Versant Ventures is a prominent healthcare investment firm headquartered in California, specializing in medical devices, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Established in 1999, the firm manages approximately $2.3 billion and invests across all stages of company development, with a strong focus on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics. Versant has a global presence with offices in Canada, the U.S., and Europe, and its team comprises professionals with extensive investment, operational, and scientific expertise, allowing for a proactive approach to building companies. Since its inception, Versant has successfully facilitated the growth of over 65 companies, leading to numerous acquisitions and public offerings.
Century Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based therapies for cancer treatment. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company aims to create allogeneic living drugs that specifically target both hematologic and solid tumors. By utilizing iPSCs, Century Therapeutics can engineer immune effector cells through multiple rounds of cellular modification, producing master cell banks that can be expanded and differentiated for therapeutic use. Their innovative approach incorporates advanced technologies such as CRISPR-mediated gene editing and proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, along with Allo-Evasion technology, which helps prevent rejection by the host immune system. These advancements position Century Therapeutics to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of cancer treatments.
Passage Bio is a genetic medicines company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializing in the development of therapies for rare monogenic central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Founded in 2017, the company aims to create a portfolio of five AAV-delivered therapeutics, targeting conditions such as GM1 Gangliosidosis, Frontotemporal dementia, and Krabbe Disease. Passage Bio collaborates closely with the University of Pennsylvania, leveraging its Gene Therapy Program for preclinical work while managing clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and commercialization of its product candidates. The company also engages with the Orphan Disease Center for natural history studies, key opinion leader involvement, and patient advocacy.
Century Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based therapies for cancer treatment. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company aims to create allogeneic living drugs that specifically target both hematologic and solid tumors. By utilizing iPSCs, Century Therapeutics can engineer immune effector cells through multiple rounds of cellular modification, producing master cell banks that can be expanded and differentiated for therapeutic use. Their innovative approach incorporates advanced technologies such as CRISPR-mediated gene editing and proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, along with Allo-Evasion technology, which helps prevent rejection by the host immune system. These advancements position Century Therapeutics to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of cancer treatments.
Passage Bio is a genetic medicines company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializing in the development of therapies for rare monogenic central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Founded in 2017, the company aims to create a portfolio of five AAV-delivered therapeutics, targeting conditions such as GM1 Gangliosidosis, Frontotemporal dementia, and Krabbe Disease. Passage Bio collaborates closely with the University of Pennsylvania, leveraging its Gene Therapy Program for preclinical work while managing clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and commercialization of its product candidates. The company also engages with the Orphan Disease Center for natural history studies, key opinion leader involvement, and patient advocacy.
Venatorx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company based in Malvern, Pennsylvania, established in 2010. The company specializes in the discovery and development of novel anti-infective agents aimed at treating multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections, including challenging conditions caused by pathogens such as MRSA, Pseudomonas, and Salmonella. Venatorx has developed a robust in-house research and development organization that has filed over 100 patents across various research initiatives. The company has received substantial funding from notable organizations, including the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Wellcome Trust, and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, as well as private equity investments from firms like Versant Ventures and Abingworth. This support highlights Venatorx's commitment to addressing critical public health challenges related to resistant infections.
Ebb Therapeutics, Inc. develops regional cerebral thermal therapy (RCTT) device for use in insomnia and sleep disorders. It offers Ebb Insomnia Therapy, a drug-free insomnia therapy. Ebb Therapeutics, Inc. was formerly known as Cereve, Inc. Ebb Therapeutics, Inc. was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Novira Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, discovers and develops antiviral drugs for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection. It develops core and cccDNA inhibitor anti-HBV drugs. Novira Therapeutics, Inc. was formerly known as Molecmo Nanobiotechnologies, Inc. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. As of December 4, 2015, Novira Therapeutics, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.
Novacea
Series C in 2004
As of January 30, 2009, Novacea, Inc. was acquired by Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., in a reverse merger transaction. Novacea, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on in-licensing, developing, and commercializing therapies for the treatment of cancer. The company’s product candidates include Asentar, which is in Phase III clinical trial for the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer and in Phase II clinical trial for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer; and AQ4N, a hypoxia-activated prodrug in Phase Ib/IIa clinical trial for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. It has license and collaboration agreements with Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Oregon Health & Science University; University of Pittsburgh; KuDOS Pharmaceuticals Limited; and BTG International Limited. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.
Novacea
Series B in 2002
As of January 30, 2009, Novacea, Inc. was acquired by Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., in a reverse merger transaction. Novacea, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on in-licensing, developing, and commercializing therapies for the treatment of cancer. The company’s product candidates include Asentar, which is in Phase III clinical trial for the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer and in Phase II clinical trial for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer; and AQ4N, a hypoxia-activated prodrug in Phase Ib/IIa clinical trial for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. It has license and collaboration agreements with Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Oregon Health & Science University; University of Pittsburgh; KuDOS Pharmaceuticals Limited; and BTG International Limited. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.