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) cell therapies for treating various cancers and autoimmune diseases. Unlike T-cell therapies, NK cells have an inherent ability to recognize and destroy abnormal cells without genetic alteration, offering promise for diverse tumor types with potentially better tolerated side effects. Nkarta's approach involves leveraging its NK expansion platform technology alongside proprietary cell engineering techniques to generate a substantial supply of enhanced NK cells that can persistently target and eliminate cancer cells.

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 biotechnology company focused on developing off-the-shelf hematopoietic stem cell therapies aimed at treating life-threatening blood, bone marrow, immune, and metabolic diseases. The company is dedicated to eliminating the reliance on donor or patient cells for blood stem cell transplants. Utilizing advanced technologies, including zebrafish, mice, and human-induced pluripotent stem cells, Garuda Therapeutics conducts research to clone and analyze novel genes and mechanisms critical for blood formation. This innovative approach is designed to provide patients with consistent, durable, and HLA-compatible transgene-free blood stem cell therapies, offering rapid and broad access to life-saving treatments.

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, established in 2015 and based in Bellevue, Washington, specializes in advancing DNA sequencing technology. The company's core innovation, Duplex Sequencing, enhances sequencing accuracy by over 10,000 times, enabling the detection of previously invisible mutations. This breakthrough technology has wide-ranging applications, including oncology, infectious disease diagnosis, organ transplant monitoring, genetic health, and forensics.

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, first-in-class cell therapies for cancer treatment. The company utilizes its proprietary Antibody-Cell Conjugation (ACC) platform technology to attach tumor-targeting antibodies directly to immune cell receptors, enhancing the interaction between immune and cancer cells. This approach generates highly specific and potent cell therapies without requiring genetic engineering. Acepodia is dedicated to expanding its research, clinical development, and manufacturing capabilities to provide effective immunotherapeutic strategies against various types of cancer. The company maintains a broad pipeline portfolio, each targeting different cancer indications.

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, Inc. is a medical imaging company based in Guilford, Connecticut, that specializes in handheld ultrasound technology. Founded in 2011, the company has developed the world's first handheld, single-probe whole-body ultrasound system, known as Butterfly iQ, powered by its proprietary Ultrasound-on-Chip technology. This innovative device provides diagnostic imaging for various medical conditions affecting the cardiac, abdominal, urological, fetal, gynecological, and musculoskeletal systems. Butterfly Network aims to democratize access to medical imaging, particularly for the 4.7 billion people globally who lack access to ultrasound services. By integrating cloud-connected software with its ultrasound hardware, Butterfly enhances the clinical workflow, facilitating earlier detection and remote management of health conditions.

Reverie Labs is a Boston-based company focused on enhancing the drug development process through advanced machine learning techniques. The company specializes in predicting the biophysicochemical properties of drug candidates, which aids pharmaceutical companies in accelerating preclinical development. By utilizing structure-based predictive models, Reverie Labs assesses the potency of small molecules and employs a multi-objective molecular optimizer to design new compounds that balance potency and synthesizability. This innovative approach allows for the prioritization and optimization of molecules, facilitating their progression to animal and human clinical trials in a more efficient manner. Through its computational platform, Reverie Labs aims to streamline the drug design pipeline, ultimately improving the identification of viable drug candidates.

Senti Bio, established in 2016 and headquartered in South San Francisco, specializes in synthetic biotechnology for therapeutic development. The company's core focus is engineering gene circuits, a platform technology that enables precise control over cellular behavior. Senti Bio's innovative approach allows for the creation of therapies with enhanced specificity and control, particularly in oncology. Their product pipeline includes SENTI-202, a targeted cancer therapy using gene-engineered allogeneic CAR-NK cells designed to eliminate cancer cells while sparing healthy bone marrow, and SENTI-301A for treating hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aro Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, focused on developing a novel protein drug platform known as Centyrins. These small, non-antibody protein scaffolds are designed to enhance treatment efficacy and safety for patients with cancer and other serious diseases. Aro Biotherapeutics has established a wholly-owned pipeline of Centyrins targeted at oncology and immunology applications. The unique structure of Centyrins allows for multi-specificity and the targeted delivery of complex drug payloads, including nucleic acids, which may aid in advancing therapeutic mechanisms and unlocking the potential of genetic medicines. Established in 2017, the company aims to innovate treatments that improve patient outcomes in challenging medical conditions.

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, established in 2009. The company is dedicated to developing innovative therapies for prostate cancer, particularly advanced stages of the disease. Its lead product candidate, EPI-7386, is an oral medication currently undergoing a Phase I clinical study aimed at treating patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. ESSA's research focuses on small molecule drugs that selectively inhibit the N-terminal domain of the androgen receptor, a critical component for the growth and survival of prostate cancer cells. This strategic targeting represents a promising avenue for next-generation hormone therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer.

4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage gene therapy company based in Emeryville, California, focused on developing innovative gene therapies for unmet medical needs. The company utilizes targeted and evolved adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to create its product candidates, which are concentrated in the therapeutic areas of ophthalmology, cardiology, and pulmonology. Key candidates in its portfolio include 4D-125, currently in a Phase I/II trial for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, and 4D-110, undergoing Phase I trials for choroideremia. Additionally, 4D-310 is in Phase I/II trials for Fabry disease, while investigational drugs 4D-150 and 4D-710 are being developed for wet age-related macular degeneration and cystic fibrosis lung disease, respectively. Founded in 2013, 4D Molecular Therapeutics aims to advance its gene therapies to address significant health challenges.

TwinStrand Biosciences, established in 2015 and based in Bellevue, Washington, specializes in advancing DNA sequencing technology. The company's core innovation, Duplex Sequencing, enhances sequencing accuracy by over 10,000 times, enabling the detection of previously invisible mutations. This breakthrough technology has wide-ranging applications, including oncology, infectious disease diagnosis, organ transplant monitoring, genetic health, and forensics.

Harpoon Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing a novel class of T cell engagers to harness the body's immune system for treating cancer and other diseases. The company utilizes its proprietary TriTAC (Tri-specific T cell Activating Construct) platform to create engineered proteins that direct T cells to target and kill cells expressing specific antigens. Harpoon's lead product candidate, HPN424, is currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Additionally, the company is advancing other candidates, including HPN536, which is in Phase I/IIa trials for ovarian cancer and MSLN-expressing tumors, as well as HPN217 for multiple myeloma and HPN328 for small cell lung cancer. Harpoon Therapeutics was founded in 2015 and is committed to addressing unmet medical needs in oncology through innovative therapies.

4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage gene therapy company based in Emeryville, California, focused on developing innovative gene therapies for unmet medical needs. The company utilizes targeted and evolved adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to create its product candidates, which are concentrated in the therapeutic areas of ophthalmology, cardiology, and pulmonology. Key candidates in its portfolio include 4D-125, currently in a Phase I/II trial for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, and 4D-110, undergoing Phase I trials for choroideremia. Additionally, 4D-310 is in Phase I/II trials for Fabry disease, while investigational drugs 4D-150 and 4D-710 are being developed for wet age-related macular degeneration and cystic fibrosis lung disease, respectively. Founded in 2013, 4D Molecular Therapeutics aims to advance its gene therapies to address significant health challenges.

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, established in 2008, is a UK-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in novel cell therapies for solid tumor patients. Its core technology, the Specific Peptide Enhanced Affinity Receptor (SPEAR) T-cell platform, enables the identification of cancer targets and the development of affinity-enhanced T-cell receptors. Adaptimmune's pipeline includes several SPEAR T-cell therapies in phase I clinical trials, targeting various solid tumors such as urothelial, melanoma, and non-small cell lung cancer. The company has strategic collaborations with GSK, Noile-Immune Biotech, and Universal Cells, Inc. to advance its T-cell therapies.

Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Houston, Texas, dedicated to the development of novel cellular immunotherapies for treating various cancers, including hematological malignancies and solid tumors. The company is advancing its innovative product candidates, notably BPX-601, an autologous GoCAR-T therapy targeting solid tumors that express prostate stem cell antigen, and BPX-603, a dual-switch GoCAR-T therapy aimed at tumors expressing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Bellicum utilizes its proprietary Chemical Induction of Dimerization technology platform, which allows for real-time control over immune system components, enhancing the efficacy and duration of therapeutic responses. Founded in 2004, Bellicum Pharmaceuticals has established collaborations with several organizations to further its research and development efforts in immunotherapy.

Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. is a Toronto-based biopharmaceutical development company focused on advancing cancer stem cell research into innovative therapies for cancer treatment. As Canada's only public company dedicated to this field, it leverages over fifty years of pioneering stem cell research and collaborates with leading academic institutions and oncology treatment centers in Toronto, a prominent hub for cancer research. Additionally, the company develops drug-based therapies aimed at treating central nervous system diseases. These therapies stimulate the patient's own resident stem cells to repair neurological functions impaired by conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis, ultimately providing potential cures for various nervous system 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 is a pioneering company specializing in non-vascular interventional stenting technology, focusing on the development of advanced stents for pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and related medical applications. Its innovative technology aims to create artificial pathways and support structures in hollow lumen organs that have become obstructed or closed due to cancerous lesions or benign diseases. By providing healthcare professionals, such as interventional pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, and radiologists, with effective tools, Alveolus enhances treatment options for patients facing these medical challenges. The company's products address significant needs in interventional medicine, promoting improved patient outcomes through cutting-edge solutions.