Ikena Oncology
Post in 2024
Ikena Oncology, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing biomarker-driven therapies for cancer treatment. It specializes in precision oncology by targeting pathways essential for cancer growth and therapeutic resistance, particularly within the Hippo and RAS signaling networks. The company's portfolio includes several preclinical and discovery-stage programs, such as IK-007, an EP4 receptor antagonist; IK-175, an AHR antagonist; and IK-412, a kynurenine-degrading enzyme. Additionally, Ikena is developing IK-930, an oral small-molecule inhibitor of the TEAD transcription factor involved in the Hippo pathway. Ikena Oncology, originally founded as Kyn Therapeutics in 2016, rebranded in December 2019 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The company aims to address significant medical needs in oncology through innovative drug development.
Neurogene Inc., established in 2018 and headquartered in New York, specializes in developing genetic medicines for treating neurological disorders. The company focuses on utilizing adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to deliver therapeutic genes for conditions such as Charcot-Marie Tooth disease type 4J (CMT4J), Aspartylglucosaminuria (AGU), and an undisclosed Lysosomal Storage Disease (LSD). Neurogene aims to provide effective treatment options where none currently exist, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients and families affected by these rare neurological disorders.
Santa Ana Bio
Series B in 2024
Santa Ana Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. By utilizing advanced technologies such as deep cell profiling, single-cell genomics, and multi-omics platforms, the company designs targeted biologics that aim to provide effective and personalized treatment options. Through its innovative approach, Santa Ana Bio seeks to enhance patient outcomes and improve quality of life for those affected by autoimmune conditions.
Avidity Biosciences
Post in 2024
Avidity Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing oligonucleotide-based therapies known as antibody oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs). These innovative therapies aim to address the limitations of traditional oligonucleotide treatments by combining the tissue selectivity of monoclonal antibodies with the precision of oligonucleotide therapies. This approach allows Avidity to target previously undruggable tissue and cell types, thereby addressing the underlying genetic drivers of various diseases. The company's lead product candidate, AOC 1001, is designed to treat myotonic dystrophy type 1, a rare muscle disease. Additionally, Avidity is advancing multiple programs aimed at treating muscle-related conditions such as muscle atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, and Pompe disease. Founded in 2012 and based in La Jolla, California, Avidity is also exploring therapeutic applications in immune and other cell types.
BioAge Labs
Series D in 2024
BioAge Labs, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies to address aging and age-related diseases. The company utilizes a systems biology and artificial intelligence platform to identify key drug targets that influence aging and analyze extensive datasets to uncover the molecular drivers of age-related conditions. BioAge Labs is advancing several drug candidates, including BGE-117, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor designed to activate genes involved in critical biological processes such as tissue regeneration and vascular remodeling. Additionally, BGE-175, an orally administered inhibitor of the prostaglandin D2 DP1 signaling pathway, aims to mitigate risks associated with immune aging and respiratory infections. Founded in 2015 and based in Richmond, California, BioAge Labs is committed to discovering and developing innovative treatments that harness the biology of human aging.
Taysha Gene Therapies
Post in 2023
Taysha Gene Therapies, Inc. is a gene therapy company based in Dallas, Texas, established in 2019, focused on developing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies for monogenic diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The company’s product pipeline includes several therapies currently in development, such as TSHA-101 for GM2 gangliosidosis, TSHA-118 for CLN1 disease, TSHA-102 for Rett syndrome, TSHA-103 for SLC6A1 haploinsufficiency disorder, and TSHA-104 for Surfeit locus 1 deficiency. Taysha Gene Therapies aims to translate innovative treatments from research to clinical practice efficiently, leveraging a strategic partnership with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to enhance its development and commercialization capabilities. The company's mission is to create curative medicines that target both rare and prevalent CNS conditions, thereby addressing severe and life-threatening diseases.
Kyverna Therapeutics
Series B in 2023
Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. is a cell therapy company focused on developing innovative treatments and potential cures for serious autoimmune diseases. Founded in 2018 and based in Berkeley, California, Kyverna employs advanced T cell engineering and synthetic biology technologies to target and eliminate autoreactive immune cells, which are responsible for the inflammation associated with these diseases. By addressing the root causes of autoimmune conditions, Kyverna aims to provide more effective and lasting solutions for patients suffering from these challenging health issues.
22seventy bio is an immuno-oncology cell therapy company that discovers and develops cancer therapies. The company combines a deep knowledge of cancer cell biology and genetics with an understanding of the immune response to cancer to advance its pipeline. It was established in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2021.
Kyverna Therapeutics
Series B in 2022
Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. is a cell therapy company focused on developing innovative treatments and potential cures for serious autoimmune diseases. Founded in 2018 and based in Berkeley, California, Kyverna employs advanced T cell engineering and synthetic biology technologies to target and eliminate autoreactive immune cells, which are responsible for the inflammation associated with these diseases. By addressing the root causes of autoimmune conditions, Kyverna aims to provide more effective and lasting solutions for patients suffering from these challenging health issues.
Rocket Pharmaceuticals
Post in 2021
Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative gene therapies for rare and severe pediatric diseases. The company specializes in lentiviral vector and adeno-associated virus platforms to target genetic disorders. Its lead program focuses on treating Fanconi Anemia, a serious condition that leads to bone marrow failure. In addition to this, Rocket is actively researching therapies for several other bone marrow-derived disorders, including Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency-I, and Infantile Malignant Osteopetrosis. Furthermore, the company is developing an AAV-based gene therapy for Danon Disease, a multi-organ disorder associated with increased risk of cardiovascular complications. To advance its research, Rocket Pharmaceuticals maintains numerous collaborations and license agreements with prestigious institutions, enhancing its capabilities in gene therapy development. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.
Alcyone Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2021
Alcyone Therapeutics is focused on developing advanced neural intervention technologies aimed at treating neurological conditions. The company utilizes an innovative combination of micro-fabrication techniques and biomedical engineering to create precision genetic therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Its core product offerings target drug therapies and address conditions such as hydrocephalus, ultimately aiming to enhance treatment options for patients suffering from chronic neuropathological issues. By pioneering next-generation therapies, Alcyone Therapeutics seeks to overcome existing challenges in CNS therapy development and unlock new possibilities for effective treatment.
Monte Rosa Therapeutics
Series C in 2021
Monte Rosa Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapeutics that utilize molecular glue degraders (MGDs) to modulate protein degradation pathways. By leveraging the body's natural mechanisms for protein destruction, these small molecule drugs selectively target and degrade disease-causing proteins. The company employs its QuEEN platform, which combines artificial intelligence and proprietary experimental tools, to identify relevant proteins for degradation. With a diverse library of over 50,000 MGD molecules, Monte Rosa's lead candidate, MRT-2359, specifically targets the translation termination factor protein GSPT1, showing promise for treating MYC-driven tumors. The company aims to advance its pipeline of pioneering therapies for cancer and other diseases.
Encoded Therapeutics
Series D in 2020
Encoded Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in precision gene therapies aimed at treating a wide array of severe genetic disorders. Utilizing a unique platform, Encoded identifies sequences within the human genome that regulate gene expression through advanced screening and computational techniques. The company's therapy pipeline targets both genetic and acquired disorders across various disease pathways, including neurocircuitry, liver and metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular diseases. Founded in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, California, Encoded Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative solutions that enable medical practitioners to improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life.
Frequency Therapeutics
Post in 2020
Frequency Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Woburn, Massachusetts, that aims to repair or reverse damage from various degenerative diseases by utilizing the body’s own biological mechanisms. The company employs a Progenitor Cell Activation approach, which involves the use of small molecules to activate progenitor cells and promote the regeneration of functional tissue. Its leading product candidate, FX-322, is currently undergoing phase 2a clinical trials to address the underlying causes of sensorineural hearing loss. In addition to hearing loss, Frequency Therapeutics is also exploring treatments for a range of other conditions, including multiple sclerosis and diseases affecting muscle, the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and bone. The company has established a collaboration with Astellas Pharma for the development and commercialization of FX-322. Founded in 2014, Frequency Therapeutics focuses on disease modification without the complexities associated with genetic engineering.
Cogent Biosciences
Post in 2020
Cogent Biosciences is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases, aiming to treat the underlying causes and improve patient lives. The company employs proprietary T-cell engineering technology alongside tumor-targeting antibodies to harness the body's immune system against cancer. One of its key programs, CGT9486, is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor designed to inhibit specific mutations in KIT exon 17, which are associated with Systemic Mastocytosis and advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
Avidity Biosciences
Series C in 2019
Avidity Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing oligonucleotide-based therapies known as antibody oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs). These innovative therapies aim to address the limitations of traditional oligonucleotide treatments by combining the tissue selectivity of monoclonal antibodies with the precision of oligonucleotide therapies. This approach allows Avidity to target previously undruggable tissue and cell types, thereby addressing the underlying genetic drivers of various diseases. The company's lead product candidate, AOC 1001, is designed to treat myotonic dystrophy type 1, a rare muscle disease. Additionally, Avidity is advancing multiple programs aimed at treating muscle-related conditions such as muscle atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, and Pompe disease. Founded in 2012 and based in La Jolla, California, Avidity is also exploring therapeutic applications in immune and other cell types.
Frequency Therapeutics
Series C in 2019
Frequency Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Woburn, Massachusetts, that aims to repair or reverse damage from various degenerative diseases by utilizing the body’s own biological mechanisms. The company employs a Progenitor Cell Activation approach, which involves the use of small molecules to activate progenitor cells and promote the regeneration of functional tissue. Its leading product candidate, FX-322, is currently undergoing phase 2a clinical trials to address the underlying causes of sensorineural hearing loss. In addition to hearing loss, Frequency Therapeutics is also exploring treatments for a range of other conditions, including multiple sclerosis and diseases affecting muscle, the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and bone. The company has established a collaboration with Astellas Pharma for the development and commercialization of FX-322. Founded in 2014, Frequency Therapeutics focuses on disease modification without the complexities associated with genetic engineering.
Encoded Therapeutics
Series C in 2019
Encoded Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in precision gene therapies aimed at treating a wide array of severe genetic disorders. Utilizing a unique platform, Encoded identifies sequences within the human genome that regulate gene expression through advanced screening and computational techniques. The company's therapy pipeline targets both genetic and acquired disorders across various disease pathways, including neurocircuitry, liver and metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular diseases. Founded in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, California, Encoded Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative solutions that enable medical practitioners to improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life.
Stoke Therapeutics
Series B in 2018
Stoke Therapeutics, Inc. is an early-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, focused on developing novel antisense oligonucleotide medicines to address the underlying causes of severe genetic diseases. The company employs its proprietary TANGO (Targeted Augmentation of Nuclear Gene Output) technology to enhance gene expression by targeting RNA splicing, thereby selectively restoring protein levels. Its lead product candidate, STK-001, is currently in clinical testing for the treatment of Dravet syndrome, a serious and progressive genetic epilepsy. Established in 2014, Stoke Therapeutics also collaborates with Invitae Corporation to provide genetic testing services, further supporting its mission to advance gene-targeted therapies for patients with severe genetic conditions.
Orchard Therapeutics
Series C in 2018
Orchard Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in London, focused on developing innovative gene therapies for serious and life-threatening rare diseases. The company employs an autologous ex vivo gene therapy approach, which aims to modify a patient's hematopoietic stem cells to create a personalized treatment through a single administration. Orchard's product portfolio includes Strimvelis, the first gene therapy approved by the European Medicines Agency for adenosine deaminase-severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID). The company is advancing several clinical programs, including OTL-101 for ADA-SCID, OTL-200 for metachromatic leukodystrophy, OTL-103 for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, OTL-102 for X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, and OTL-300 for transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. Additionally, Orchard has a robust preclinical pipeline targeting various mucopolysaccharidosis types. Founded in 2015, Orchard Therapeutics collaborates with leading institutions in the field to enhance its research and development efforts.
Orchard Therapeutics
Series B in 2017
Orchard Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in London, focused on developing innovative gene therapies for serious and life-threatening rare diseases. The company employs an autologous ex vivo gene therapy approach, which aims to modify a patient's hematopoietic stem cells to create a personalized treatment through a single administration. Orchard's product portfolio includes Strimvelis, the first gene therapy approved by the European Medicines Agency for adenosine deaminase-severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID). The company is advancing several clinical programs, including OTL-101 for ADA-SCID, OTL-200 for metachromatic leukodystrophy, OTL-103 for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, OTL-102 for X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, and OTL-300 for transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. Additionally, Orchard has a robust preclinical pipeline targeting various mucopolysaccharidosis types. Founded in 2015, Orchard Therapeutics collaborates with leading institutions in the field to enhance its research and development efforts.
Solid Biosciences
Series C in 2017
Solid Biosciences Inc. is a life science company focused on developing therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic muscle-wasting disease primarily affecting boys. The company's lead product candidate, SGT-001, is a gene transfer therapy currently undergoing a Phase I/II clinical trial aimed at restoring functional dystrophin protein expression in patients' muscles. In addition to SGT-001, Solid Biosciences is advancing the Anti-LTBP4 program, which involves a monoclonal antibody designed to reduce fibrosis and inflammation by targeting the LTBP4 protein. The company also develops biomarkers and sensors, as well as the Solid Suit program, which focuses on creating wearable assistive devices with functional and therapeutic benefits. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Solid Biosciences has established a strategic collaboration with Ultragenyx to enhance gene therapy development for DMD. With no current cure for DMD, the company aims to provide innovative solutions for a condition that affects an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 cases in the United States.
AveXis, now known as Novartis Gene Therapies, is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing gene therapies aimed at treating rare and life-threatening neurological genetic disorders. Acquired by Novartis in 2018, the company specializes in motor neuron cell-targeted gene replacement therapies for conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy, Rett syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. By addressing these severe diseases, which often result in progressive muscle weakness, paralysis, and death, AveXis plays a crucial role in enhancing treatment options for affected patients and their families.
Regenxbio
Series D in 2015
Regenxbio Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing gene therapy products to address genetic disorders and enable cells to produce therapeutic proteins and antibodies. The company leverages its proprietary NAV Technology Platform, which utilizes adeno-associated virus vectors for gene delivery. Regenxbio's lead product candidate, RGX-314, is under investigation in a Phase I/IIa clinical trial for wet age-related macular degeneration. Other notable product candidates include RGX-121 and RGX-111, which are in clinical trials for mucopolysaccharidosis type II and I, respectively, as well as RGX-181 for late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type II, and RGX-501 for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Additionally, Regenxbio licenses its NAV Technology Platform to other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and collaborates with Neurimmune AG to develop vectorized antibodies for neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, the company was previously known as ReGenX Biosciences, LLC before rebranding in 2014.