Samsara BioCapital

Samsara BioCapital LLC is a principal investment firm established in 2016 and located in Palo Alto, California. The company specializes in providing investment advisory services aimed at supporting biotechnology firms and entrepreneurs in transforming their ideas into successful ventures. It focuses on sectors such as healthcare, life sciences, oncology, and digital health, emphasizing innovation in the development of new therapies. Samsara BioCapital actively seeks to partner with ambitious and visionary companies, fostering collaboration to advance significant advancements in biotechnology.

Srinivas Akkaraju

Founder and Managing Partner

Srini Akkaraju

Founder and Managing Partner

Aditya Asokan Ph.D

Senior Associate

Robert Baffi

Venture Partner

Abraham Bassan

Principal and Vice President

Abe Bassan

Principal

Mike Dybbs

Partner

Cory Freedland

Partner

Donald McCarthy

Principal

Donnie McCarthy

Principal

Marcos Milla

Venture Partner

Gunaretnam Rajagopal

Venture Partner

Steve Shuttleworth

Venture Partner

Roger Zhang Ph.D

Senior Associate

David Parry

Venture Partner

Past deals in Massachussets

Abcuro

Series C in 2025
Abcuro, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for the treatment of autoimmunity and cancer. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts, Abcuro specializes in creating therapeutic antibodies that target novel pathways in these diseases. The company employs advanced bioinformatics to analyze transcription data from human diseases, enabling them to identify new therapeutic targets within the immune system. By leveraging clinical insights and systematic target validation, Abcuro aims to develop immune-modulatory biotherapeutics that provide innovative treatment options for patients suffering from autoimmune disorders and cancer.

Normunity

Series B in 2025
Normunity is a biotechnology company focused on developing a new class of precision immuno-oncology medicines known as immune normalizers. These innovative therapies aim to restore the body's natural immune response against cancer by targeting novel mechanisms that disrupt immune function. Normunity collaborates closely with the lab of Dr. Lieping Chen at Yale School of Medicine, leveraging proprietary discovery platforms to explore complex interactions between cancer and the immune system. The company's emerging pipeline includes drug programs designed to address the exclusion of T-cells from immune-sensitive tumors and other factors that impede normal immune activity in cancer patients. Normunity operates from locations in Boston, Massachusetts, and West Haven, Connecticut.

Elektrofi

Series C in 2024
Elektrofi is a preclinical-stage company based in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on revolutionizing drug delivery to enhance patient experiences. Founded in 2016, Elektrofi specializes in a formulation system capable of processing a broad spectrum of therapeutic molecules, including large and complex proteins such as monoclonal antibodies, bispecifics, and fusion proteins. The company's technology aims to improve subcutaneous administration, enabling drug manufacturers to create innovative therapies that offer patients greater control over how they receive life-changing medicines.

Eliem Therapeutics

Post in 2024
Eliem Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing therapeutic drugs for hyperexcitability disorders affecting the nervous system. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on creating innovative treatments for conditions such as chronic pain, depression, epilepsy, and anxiety, which significantly impact millions of individuals. Eliem utilizes its expertise in neuroscience and translational medicine to advance a promising pipeline of drug candidates, including its lead candidate, ETX-155, aimed at addressing major depressive disorder and focal onset seizures. The company's mission centers on meeting unmet medical needs and improving patients' quality of life through its novel therapies.

Leap Therapeutics

Post in 2024
Leap Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the development of targeted and immuno-oncology therapies for cancer treatment. Founded in 2011 and previously known as HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, the company focuses on identifying and developing molecules that inhibit tumor-promoting pathways and activate the immune system against cancer cells. Its lead program, DKN-01, is a monoclonal antibody targeting Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) and is currently undergoing clinical trials for various cancers, including esophagogastric and gynecologic cancers. Additionally, Leap Therapeutics is advancing its second program, FL-301, which targets Claudin18.2-expressing cells, along with two preclinical antibody programs, FL-302 and FL-501, aimed at developing transformative treatments for cancer.

Abcuro

Series B in 2023
Abcuro, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for the treatment of autoimmunity and cancer. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts, Abcuro specializes in creating therapeutic antibodies that target novel pathways in these diseases. The company employs advanced bioinformatics to analyze transcription data from human diseases, enabling them to identify new therapeutic targets within the immune system. By leveraging clinical insights and systematic target validation, Abcuro aims to develop immune-modulatory biotherapeutics that provide innovative treatment options for patients suffering from autoimmune disorders and cancer.

ElevateBio

Series D in 2023
ElevateBio, LLC is a holding company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2017. It focuses on developing cell and gene therapies for the treatment of cancer and viral infections. The company operates a portfolio of subsidiaries that aim to manufacture and commercialize innovative medicines. ElevateBio collaborates with leading scientists and inventors to create a robust portfolio of therapeutic solutions. Additionally, it has established a centralized facility designed to streamline the translation of cell and gene therapy research into viable medical products, ensuring that patients have access to treatments for severe diseases in a timely manner.

Scholar Rock

Post in 2022
Scholar Rock, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the discovery and development of biologic therapies that selectively target dysregulated growth factors within disease microenvironments. The company's innovative approach focuses on modulating supracellular activation to address serious diseases, including fibrosis, musculoskeletal disorders, immuno-oncology, and autoimmune diseases. Scholar Rock's lead product candidate, SRK-015, is a first-in-class inhibitor designed to target the activation of the growth factor myostatin in skeletal muscle, specifically for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. The company is advancing this candidate through clinical development while also leveraging its proprietary platform to create a pipeline of additional product candidates aimed at transforming treatment for various serious conditions, including other neuromuscular disorders, cancer, and anemia.

Dewpoint Therapeutics

Series C in 2022
Dewpoint Therapeutics, Inc. is a Boston-based biotech company focused on the research and development of biomolecular condensates, aiming to create innovative treatments for a range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, immunological conditions, cardiovascular issues, women's health, and viral infections. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes a proprietary platform that combines experimental techniques with machine-learning-based image analysis to visualize and study biomolecular condensates. This technology includes a collection of genetically engineered cell lines designed to track condensates and mitigate harmful protein sequestration. By leveraging its advanced capabilities, Dewpoint Therapeutics seeks to address unmet medical needs and enhance drug discovery across multiple therapeutic areas, collaborating with leading academic and pharmaceutical partners to further its mission.

Exo Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Exo Therapeutics, Inc. is a drug discovery and development company focused on addressing challenging pharmaceutical targets. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its proprietary ExoSight platform to create a pipeline of drug candidates that target exosites, which are unique and distal binding pockets on enzymes. This innovative approach aims to reprogram enzyme activity, leading to precise and effective therapeutic outcomes, particularly in oncology and inflammation, while also minimizing potential side effects for patients. Exo Therapeutics is committed to unlocking breakthrough therapeutics through its team of experienced researchers and a deep understanding of complex disease mechanisms.

HilleVax

Venture Round in 2021
HilleVax is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2021. The company specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative vaccines. Its primary focus is on HIL-214, a virus-like particle (VLP) based vaccine candidate aimed at preventing moderate-to-severe acute gastroenteritis (AGE) caused by norovirus infection. HilleVax is dedicated to addressing significant public health challenges through its vaccine initiatives.

Tango Therapeutics

Post in 2021
Tango Therapeutics, Inc., established in 2014 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies. The company employs the genetic principle of synthetic lethality to identify and target driver genes in cancer cells. Tango Therapeutics concentrates its efforts on three key areas: counteracting tumor suppressor gene loss, reversing immune evasion by cancer cells, and discovering novel drug combinations for enhanced efficacy. Its pipeline includes TNG908, a precision therapy targeting MTAP-deleted cancers, and several other discovery programs aimed at various cancer types with limited treatment options.

ElevateBio

Series C in 2021
ElevateBio, LLC is a holding company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2017. It focuses on developing cell and gene therapies for the treatment of cancer and viral infections. The company operates a portfolio of subsidiaries that aim to manufacture and commercialize innovative medicines. ElevateBio collaborates with leading scientists and inventors to create a robust portfolio of therapeutic solutions. Additionally, it has established a centralized facility designed to streamline the translation of cell and gene therapy research into viable medical products, ensuring that patients have access to treatments for severe diseases in a timely manner.

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.

Abcuro

Series A in 2021
Abcuro, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for the treatment of autoimmunity and cancer. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts, Abcuro specializes in creating therapeutic antibodies that target novel pathways in these diseases. The company employs advanced bioinformatics to analyze transcription data from human diseases, enabling them to identify new therapeutic targets within the immune system. By leveraging clinical insights and systematic target validation, Abcuro aims to develop immune-modulatory biotherapeutics that provide innovative treatment options for patients suffering from autoimmune disorders and cancer.

Dewpoint Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Dewpoint Therapeutics, Inc. is a Boston-based biotech company focused on the research and development of biomolecular condensates, aiming to create innovative treatments for a range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, immunological conditions, cardiovascular issues, women's health, and viral infections. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes a proprietary platform that combines experimental techniques with machine-learning-based image analysis to visualize and study biomolecular condensates. This technology includes a collection of genetically engineered cell lines designed to track condensates and mitigate harmful protein sequestration. By leveraging its advanced capabilities, Dewpoint Therapeutics seeks to address unmet medical needs and enhance drug discovery across multiple therapeutic areas, collaborating with leading academic and pharmaceutical partners to further its mission.

Fulcrum Therapeutics

Post in 2020
Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing novel therapies for patients with genetically defined diseases that have significant unmet medical needs. The company's lead product candidate, losmapimod, is a small molecule currently undergoing Phase 2b clinical trials for the treatment of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, a rare condition characterized by progressive muscle wasting and disability. Another key candidate, FTX-6058, aims to upregulate fetal hemoglobin to treat sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. Fulcrum is also actively researching drug targets for other genetic disorders, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Friedreich ataxia, as well as neurological and pulmonary diseases. The company has established collaborations with Acceleron Pharma to explore biological targets in pulmonary disease and with MyoKardia to develop therapies for genetic cardiomyopathies. Founded in 2015, Fulcrum Therapeutics continues to focus on improving patient outcomes in rare disease contexts.

ElevateBio

Series B in 2020
ElevateBio, LLC is a holding company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2017. It focuses on developing cell and gene therapies for the treatment of cancer and viral infections. The company operates a portfolio of subsidiaries that aim to manufacture and commercialize innovative medicines. ElevateBio collaborates with leading scientists and inventors to create a robust portfolio of therapeutic solutions. Additionally, it has established a centralized facility designed to streamline the translation of cell and gene therapy research into viable medical products, ensuring that patients have access to treatments for severe diseases in a timely manner.

Forma Therapeutics

Series D in 2019
Forma Therapeutics, headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics for rare hematologic diseases and various cancers. The company is advancing several key product candidates, including FT-4202, currently in Phase 1 trials for sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies, and FT-7051, targeting metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Additionally, Forma is developing FT-2102, a selective small molecule designed to inhibit mutated IDH1 enzymes, which is being evaluated in Phase 2 trials for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia and in exploratory trials for glioma. Other candidates include FT-4101 and FT-8225, selective inhibitors of fatty acid synthase. The firm integrates advanced drug discovery technologies with deep oncology expertise to address challenging targets, contributing to a robust pipeline aimed at transforming patient outcomes in oncology.

Pieris Pharmaceuticals

Post in 2019
Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on the development of anticalin-based therapeutics for treating various medical conditions, including cancer and severe asthma. Anticalins are engineered proteins derived from lipocalins, naturally occurring human proteins that can bind and transport a variety of molecules. The company's lead programs include PRS-060, a drug candidate in Phase I clinical trials targeting IL-4Ra for asthma and inflammatory diseases, and PRS-343, a bispecific protein in Phase I trials for oncology. Pieris is also advancing PRS-344, a bispecific anticalin-antibody fusion protein in preclinical development, and PRS-080, currently in Phase IIa trials for targeting hepcidin in patients with functional iron deficiency. Pieris collaborates with strategic partners and research institutions to enhance its development efforts, showcasing a robust pipeline aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs. The company was founded in 2000 and is recognized for its innovative approach in biotherapeutics.

AlloVir

Series B in 2019
AlloVir, Inc. is a clinical-stage cell therapy company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the research and development of allogeneic, off-the-shelf multi-virus specific T cell (VST) therapies aimed at preventing and treating serious viral-associated diseases. The company's lead product, Viralym-M, targets multiple viruses including BK virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and human herpesvirus 6. Additionally, AlloVir is advancing several product candidates through preclinical and clinical stages, such as ALVR106 for respiratory syncytial virus and influenza, ALVR109 for SARS-CoV-2, ALVR107 for hepatitis B, and ALVR108 for human herpesvirus-8. The company, originally founded in 2013 as ViraCyte, Inc., rebranded to AlloVir in May 2019 and is committed to addressing the urgent medical needs of patients with limited treatment options for viral diseases.

ElevateBio

Series A in 2019
ElevateBio, LLC is a holding company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2017. It focuses on developing cell and gene therapies for the treatment of cancer and viral infections. The company operates a portfolio of subsidiaries that aim to manufacture and commercialize innovative medicines. ElevateBio collaborates with leading scientists and inventors to create a robust portfolio of therapeutic solutions. Additionally, it has established a centralized facility designed to streamline the translation of cell and gene therapy research into viable medical products, ensuring that patients have access to treatments for severe diseases in a timely manner.

Dewpoint Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Dewpoint Therapeutics, Inc. is a Boston-based biotech company focused on the research and development of biomolecular condensates, aiming to create innovative treatments for a range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, immunological conditions, cardiovascular issues, women's health, and viral infections. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes a proprietary platform that combines experimental techniques with machine-learning-based image analysis to visualize and study biomolecular condensates. This technology includes a collection of genetically engineered cell lines designed to track condensates and mitigate harmful protein sequestration. By leveraging its advanced capabilities, Dewpoint Therapeutics seeks to address unmet medical needs and enhance drug discovery across multiple therapeutic areas, collaborating with leading academic and pharmaceutical partners to further its mission.
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