UCB

UCB SA is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, specializing in the development of therapies for neurology and immunology diseases. The company offers a range of products, including Cimzia for inflammatory conditions, Vimpat and Briviact for epilepsy, and Neupro for Parkinson's disease. Additionally, UCB produces Nayzilam, a nasal spray for seizure clusters, and Evenity for osteoporosis. Its pipeline includes promising treatments like padsevonil for drug-resistant epilepsy and rozanolixizumab for myasthenia gravis. UCB is also engaged in contract manufacturing and has established collaboration agreements with several pharmaceutical companies, including Sanofi and Amgen. Founded in 1928, UCB has a strong focus on research and development aimed at improving patient outcomes for individuals living with severe diseases, underlining its commitment to advancing medical science and patient care.

Steven Biesmans

Principal

Dean Jenkins

Medical Learning Partner, Global Medical Affairs

Rahul Khetan

Venture Associate

Ismail Kola

Executive Vice President and President UCB NewMedicines

Emmanuel Lacroix

Partner

Erica Whittaker

Vice President and Head

37 past transactions

Neurona Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2025
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by neuroscientists and stem cell pioneers at The University of California, San Francisco, the company focuses on creating therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona seeks to harness particular subpopulations of neurons capable of integrating and repairing dysregulated neural circuits. With a dedicated team of scientists and advisors, the company aims to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments for patients suffering from significant unmet medical needs in the realm of chronic neurological diseases.

Neurava

Seed Round in 2024
Neurava is a company focused on developing non-invasive wearable diagnostic devices for patients with epilepsy, particularly those at risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The company's innovative device monitors critical biological signals related to epilepsy, providing timely alerts to caregivers and patients. By offering a reliable monitoring solution, Neurava aims to enhance patient autonomy and deliver peace of mind to families, facilitating timely intervention when necessary. The company's work lies at the intersection of medical device manufacturing and health diagnostics, addressing a significant need within the epilepsy patient community.

IMIDomics

Corporate Round in 2024
IMIDomics is a company focused on addressing Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (IMIDs) through innovative approaches in biomarker discovery and treatment monitoring. By leveraging the world's largest IMID biobank, along with extensive clinical expertise and advanced genomic analysis, IMIDomics aims to enhance patient care. The company has developed an analytical software platform that extracts valuable insights from vast amounts of molecular and clinical data, making it accessible for healthcare professionals without requiring specialized bioinformatics knowledge. This facilitates optimized treatment strategies for IMID patients. Headquartered at Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, and with a presence at the HudsonAlpha Institute in Huntsville, Alabama, IMIDomics is positioned at the forefront of research and application in the field of immune-mediated diseases.

Neurona Therapeutics

Series E in 2024
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by neuroscientists and stem cell pioneers at The University of California, San Francisco, the company focuses on creating therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona seeks to harness particular subpopulations of neurons capable of integrating and repairing dysregulated neural circuits. With a dedicated team of scientists and advisors, the company aims to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments for patients suffering from significant unmet medical needs in the realm of chronic neurological diseases.

ViaNautis

Series A in 2023
ViaNautis is focused on creating innovative medications that can effectively cross biological barriers, particularly the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The company utilizes PolyNaut, a versatile nano-engineered polymer technology, to enhance intracellular delivery of therapeutics. Through the development of nanoparticle technology, ViaNautis encapsulates various therapeutic modalities within polymer nanovesicles, allowing for selective targeting of different tissues and cell types. This approach significantly improves the therapeutic efficacy of the delivered molecules, enabling clients to achieve better treatment outcomes. With partners like SomaServe, ViaNautis is paving the way for advanced medications that offer substantial therapeutic benefits by overcoming various biological barriers.

Switch Therapeutics

Series A in 2023
Switch Therapeutics is a biotechnology company established in 2020 and located in San Francisco, California. The company focuses on developing innovative RNA interference (RNAi) therapies aimed at transforming the treatment of various diseases, particularly those affecting the central nervous system and other systemic conditions with significant unmet medical needs. By integrating nucleic acid nanotechnology with RNAi science, Switch Therapeutics creates biomarker-gated genetic medicines designed to activate RNA molecules and therapies specifically in targeted cells. This targeted approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of treatments for central nervous system diseases, providing healthcare providers with advanced therapeutic options.

Bingli

Series A in 2022
Bingli is a healthcare technology company that specializes in enhancing communication between patients and doctors through its innovative application. The application conducts smart pre-consultation interviews, allowing patients to accurately convey their symptoms to healthcare providers. This process not only prepares patients for their consultations but also enables physicians to save time, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare delivery. By streamlining the information-sharing process, Bingli aims to facilitate better patient outcomes and more efficient medical consultations.

Code Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2022
Code Biotherapeutics is a next-generation gene therapy company pioneering the development of targeted non-viral gene therapies to treat serious and life-threatening genetic diseases. Code Bio leverages its novel multivalent synthetic DNA delivery platform, 3DNA, which has been engineered to overcome many of the challenges inherent with viral-based gene therapies such as immunogenicity, size and delivery limitations, re-dosability, and manufacturing complexity. The company is advancing an internal pipeline focused on select rare disease programs as well as establishing partnerships to take forward programs in both rare and prevalent diseases.

Splice Bio

Series A in 2022
Splice Bio is a biotechnology company based in Barcelona, Spain, focused on developing innovative gene therapies using its proprietary intein platform technology. Founded in 2012 and originally named Proteodesign, S.L., the company aims to address the needs of patients suffering from incurable genetic diseases. The intein platform, developed from research in the Muir Lab at Princeton University, seeks to overcome two significant limitations of traditional adeno-associated virus (AAV) therapies: it enhances the capacity for larger gene delivery and broadens the range of tissues that can be targeted for treatment.

Zogenix

Acquisition in 2022
Zogenix, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies for patients with rare diseases, particularly within the central nervous system. The company is headquartered in Emeryville, California, and was established in 2006. Its lead product candidate, Fintepla, is a low-dose fenfluramine currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of seizures related to Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Additionally, it is being investigated in Phase II trials for other rare epileptic conditions. Zogenix is also developing MT1621, a therapy aimed at treating inherited mitochondrial DNA depletion disorders. Furthermore, the company collaborates with Tevard Biosciences to explore gene therapies for Dravet syndrome and similar genetic epilepsies. By focusing on therapies that address significant unmet medical needs, Zogenix aims to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families.

EsoBiotec

Seed Round in 2021
EsoBiotec is a Belgian biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel cancer therapies. The firm focuses on empowering the human body to combat cancer through in vivo cell engineering. By creating innovative immunotherapies, EsoBiotec aims to provide cost-effective drugs and therapeutics that enhance accessibility, ensuring that patients can receive essential cancer treatments at lower costs.

Neurona Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2021
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by neuroscientists and stem cell pioneers at The University of California, San Francisco, the company focuses on creating therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona seeks to harness particular subpopulations of neurons capable of integrating and repairing dysregulated neural circuits. With a dedicated team of scientists and advisors, the company aims to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments for patients suffering from significant unmet medical needs in the realm of chronic neurological diseases.

Rinri Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2021
Rinri Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in Sheffield, United Kingdom, focused on developing regenerative stem cell-based therapies to treat hearing loss. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in advanced stem cell technology that aims to repair damaged or dead sensory cells in the inner ear, specifically targeting sensorineural hearing loss. By restoring the cytoarchitecture of the inner ear, Rinri Therapeutics seeks to enable medical professionals to effectively restore hearing for affected patients.

StrideBio

Series B in 2021
StrideBio, Inc. is a gene therapy company based in Durham, North Carolina, established in 2015. The company focuses on developing innovative adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector technologies and therapeutics aimed at treating rare diseases. Utilizing a proprietary platform that combines structural insights with accelerated evolution, StrideBio creates novel AAV capsids designed to evade neutralizing antibodies. This approach allows for enhanced gene addition, gene silencing, and gene editing capabilities, addressing the limitations of first-generation gene therapies. By engineering unique and differentiated vectors, StrideBio aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients facing devastating conditions.

Nile AI

Corporate Round in 2021
Nile is an independent company dedicated to enhancing care for individuals living with epilepsy, along with their caregivers and healthcare providers. The company aims to create a predictable journey for epilepsy patients through its digital care management platform. This platform offers tools that enable patients to manage their medication regimens, receive personalized alerts related to seizures and side effects, and access the latest educational resources on epilepsy. By focusing on data-driven, personalized care, Nile fosters a collaborative environment and actively seeks partnerships to further its mission of improving the quality of life for those affected by epilepsy.

Locanabio

Series B in 2020
Locanabio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in developing RNA-targeted gene therapies aimed at treating a range of underserved diseases, particularly in the areas of neuromuscular, neurodegenerative, and retinal conditions. The company's innovative platform focuses on modifying disease-causing RNA, allowing for the identification and correction of specific RNA sequences associated with rare genetic disorders. This approach distinguishes Locanabio's therapies from traditional DNA-targeted methods, offering a unique solution for patients with severe and challenging health issues. The company, which rebranded from Locana, Inc. in July 2020, is dedicated to advancing therapeutic candidates that address significant medical needs.

Handl Therapeutics

Acquisition in 2020
Handl Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Leuven, Belgium, founded in 2019. It focuses on developing in vivo gene therapy aimed at addressing complex neurodegenerative diseases. The company has established a therapeutics platform designed to deliver advanced medicines to the market, targeting significant unmet medical needs in healthcare. Through its innovative approach, Handl Therapeutics seeks to transform the treatment landscape for patients suffering from these challenging conditions.

Walden Biosciences

Series A in 2020
Walden Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative treatments for individuals with kidney disease. Founded by experts in renal disease, the company employs a systems-based approach to address the complex interplay between the pathology and biology of kidney conditions. Walden Biosciences targets specific biomarkers and enzymes, such as suPAR, an inflammatory marker linked to kidney function, and Dynamin, which plays a role in podocyte regeneration. Their goal is to create effective therapies for various kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury, providing targeted treatment options that act directly at the site of drug action.

Syndesi Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Syndesi Therapeutics SA is a biopharmaceutical company based in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, founded in 2018. The company focuses on developing drug molecules that modulate the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, which is crucial for synaptic transmission—the process that facilitates communication between neurons in the brain. By regulating this transmission, Syndesi aims to create effective treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease and other cognitive impairment disorders. The company holds an exclusive license to its innovative platform technology from UCB, a leader in SV2A research. Through its efforts, Syndesi Therapeutics seeks to provide healthcare providers with advanced therapeutic options for managing these challenging conditions.

ExeVir Bio

Series A in 2020
ExeVir Bio BV, founded in 2020 and based in Zwijnaarde, Belgium, specializes in developing single-domain antibody-based therapies aimed at combating viral infections. The company leverages a llama-derived antibody technology platform to create robust antiviral treatments that offer broad protection against coronaviruses. Notably, it is developing VHH72-FC, an antibody that targets a highly conserved region on the spikes of SARS-CoV-2, crucial for the virus's entry into human cells. ExeVir Bio's rapid response platform for antivirals allows for an agile approach to emerging health threats, enabling the swift generation of drug candidates. The therapeutics produced through this innovative technology are designed to be stable, cost-effective, and accessible on a global scale.

Engage Therapeutics

Acquisition in 2020
Engage Therapeutics, based in Summit, New Jersey, is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for individuals experiencing uncontrolled epileptic seizures. The company's lead product, Staccato® alprazolam, is a handheld drug-device combination that utilizes an established FDA-approved delivery system to administer alprazolam, an FDA-approved benzodiazepine. This product aims to provide immediate rescue therapy for active seizures, offering a potential solution for patients and their caregivers. In a Phase 2a proof of concept study, Staccato alprazolam demonstrated efficacy in reducing seizures in a photosensitivity model. Engage Therapeutics plans to advance this product into further clinical development through a 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway, positioning it as a promising option for seizure management.

Ra Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2019
Ra Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing therapeutics for diseases associated with the overactivation of the complement system. Utilizing a peptide chemistry platform, the company creates synthetic macrocyclic peptides that combine the specificity of antibodies with the pharmacological advantages of small molecules. Its lead candidate, Zilucoplan, is an injectable treatment that has completed Phase II clinical trials for generalized myasthenia gravis and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, along with a Phase Ib trial for patients with renal impairment. Additionally, Ra Pharmaceuticals is advancing pre-clinical programs targeting Factor D inhibition for C3 glomerulonephritis and other complement factors for various diseases. The company has established a collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc. to explore orally available cyclic peptides for non-complement cardiovascular targets. Founded in 2008, Ra Pharmaceuticals operates as a subsidiary of UCB SA.

MyHealthTeam

Series B in 2019
MyHealthTeam is a software development company that operates a patient social network aimed at supporting individuals with chronic health conditions. The platform facilitates the creation of disease-specific communities where users can connect with others facing similar health challenges. It provides access to medically-approved content, specialist insights, and treatment options, empowering patients to manage their conditions more effectively. Additionally, MyHealthTeam offers research services that inform clinical trial design and enhances patient education through both branded and unbranded programs. By fostering connections and sharing valuable resources, MyHealthTeam enables patients to navigate their health journeys with greater confidence and support.

Locanabio

Series A in 2019
Locanabio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in developing RNA-targeted gene therapies aimed at treating a range of underserved diseases, particularly in the areas of neuromuscular, neurodegenerative, and retinal conditions. The company's innovative platform focuses on modifying disease-causing RNA, allowing for the identification and correction of specific RNA sequences associated with rare genetic disorders. This approach distinguishes Locanabio's therapies from traditional DNA-targeted methods, offering a unique solution for patients with severe and challenging health issues. The company, which rebranded from Locana, Inc. in July 2020, is dedicated to advancing therapeutic candidates that address significant medical needs.

Rinri Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2019
Rinri Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in Sheffield, United Kingdom, focused on developing regenerative stem cell-based therapies to treat hearing loss. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in advanced stem cell technology that aims to repair damaged or dead sensory cells in the inner ear, specifically targeting sensorineural hearing loss. By restoring the cytoarchitecture of the inner ear, Rinri Therapeutics seeks to enable medical professionals to effectively restore hearing for affected patients.

Aetion

Series B in 2019
Aetion, Inc. is a healthcare analytics company that specializes in real-world evidence (RWE) and outcomes-based analytics solutions. Founded in 2012 and based in New York City, Aetion develops the Aetion Evidence Platform, which leverages everyday clinical and financial interactions within the healthcare system to generate critical insights about the effectiveness and value of medical treatments. This platform serves a diverse clientele, including life sciences companies, payers, providers, medical device manufacturers, and academic institutions, allowing them to analyze data from various sources such as claims, electronic health records, registries, and clinical trials. Aetion’s patented rapid-cycle analytics technology facilitates real-time collaboration among stakeholders, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimize patient care. The company has formed strategic partnerships with leading organizations, including McKesson, to enhance its offerings and expand its reach in the healthcare sector.

Ceribell

Series B in 2018
Ceribell, Inc. is a medical technology company that designs and manufactures devices for electroencephalography (EEG) data acquisition and interpretation, aimed at improving the diagnosis and management of neurological conditions. Its flagship product, the Ceribell EEG System, includes a flexible EEG Headband that accommodates various hair types and head sizes, alongside a portable EEG Recorder that ensures clinical-quality data and on-device display. The system is designed to be set up by any healthcare provider within six minutes, making EEG testing more accessible and efficient. Notably, it features a unique function that converts brainwaves into sound, allowing for quicker detection of seizures without the need for specialized technicians. This innovation facilitates earlier diagnosis and targeted treatment for patients, particularly for non-convulsive seizures, thereby reducing the risk of complications and improving overall patient outcomes. Established in 2014 and based in Mountain View, California, Ceribell is committed to enhancing care in hospital ICUs, inpatient units, and emergency departments.

StrideBio

Series A in 2018
StrideBio, Inc. is a gene therapy company based in Durham, North Carolina, established in 2015. The company focuses on developing innovative adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector technologies and therapeutics aimed at treating rare diseases. Utilizing a proprietary platform that combines structural insights with accelerated evolution, StrideBio creates novel AAV capsids designed to evade neutralizing antibodies. This approach allows for enhanced gene addition, gene silencing, and gene editing capabilities, addressing the limitations of first-generation gene therapies. By engineering unique and differentiated vectors, StrideBio aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients facing devastating conditions.

Element Genomics

Acquisition in 2018
Element Genomics is a discovery stage biotechnology company, focused on finding breakthrough cures for severe human disease through the use of functional genomics and manipulation of the epigenome. The company was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Durham, North Carolina.

Beryllium Discovery

Acquisition in 2017
Beryllium Discovery is a specialized drug discovery contract research organization (CRO) based in Bedford, Massachusetts, and operates as a subsidiary of UCB Pharma Ltd. Established in 2009, the company focuses on providing research services and fostering collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies, innovative biotechnology firms, and academic institutions. Beryllium Discovery utilizes its innovative drug discovery platform to offer expertise in areas such as protein engineering, expression and purification, functional biology, and protein structure. By addressing the scientific and business challenges inherent in drug discovery, Beryllium Discovery aims to facilitate the development of unique therapeutic drugs that can lead to significant advancements in healthcare outcomes.

Clementia Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2015
Clementia Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Montreal, Canada, focused on developing innovative treatments for patients with ultra-rare bone disorders and other diseases characterized by high unmet medical needs. Founded in 2010, the company specializes in disease-modifying therapies, with its lead product candidate being palovarotene, an oral small molecule. Palovarotene has demonstrated significant potential in preventing abnormal bone formation and fibrosis across various tissues. The candidate is currently undergoing evaluation in the Phase III MOVE trial, targeting conditions such as fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive and multiple osteochondromas, as well as dry eye disease. Clementia's commitment to addressing debilitating health issues highlights its role in advancing treatment options for affected patients.

Dermira

Series C in 2014
Dermira, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, California, that focuses on developing and commercializing therapies for dermatologic conditions in the United States. The company offers QBREXZA, a once-daily topical treatment for primary axillary hyperhidrosis in patients aged nine years and older. Additionally, Dermira is advancing several product candidates, including lebrikizumab, a monoclonal antibody currently in Phase IIb trials for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, and glycopyrronium tosylate, which is in Phase III trials for hyperhidrosis. Dermira also has collaborations with other companies for the development and commercialization of its products, such as a partnership with UCB Pharma for Cimzia, aimed at treating chronic plaque psoriasis. Founded in 2010, Dermira aims to provide innovative solutions for dermatologists and their patients.

Lectus Therapeutics

Acquisition in 2011
Lectus Therapeutics Limited is a UK-based pharmaceutical company dedicated to drug discovery and development, specializing in next-generation ion channel modulators. The company aims to create a robust pipeline of first-in-class therapeutics, primarily targeting pain management and urinary bladder disorders. Utilizing proprietary proteomics technology, Lectus Therapeutics focuses on developing innovative treatments for various conditions, including angina, asthma, and epilepsy, alongside its core areas of interest. Through its commitment to advancing ion channel therapeutics, the company seeks to address unmet medical needs in the pharmaceutical landscape.

Synosia Therapeutics

Series C in 2010
Synosia Therapeutics is a privately-owned company focused on developing and commercializing products to address unmet medical needs in the fields of psychiatry and neurology. The company has a pipeline that includes six clinical-stage compounds, which have been acquired through partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies. Two of these compounds are existing marketed drugs that are undergoing testing for new indications, aiming to expand their applications to treat neurological and psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and Parkinson's disease. In addition to its product development efforts, Synosia Therapeutics also offers clinical development programs and research services.

Schwarz Pharma AG

Acquisition in 2006
Schwarz Pharma brings three exciting, approved and late stage new compounds, complementary therapeutic and geographic focus, strong talent and cultural fit.

Intranasal Therapeutics

Acquisition in 2006
Ikano Therapeutics a specialty pharmaceutical company, focuses on developing nasal spray drug products.

Celltech Therapeutics

Acquisition in 2004
Celltex is a biotechnology company that is leading the future of regenerative medicine in United States.
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