopharmaceutical development, focusing on the discovery and commercialization of biological drugs aimed at treating life-threatening diseases, particularly cancers. Their product pipeline includes recombinant protein-based prodrugs designed for activation by matrix metalloproteinases associated with solid tumors.

Pyxis Oncology, established in 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of antibody therapeutics for cancer treatment. The company focuses on promoting the body's immune response to cancer by analyzing tumor antigen-specific tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) within hot tumors and tumor cell signaling pathways within cold tumors. Pyxis aims to create novel antibody-based immunotherapies to directly kill tumor cells and address underlying pathologies that enable cancer proliferation and immune evasion, with the goal of improving patient outcomes for difficult-to-treat cancers.

Acepodia is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cell therapies for cancer treatment. Utilizing its proprietary Antibody-Cell Conjugation (ACC) platform, Acepodia creates first-in-class therapies by directly attaching tumor-targeting antibodies to immune cell receptors. This method enhances the interaction between immune cells and cancer cells, resulting in highly specific and potent therapies without the need for genetic engineering. Acepodia is dedicated to advancing immunotherapeutic approaches in oncology, with a diverse pipeline targeting various cancer types. The company aims to make these effective treatments broadly accessible to patients.

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

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage drug development company based in Cardiff, California, that specializes in precision oncology focused on virus-associated malignancies. The company utilizes a viral activation therapy platform to develop treatments for cancers linked to the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and other virus-related diseases. Its lead investigational drug, nanatinostat, is being evaluated in combination with the antiviral valganciclovir as a potential oral therapy for EBV-positive lymphoma, including post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, plasmablastic lymphoma, and angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma. Viracta is also exploring the application of this approach to other EBV-associated conditions, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and gastric carcinoma. Founded in 2007 and rebranded from HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals in 2015, Viracta Therapeutics is actively conducting multiple clinical trials to advance its therapeutic candidates.

Butterfly Network develops innovative medical imaging devices designed to enhance point-of-care ultrasound programs in hospitals and healthcare organizations. Founded in 2011 and based in Guilford, Connecticut, the company has created the first handheld, single-probe whole-body ultrasound system, utilizing its patented Ultrasound-on-Chip technology. This compact device enables healthcare professionals to perform diagnostic imaging across various medical fields, including cardiology, urology, and obstetrics, all while integrating seamlessly into clinical workflows through mobile applications. Butterfly Network aims to democratize access to medical imaging, particularly for the 4.7 billion individuals globally who currently lack access to ultrasound, thereby promoting early detection and remote management of health conditions.

Reverie Labs is a Boston-based company focused on improving drug development processes for pharmaceutical firms through advanced machine learning techniques. The company utilizes these algorithms to predict the bio physicochemical properties of drug candidates, thereby accelerating preclinical development. Reverie Labs specializes in lead generation and optimization by creating structure-based predictive models that assess the potency of small molecules. It also offers a multi-objective molecular optimizer that generates new molecules while ensuring they maintain both potency and synthesizability. This approach allows for the prioritization and optimization of drug candidates, facilitating their progression to animal and human clinical trials more efficiently.

Senti Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in synthetic biology and gene circuit engineering for therapeutic purposes. The company employs its Gene Circuits platform to develop innovative therapies that enhance precision in targeting cancer cells while avoiding damage to healthy cells. Senti Bio's approach involves the use of allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cells that incorporate its gene circuit technologies, aimed at addressing various oncology indications. Among its product candidates are SENTI-202, a Logic Gated off-the-shelf CAR-NK cell therapy designed to selectively eliminate cancer cells without harming healthy bone marrow, and SENTI-301A, which targets hepatocellular carcinoma. Senti Biosciences aims to provide effective treatment options for difficult-to-treat diseases through advanced cell and gene therapies.

Aro Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, focused on developing a novel protein drug platform known as Centyrins. Established in 2017, the company aims to enhance treatment options for oncology and immunology by creating small, non-antibody protein scaffolds. These Centyrins can be engineered as multi-specific therapeutics, enabling innovative mechanisms of action. They are designed to improve efficacy and safety profiles for patients suffering from cancer and other serious diseases, while also facilitating the targeted delivery of complex drug payloads, including nucleic acids. Aro Biotherapeutics is committed to advancing its wholly-owned pipeline of Centyrins, contributing to the field of genetic medicines.

Eledon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Irvine, California, specializing in the development of innovative treatments for patients with disorders of the ear, nose, and throat, as well as for those undergoing organ or cellular transplantation and individuals with autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. The company’s lead product, OP0201, is a surfactant-based nasal aerosol designed for patients at risk for or suffering from otitis media. Additionally, Eledon has developed a foam-based drug delivery technology, OP0101 and OP0102, aimed at delivering medications to the ear, nose, and sinus cavities. The company also focuses on the CD40L pathway, with its main compound in development, tegoprubart, being an IgG1 anti-CD40L antibody that shows promise for treating autoimmune diseases and supporting organ transplants. Eledon Pharmaceuticals was formerly known as Novus Therapeutics, Inc. before its rebranding in January 2021.

ESSA Pharma Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in Vancouver, Canada, specializing in the development of innovative therapies for prostate cancer. Founded in 2009, the company is currently focusing on EPI-7386, an oral drug candidate undergoing Phase I clinical trials aimed at treating patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. ESSA's approach targets the N-terminal domain of the androgen receptor, a critical component for the growth and survival of most prostate cancer cells. By selectively blocking this domain, ESSA aims to advance the next generation of hormone therapies for patients battling advanced prostate cancer.

4D Molecular Therapeutics is a clinical-stage gene therapy company based in Emeryville, California, that specializes in developing innovative gene therapy products to address unmet medical needs. The company utilizes targeted and evolved adeno-associated virus vectors to create a diverse portfolio of product candidates focused on ophthalmology, cardiology, and pulmonology. Among its key projects are 4D-125, currently in a Phase I/II clinical trial for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa; 4D-110, in a Phase I clinical trial for choroideremia; and 4D-310, also in a Phase I/II trial for Fabry disease. Additionally, 4D Molecular Therapeutics is advancing investigational new drug candidates such as 4D-150 for wet age-related macular degeneration and 4D-710 for cystic fibrosis lung disease. Founded in 2013, the company is dedicated to transforming the treatment landscape in these therapeutic areas.

TwinStrand Biosciences specializes in advanced DNA sequencing technologies, significantly enhancing the accuracy of mutation detection beyond conventional methods. Their proprietary Duplex Sequencing technology enables the identification of mutations that are often undetectable by standard approaches, making it valuable in various fields such as oncology, infectious disease, organ transplantation, reproductive and genetic health, and forensics. The company is dedicated to improving diagnostic capabilities and advancing research through its innovative sequencing solutions. TwinStrand is also involved in biopharmaceutical development, focusing on the discovery and commercialization of biological drugs aimed at treating life-threatening diseases, particularly cancers. Their product pipeline includes recombinant protein-based prodrugs designed for activation by matrix metalloproteinases associated with solid tumors.

Harpoon Therapeutics is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company focused on developing innovative T cell engagers to harness the body's immune system for treating cancer and other diseases. Utilizing its proprietary TriTAC platform, the company is working on a pipeline of engineered proteins designed to direct T cells to target and eliminate specific cancer cells. The lead product candidate, HPN424, is currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Additionally, Harpoon is developing HPN536, which is in Phase I/IIa trials for ovarian cancer and other tumors expressing MSLN, as well as HPN217 for multiple myeloma and HPN328 for small cell lung cancer. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, Harpoon Therapeutics has established a collaboration agreement with AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd to further its research efforts.

4D Molecular Therapeutics is a clinical-stage gene therapy company based in Emeryville, California, that specializes in developing innovative gene therapy products to address unmet medical needs. The company utilizes targeted and evolved adeno-associated virus vectors to create a diverse portfolio of product candidates focused on ophthalmology, cardiology, and pulmonology. Among its key projects are 4D-125, currently in a Phase I/II clinical trial for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa; 4D-110, in a Phase I clinical trial for choroideremia; and 4D-310, also in a Phase I/II trial for Fabry disease. Additionally, 4D Molecular Therapeutics is advancing investigational new drug candidates such as 4D-150 for wet age-related macular degeneration and 4D-710 for cystic fibrosis lung disease. Founded in 2013, the company is dedicated to transforming the treatment landscape in these therapeutic areas.

Precision BioSciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on genome editing, headquartered in Durham, North Carolina. The company utilizes its proprietary ARCUS technology to develop therapeutic products aimed at treating human diseases and improving food and agricultural solutions. Precision BioSciences operates through two segments: Therapeutic and Food. The Therapeutic segment is particularly dedicated to advancing allogeneic CAR T immunotherapies for cancer treatment, including candidates like PBCAR0191 and PBCAR20A, which target specific tumor antigens. The company is also involved in in vivo gene correction and is exploring treatments for conditions such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Additionally, the Food segment develops innovative nutrition products. Precision BioSciences has formed strategic collaborations, including agreements with Shire Plc and Gilead Sciences, to enhance its research and development capabilities. Founded in 2006, the company aims to harness its next-generation gene editing technology to address pressing health challenges.

Selecta Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing nanoparticle immunomodulatory drugs for the treatment and prevention of human diseases. The company's proprietary platform utilizes advances in immunobiology and nanotechnology to create targeted immunomodulatory nanoparticles. Selecta's lead product, SEL-212, has successfully completed Phase II clinical trials for chronic refractory gout. Additionally, the company is advancing gene therapy candidates in preclinical development for rare metabolic disorders, including SEL-302 for methylmalonic acidemia and SEL-313 for ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Selecta Biosciences has established collaborations with various organizations, including Spark Therapeutics and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to enhance its research and development capabilities.

Adaptimmune Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Abingdon, United Kingdom, founded in 2007. The company specializes in developing T cell therapies aimed at treating cancer, human immunodeficiency virus, and infectious diseases. Adaptimmune employs a proprietary platform that allows it to identify cancer targets, engineer T-cell receptors, and produce therapeutic candidates for patient administration. Its innovative approach strengthens patient T cell responses through the use of affinity T cell receptor proteins to target and eliminate cancerous or infected cells. The company’s therapeutic programs include MAGE-A4 SPEAR T-cell therapy, NY-ESO SPEAR T-cell therapy, and CD70, among others, addressing various cancer types.

Bellicum Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Houston, Texas, focused on developing innovative cellular immunotherapies for the treatment of hematological cancers and solid tumors. The company is advancing its product candidates, including BPX-601, an autologous GoCAR-T therapy aimed at solid tumors expressing prostate stem cell antigen, and BPX-603, a dual-switch GoCAR-T therapy targeting solid tumors that express human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Bellicum utilizes its proprietary Chemical Induction of Dimerization technology platform, which allows for real-time control of immune system components to enhance therapeutic efficacy. The company collaborates with various institutions, including Adaptimmune Therapeutics and Baylor College of Medicine, to further its research and development efforts. Founded in 2004, Bellicum Pharmaceuticals continues to make strides in cancer treatment through its novel immunotherapeutic approaches.

Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. is a Toronto-based biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies derived from cancer stem cell research. As the only public entity in Canada dedicated to this field, the company leverages over 50 years of pioneering research in stem cells, collaborating with prominent academic institutions and oncology treatment centers in Toronto, a renowned hub for cancer research. In addition to its cancer initiatives, the company is also involved in creating drug-based therapies aimed at treating central nervous system diseases. These therapies stimulate a patient's own resident stem cells to facilitate the repair of neurological functions impaired by conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis, aiming to restore health in patients suffering from various neurodegenerative disorders.

Microbia an industrial biotechnology company, engages in the development, production, and commercialization of specialty ingredients and biomaterials utilizing fermentation technology. Its products include carotenoids, specialty ingredients, biopolymers, and other biomaterials. The company has a strategic alliance with Tate & Lyle Investments, Ltd. to develop and commercialize fermentation-derived renewable ingredients.

Alveolus specializes in non-vascular interventional stenting technology aimed at providing innovative solutions for pulmonary and gastrointestinal applications, as well as ancillary products. The company develops advanced stents that create artificial pathways and support structures for hollow organs that have become obstructed due to cancerous lesions or benign conditions. By offering these technologies, Alveolus enhances the capabilities of interventional pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, and radiologists, facilitating improved treatment options for patients facing these medical challenges.