Taiho Ventures

Normunity is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision immuno-oncology medicines, specifically a new class known as immune normalizers. These medicines aim to target novel mechanisms that enhance the body’s natural immune response against cancer. In collaboration with the lab of Dr. Lieping Chen at Yale School of Medicine, Normunity is researching newly-discovered mechanisms of immune disruption in cancer, utilizing proprietary discovery platforms to explore the intricate interactions between cancer and the immune system. The company is advancing a pipeline of immune normalizers, which includes initial drug programs designed to address the exclusion of T-cells from immune-sensitive tumors and other factors that impede normal immune function in cancer. Normunity operates from locations in Boston, Massachusetts, and West Haven, Connecticut.

Light Horse Therapeutics is the gene editing applied to small-molecule drug discovery, pioneering approaches to target the root causes of disabling and life-threatening diseases. Its advanced platform identifies cryptic chemically accessible functional domains within targets that are critical in disease biology. Our initial focus addresses high-value, historically challenging oncology targets with the opportunity to apply the technology to other therapeutic areas in the future.

Halda Therapeutics is a research-stage drug discovery company focused on developing next-generation precision medicines. The company utilizes a novel therapeutic modality aimed at creating treatments that can address various disease states. By modifying disease-causing pathways, Halda Therapeutics seeks to enable healthcare providers to offer tailored therapies to patients, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment based on individual patient needs.

LiberoThera provides drug discovery research and development services. It focuses on making drugs with GPCRs for membrane proteins. LiberoThera was founded in 2018 and is located in Tokyo.

Theolytics Limited is a clinical-stage biotechnology company founded in 2017 and based in Oxford, United Kingdom. The company specializes in developing oncolytic viral therapies to combat cancer, utilizing a phenotypic screening platform that facilitates the discovery and development of effective, targeted treatment candidates. These therapies are designed for intravenous delivery and tailored to specific patient populations, aiming to provide innovative care options. In addition to advancing its internal pipeline of programs that address both solid and liquid tumors, Theolytics is also focused on forming strategic partnerships to enhance and expedite its pipeline development.

Theolytics Limited is a clinical-stage biotechnology company founded in 2017 and based in Oxford, United Kingdom. The company specializes in developing oncolytic viral therapies to combat cancer, utilizing a phenotypic screening platform that facilitates the discovery and development of effective, targeted treatment candidates. These therapies are designed for intravenous delivery and tailored to specific patient populations, aiming to provide innovative care options. In addition to advancing its internal pipeline of programs that address both solid and liquid tumors, Theolytics is also focused on forming strategic partnerships to enhance and expedite its pipeline development.

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.

Anavo Therapeutics is pioneering the systematic drugging of phosphatases, a target area that has long been deemed undruggable. The company focuses on developing first-in-class therapeutic programs, particularly in oncology, leveraging its expertise in phosphatase-driven disease biology and drug discovery. Anavo aims to create a diverse pipeline of therapeutics across various indications by fostering strategic partnerships and collaborations. Through this innovative approach, Anavo seeks to unlock the potential of phosphatase-targeted allosteric modulators, advancing the field of targeted therapies in medicine.

Cellvie specializes in the development of cell-derived medicines that focus on mitochondrial transplantation to address various medical conditions related to mitochondrial dysfunction. Recognizing the critical role of mitochondria in energy production and cellular processes, the company employs proprietary techniques to prepare and deliver viable mitochondria directly into compromised cells. This innovative approach aims to restore energy metabolism in cells affected by conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. By targeting the detrimental effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury, which can lead to cell death, Cellvie's technology seeks to interrupt the cascade of cellular damage and enhance overall cell function.

STORM Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focused on discovering and developing small molecule drugs that target RNA-modifying enzymes for cancer treatment and other immune diseases. Founded in 2015 and formerly known as Iceni Therapeutics Limited, the company utilizes a drug discovery and RNA analytics platform to identify novel targets and first-in-class drug candidates. By modulating RNA-modifying enzymes, STORM Therapeutics aims to address a range of diseases, including oncology, inflammation, viral infections, and central nervous system disorders. The company's innovative approach seeks to provide physicians with effective therapies targeting RNA epigenetic mechanisms.

Normunity is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision immuno-oncology medicines, specifically a new class known as immune normalizers. These medicines aim to target novel mechanisms that enhance the body’s natural immune response against cancer. In collaboration with the lab of Dr. Lieping Chen at Yale School of Medicine, Normunity is researching newly-discovered mechanisms of immune disruption in cancer, utilizing proprietary discovery platforms to explore the intricate interactions between cancer and the immune system. The company is advancing a pipeline of immune normalizers, which includes initial drug programs designed to address the exclusion of T-cells from immune-sensitive tumors and other factors that impede normal immune function in cancer. Normunity operates from locations in Boston, Massachusetts, and West Haven, Connecticut.

Dren Bio is a biotechnology company that specializes in protein engineering technologies designed to target and deplete pathogenic cells, protein aggregates, and other disease-causing agents. With a focus on hematologic neoplasms, solid cancers, autoimmune disorders, and diseases related to protein aggregation, the company aims to provide innovative solutions for healthcare professionals in their efforts to combat various serious diseases. Operating under a holding company model, Dren Bio develops multiple projects as standalone assets, seeking to create value through its diverse portfolio of biotechnology initiatives.

Transition Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Founded in 2020, the company specializes in the discovery, analysis, and modulation of biological condensates. It has developed a unique platform, known as Condensomics, which facilitates hypothesis-free drug discovery and diagnostics. Transition Bio utilizes advanced droplet microfluidic techniques and protein biophysics to characterize condensates with high precision, thereby creating extensive opportunities for drug development. The company's innovative approach aims to advance human health care by providing detailed insights into molecular structures.

MAKUKU is a retail platform specializing in mother-infant products, offering a diverse range of items including baby care products, formula milk, supplementary meals, children's clothing, personal care items, and cotton goods. The company operates through various channels, including its mobile app, an online mall on WeChat, and established platforms like Tmall and JD. In addition to its online presence, MAKUKU maintains offline locations to serve its customers. By combining multiple retail features and brands, MAKUKU aims to provide a comprehensive shopping experience for mothers and infants.

Parthenon Therapeutics is inventing a novel class of anti-cancer therapies that reprogram the tumor microenvironment (TME). The interplay between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment is relevant in drug development as manycancers use the TME to build barriers that shield immune system attack. One approach, PRTH-101, breaks these barriers to overcome recalcitrant cancers. Based on research, the company is designing a portfolio of drug candidates to treat the right patients at the right time.

Axial Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics for central nervous system diseases and disorders. Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company utilizes a microbiome discovery platform that targets the gut-brain axis, allowing for the exploration and creation of innovative therapies aimed at improving the quality of life for patients suffering from neurological conditions. Incorporated in 2013, Axial Biotherapeutics seeks to advance its pipeline of novel treatments to address the unmet needs in the field of CNS disorders.

Anavo Therapeutics is pioneering the systematic drugging of phosphatases, a target area that has long been deemed undruggable. The company focuses on developing first-in-class therapeutic programs, particularly in oncology, leveraging its expertise in phosphatase-driven disease biology and drug discovery. Anavo aims to create a diverse pipeline of therapeutics across various indications by fostering strategic partnerships and collaborations. Through this innovative approach, Anavo seeks to unlock the potential of phosphatase-targeted allosteric modulators, advancing the field of targeted therapies in medicine.

Orna Therapeutics, founded in 2019 by Alex Wesselhoeft and Raffaella Squilloni in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of fully engineered circular RNA therapeutics. The company's proprietary platform combines innovative technology to create circular RNAs that drive protein expression, coupled with validated delivery solutions. This approach aims to simplify production, enhance formula stability, and improve protein expression for treating various diseases.

Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapeutics that enhance the body’s immune response to cancer. Founded in 2017, the company utilizes its proprietary PREDATOR platform to engineer conditionally activated molecules, known as INDUKINE molecules. These therapeutics are designed to remain inactive in peripheral tissues but activate selectively within the tumor microenvironment, addressing the limitations of traditional proinflammatory immune therapies. By stimulating both adaptive and innate immunity, Werewolf Therapeutics aims to improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Theolytics Limited is a clinical-stage biotechnology company founded in 2017 and based in Oxford, United Kingdom. The company specializes in developing oncolytic viral therapies to combat cancer, utilizing a phenotypic screening platform that facilitates the discovery and development of effective, targeted treatment candidates. These therapies are designed for intravenous delivery and tailored to specific patient populations, aiming to provide innovative care options. In addition to advancing its internal pipeline of programs that address both solid and liquid tumors, Theolytics is also focused on forming strategic partnerships to enhance and expedite its pipeline development.

Dren Bio is a biotechnology company that specializes in protein engineering technologies designed to target and deplete pathogenic cells, protein aggregates, and other disease-causing agents. With a focus on hematologic neoplasms, solid cancers, autoimmune disorders, and diseases related to protein aggregation, the company aims to provide innovative solutions for healthcare professionals in their efforts to combat various serious diseases. Operating under a holding company model, Dren Bio develops multiple projects as standalone assets, seeking to create value through its diverse portfolio of biotechnology initiatives.

PACT Pharma, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing personalized cell-based therapies for cancer treatment, specifically through neoantigen-specific adoptive T-cell therapies aimed at solid tumors. The company utilizes bioinformatics to analyze the DNA and RNA of patients' tumors and normal tissues, identifying candidate neoantigen peptides that can stimulate targeted antitumor T-cell responses. By recognizing unique neo-epitopes associated with individual cancers, PACT Pharma enables the engineering of autologous T cells designed to specifically target and eliminate tumor cells expressing these neoantigens. Founded in 2016 and based in South San Francisco, California, PACT Pharma is dedicated to advancing innovative treatment options for patients with cancer.

Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapeutics that enhance the body’s immune response to cancer. Founded in 2017, the company utilizes its proprietary PREDATOR platform to engineer conditionally activated molecules, known as INDUKINE molecules. These therapeutics are designed to remain inactive in peripheral tissues but activate selectively within the tumor microenvironment, addressing the limitations of traditional proinflammatory immune therapies. By stimulating both adaptive and innate immunity, Werewolf Therapeutics aims to improve cancer treatment outcomes.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies to overcome resistance in cancer treatments. Founded in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, the company’s lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which is associated with resistance to various cancer therapies in solid tumors. Its second candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical component of the adenosine pathway linked to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition to these products, ORIC is advancing multiple precision medicines aimed at addressing other mechanisms of cancer resistance. The company’s founders, Charles Sawyers and Scott Lowe, have extensive experience in identifying novel cancer targets that have led to innovative therapies.

Breakpoint Therapeutics GmbH, located in Hamburg, Germany, specializes in the discovery and development of innovative anti-cancer drugs. The company focuses on targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) in cancer cells, specifically aiming to disrupt pathways related to DNA repair and replication stress tolerance. By doing so, Breakpoint Therapeutics seeks to advance first-in-class oncology drugs that not only complement existing treatments, such as PARP inhibitors, but also address the challenge of therapy-resistant cancers. Through its research and development efforts, the company aspires to enhance treatment options for patients facing difficult-to-treat cancer types.

Axial Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics for central nervous system diseases and disorders. Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company utilizes a microbiome discovery platform that targets the gut-brain axis, allowing for the exploration and creation of innovative therapies aimed at improving the quality of life for patients suffering from neurological conditions. Incorporated in 2013, Axial Biotherapeutics seeks to advance its pipeline of novel treatments to address the unmet needs in the field of CNS disorders.

STORM Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focused on discovering and developing small molecule drugs that target RNA-modifying enzymes for cancer treatment and other immune diseases. Founded in 2015 and formerly known as Iceni Therapeutics Limited, the company utilizes a drug discovery and RNA analytics platform to identify novel targets and first-in-class drug candidates. By modulating RNA-modifying enzymes, STORM Therapeutics aims to address a range of diseases, including oncology, inflammation, viral infections, and central nervous system disorders. The company's innovative approach seeks to provide physicians with effective therapies targeting RNA epigenetic mechanisms.

Cullinan Pearl, a subsidiary of Cullinan Oncology, focuses on developing innovative cancer therapies, specifically targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) exon 20 mutations through its orally available tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The company is part of a broader strategy to create a diverse portfolio of oncology therapeutics, relying on a combination of internal research and collaborative efforts with academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies. This approach allows Cullinan Pearl to efficiently advance its drug development programs, with a commitment to rapidly discontinue any projects that show limited potential based on early research findings. As part of its ongoing initiatives, Cullinan Pearl collaborates with Cullinan Oncology to support the development and commercialization of its therapies.

NextCure, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Beltsville, Maryland, that specializes in the discovery and development of novel immunomedicines aimed at treating cancer and other immune-related diseases. The company focuses on restoring normal immune function through its lead product candidate, NC318, currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for advanced or metastatic solid tumors. In addition, NextCure is developing NC410, an immunomedicine designed to inhibit immune suppression mediated by Leukocyte-Associated Immunoglobulin-like Receptor 1. The company's research also includes preclinical programs targeting various immunomodulatory proteins associated with tumors and inflamed tissues. NextCure has established collaborations, including a licensing agreement with Yale University and a research partnership with Eli Lilly and Company, to further its innovative therapeutic approaches. Founded in 2015, NextCure is dedicated to advancing first-in-class immunotherapy solutions.

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.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies to overcome resistance in cancer treatments. Founded in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, the company’s lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which is associated with resistance to various cancer therapies in solid tumors. Its second candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical component of the adenosine pathway linked to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition to these products, ORIC is advancing multiple precision medicines aimed at addressing other mechanisms of cancer resistance. The company’s founders, Charles Sawyers and Scott Lowe, have extensive experience in identifying novel cancer targets that have led to innovative therapies.

STORM Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focused on discovering and developing small molecule drugs that target RNA-modifying enzymes for cancer treatment and other immune diseases. Founded in 2015 and formerly known as Iceni Therapeutics Limited, the company utilizes a drug discovery and RNA analytics platform to identify novel targets and first-in-class drug candidates. By modulating RNA-modifying enzymes, STORM Therapeutics aims to address a range of diseases, including oncology, inflammation, viral infections, and central nervous system disorders. The company's innovative approach seeks to provide physicians with effective therapies targeting RNA epigenetic mechanisms.

Arcus Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative cancer therapies. The company’s product pipeline includes several key candidates, such as AB928, a dual A2a/A2b adenosine receptor antagonist in Phase 1b/2 trials, and Zimberelimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody currently being evaluated in Phase Ib studies. Additionally, Arcus is advancing AB154, an anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody in Phase 2 trials, and AB680, a small-molecule CD73 inhibitor in Phase 1/1b studies for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. The company collaborates with Strata Oncology and AstraZeneca to enhance the development of its therapies and has strategic partnerships with firms like WuXi Biologics. Founded in 2015, Arcus aims to leverage emerging insights in immunology to create effective cancer treatments across various indications, including non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.

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.

Arcus Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative cancer therapies. The company’s product pipeline includes several key candidates, such as AB928, a dual A2a/A2b adenosine receptor antagonist in Phase 1b/2 trials, and Zimberelimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody currently being evaluated in Phase Ib studies. Additionally, Arcus is advancing AB154, an anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody in Phase 2 trials, and AB680, a small-molecule CD73 inhibitor in Phase 1/1b studies for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. The company collaborates with Strata Oncology and AstraZeneca to enhance the development of its therapies and has strategic partnerships with firms like WuXi Biologics. Founded in 2015, Arcus aims to leverage emerging insights in immunology to create effective cancer treatments across various indications, including non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.