Versant Ventures

Versant Ventures, established in 1999, is a global healthcare investment firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. With over $2.3 billion under management and offices in North America and Europe, the firm invests across the healthcare sector, with a focus on discovering and developing novel therapeutics. Versant's team, comprising deep investment, operating, and scientific expertise, takes a hands-on approach to company building. Since inception, over 65 Versant companies have achieved successful acquisitions or IPOs.

Mehmet Badur

Principal

Bradley Bolzon

Managing Director

Jeremy Caldwell

Venture Partner

Jerel Davis Ph.D

Managing Director

Rich Van Doren

CFO

Joel Drewry

Principal

Gianni Gromo

Partner

Katharina Kreymborg Ph.D

Principal

William Link

Co-Founder

Guido Magni

Partner

Shane Mulligan

Principal

Kirk G. Nielsen

Managing Partner

Clare Ozawa

Managing Director

Nikita Sharma

Principal

Charles Warden

Managing Director

Rami Hannoush Ph.D

Venture Partner

Past deals in Biotechnology

Granite Bio

Series A in 2025
Granite Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel monoclonal antibodies aimed at treating inflammatory, autoimmune, and fibrotic disorders. The company specializes in creating therapeutic antibodies that deplete pathogenic cells and selectively target key biological processes associated with these diseases. By concentrating on these advanced treatments, Granite Bio contributes to the broader fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics, ultimately seeking to improve patient outcomes in complex medical conditions.

Helicore Biopharma

Series A in 2025
Helicore Biopharma is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative treatments for obesity and related metabolic disorders. Its portfolio includes novel therapeutics based on glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) antagonism and monoclonal antibodies that bind circulating GIP ligands, forming a modular platform for anti-obesity medicines. The company aims to help patients with obesity and related conditions achieve significant weight loss.

Light Horse Therapeutics

Series A in 2025
Light Horse Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the application of gene editing to small-molecule drug discovery. It develops innovative methods to target the root causes of severe and life-threatening diseases, with an initial focus on challenging oncology targets. The company's advanced platform identifies critical functional domains within disease-related proteins, enabling the development of novel therapies.

Antag Therapeutics

Series A in 2024
Antag Therapeutics ApS is a biotechnology company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing peptide drugs aimed at treating dietary-related metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Antag Therapeutics focuses on creating peptide-based GIP receptor antagonists, which are designed to monitor and manage these metabolic conditions by reducing blood flow and lipid uptake in adipose tissue.

Pep2Tango Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2024
Pep2Tango Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that offers superior unimolecular multi-receptor drugs for obesity and related disorders.

858 Therapeutics

Series B in 2024
858 Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery of small molecule therapeutics aimed at treating cancers and other diseases, particularly those resistant to existing therapies. The company employs innovative strategies in areas such as synthetic lethality, innate immunity, and RNA modulation to develop its therapeutic candidates. Its lead program focuses on a PARG inhibitor, which is currently in early clinical development. By leveraging its platform to investigate the role of RNA modifying proteins in disease biology, 858 Therapeutics is generating a pipeline of targeted small molecules that address critical unmet medical needs in oncology and immunology.

Borealis Biosciences

Series A in 2024
Borealis Biosciences is a discovery-stage biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation RNA-based medicines specifically for kidney diseases. The company utilizes its expertise in molecular and cellular biology, chemistry, and analytical capabilities to identify target opportunities within different patient subsets affected by kidney conditions. By refining methods for delivering RNA medicines to specific cell types, Borealis Biosciences aims to tackle significant unmet medical needs in the treatment of kidney diseases.

Jade Biosciences

Series A in 2024
Jade Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for unmet needs in autoimmune diseases. Its lead asset, JADE-001, targets the APRIL pathway for treating IgA nephropathy, with initial clinical trials planned. Additionally, Jade has two preclinical antibody discovery programs, JADE-002 and JADE-003. The company was founded upon assets licensed from Paragon Therapeutics.

Bright Peak Therapeutics

Series C in 2024
Bright Peak Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The company specializes in cytokine therapeutics that enable tissue and cell-specific targeting of cytokine payloads. This approach aims to enhance the efficacy of treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. By leveraging innovative immuno-cytokines, Bright Peak seeks to provide more effective therapeutic options for complex medical conditions.

SixPeaks Bio

Series A in 2024
SixPeaks Bio focuses on developing innovative therapies aimed at promoting healthy weight loss for individuals struggling with obesity. The company is working on a pipeline of medicines that utilize dual-specific antibodies to target activin type IIA and B receptors. This approach aims to help patients achieve weight loss while preserving skeletal muscle mass, addressing a common concern associated with traditional weight-loss methods that often lead to muscle loss alongside fat reduction. Through its research and development efforts, SixPeaks Bio seeks to provide effective solutions for sustainable weight management and improved health outcomes.

LENZ Therapeutics

Post in 2024
LENZ Therapeutics is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative ophthalmic therapies. It focuses on addressing vision-related issues, particularly presbyopia, which affects the near vision of individuals, especially those over the age of 45. The company's primary product is an aceclidine-based eye drop designed to restore near vision loss associated with this condition. Through its advancements in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, LENZ Therapeutics aims to improve the quality of life for those impacted by vision challenges.

FireFly Bio

Series A in 2024
FireFly Bio focuses on developing Degrader Antibody Conjugates (DACs), a novel approach that merges the benefits of antibody-drug conjugates with selective protein degraders. This proprietary healthcare platform is designed to enhance cancer treatment by ensuring the precise delivery of therapeutic agents to targeted tissues. By leveraging advanced bioconjugate technologies, FireFly Bio aims to create more effective and targeted medicines that improve patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.

Enterprise Therapeutics

Series B in 2024
Enterprise Therapeutics, established in 2014 and headquartered in Brighton, UK, is a drug discovery company focused on developing therapies for respiratory diseases. Its primary focus is on chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, cystic fibrosis, and asthma. The company aims to create novel treatments that target the underlying mechanisms of mucus congestion, reducing lung infections and enhancing patients' quality of life.

Nouscom

Series C in 2023
Nouscom is a biotechnology company focused on developing an immunotherapy platform that creates modified viral vector vaccines for cancer treatment. The company utilizes a range of engineered viral vectors optimized for the effective expression of long strings of tumor neoantigens. Additionally, its platform includes tools designed to induce broad and potent antitumor T-cell responses, which aim to enhance cancer-specific cellular immunity in patients.

Gate Bioscience

Series A in 2023
Gate Bioscience is a biotechnology company focused on developing small molecule drugs to selectively target and eliminate harmful extracellular proteins at their source within cells. The company's innovative approach combines a proprietary library of molecular gates, specialized assays, and deep expertise in secretory pathway biology, enabling precise, rapid, and repeatable drug discovery. This unique methodology allows Gate Bioscience to address a broad spectrum of diseases using a single therapeutic mechanism, with the potential to revolutionize the treatment of intractable diseases.

Tentarix Biotherapeutics

Series B in 2023
Tentarix Biotherapeutics is focused on developing innovative protein therapeutics that address significant challenges in the treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other medical conditions. The company utilizes a protein engineering platform that employs synthetic biology to create multispecific binding molecules with unique combined bioactivities. By leveraging fully human antibody variable domains, Tentarix aims to enhance specificity and therapeutic activity, offering clinicians new approaches to treatment that were previously unattainable.

Nexo Therapeutics

Series A in 2023
Nexo Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing small-molecule therapies for cancer patients who have few effective treatment options. The company utilizes a specialized platform that integrates covalent ligand discovery with chemical biology to create innovative oncology drugs aimed at challenging targets that have been difficult to address in the past. By advancing its pipeline of novel therapies, Nexo Therapeutics seeks to provide new avenues for treatment, ultimately enhancing the care available to individuals battling cancer and other related diseases.

Kate Therapeutics

Series A in 2023
Kate Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies for genetically defined muscle and heart diseases. The company employs advanced technology platforms to enhance tissue-specific delivery and gene regulation, overcoming significant challenges associated with current gene therapies. By utilizing innovative capsids, Kate Therapeutics achieves superior muscle transduction and effectively de-targets the liver, allowing for more efficient tissue transduction at lower viral doses. This approach addresses key limitations in muscle gene delivery, aiming to improve treatment outcomes for patients with muscle and heart conditions.

Abdera Therapeutics

Series A in 2023
Abdera Therapeutics is an oncology company focused on developing targeted alpha therapies (TATs) for patients suffering from relapsed, refractory, and metastatic cancers. The company specializes in targeted radiotherapies that employ purpose-built vectors to deliver high-energy radioisotopes directly to tumors and metastatic lesions. This innovative approach aims to provide more effective treatment options for patients, capitalizing on the significant therapeutic and commercial potential of TATs. With the nuclear medicine market projected to grow substantially, Abdera's targeted therapies are positioned to play a crucial role in the evolving landscape of cancer treatment.

Abdera Therapeutics

Series B in 2023
Abdera Therapeutics is an oncology company focused on developing targeted alpha therapies (TATs) for patients suffering from relapsed, refractory, and metastatic cancers. The company specializes in targeted radiotherapies that employ purpose-built vectors to deliver high-energy radioisotopes directly to tumors and metastatic lesions. This innovative approach aims to provide more effective treatment options for patients, capitalizing on the significant therapeutic and commercial potential of TATs. With the nuclear medicine market projected to grow substantially, Abdera's targeted therapies are positioned to play a crucial role in the evolving landscape of cancer treatment.

Santa Ana Bio

Series A in 2023
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.

Belharra Therapeutics

Series A in 2023
Belharra Therapeutics is a privately held drug discovery company based in the San Francisco Bay Area, primarily operating out of San Diego. The company utilizes a novel photoaffinity-based chemoproteomics platform that allows its scientists to identify small molecule drug candidates for any binding site on any protein, in various conformational states, and across different cell types. By integrating innovative biology, medicinal chemistry, and bioinformatics, Belharra aims to discover transformative, first-in-class medicines targeting serious diseases and conditions. Through its advanced drug discovery approach, the company seeks to revolutionize the identification of novel therapeutic starting points, ultimately benefiting patients in need of effective treatments.

Launchpad Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Launchpad Therapeutics is an antibody-focused precision oncology company that specializes in developing early mutant-selective antibodies to enhance cancer therapies. Utilizing artificial intelligence-driven programs, the company aims to create novel monoclonal antibodies, facilitating drug design, development, and testing for research purposes. This innovative approach provides medical professionals with new alternatives for cancer treatment, addressing the complexities of the disease through targeted therapeutic strategies.

Jnana Therapeutics

Series C in 2022
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that focuses on drug discovery through its innovative platform targeting solute carrier (SLC) transporters. Established in 2016, the company aims to improve patient outcomes by developing small molecule therapies for various diseases, including those related to immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense. By utilizing advanced chemoproteomics techniques, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets, addressing significant unmet medical needs in areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. The company's approach seeks to enhance drug discovery efficiency by comprehensively targeting the vast family of membrane proteins associated with SLC transporters.

Vector Biopharma

Series A in 2022
Vector Biopharma is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in immuno-oncology. The company utilizes advanced gene precision delivery technology, employing engineered adenoviral vectors to facilitate cell- and tissue-specific delivery of genes and regulators. This innovative approach enables tunable expression, allowing for enhanced safety, efficacy, and specificity of biologics. By focusing on these cutting-edge techniques, Vector Biopharma aims to support the healthcare industry in discovering new and potent drugs, ultimately transforming treatment options in the field of immunotherapy.

Tempest Therapeutics

Post in 2022
Tempest Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing small molecule therapeutics for cancer treatment. Established in 2011, the company aims to enhance anti-tumor immunity through its innovative drug pipeline, which includes clinical-stage candidates such as TPST-8844, TPST-1120, and TPST-1495. TPST-8844 targets an enzyme that helps tumor cells evade immune responses, while TPST-1120 blocks the PPAR-alpha pathway to stimulate immune effector cells essential for fighting tumors. Additionally, the company's therapeutics address pathways that directly kill tumor cells and activate tumor-specific immunity, positioning Tempest Therapeutics at the forefront of cancer treatment innovation.

Cimeio Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Cimeio Therapeutics develops curative treatments for genetic diseases, hematologic malignancies, and severe autoimmune disorders. The technology platform developed by Cimeio is based on the design and expression of modified variants of naturally occurring cell surface proteins in HSCs. The SCIP platform could allow more patients facing debilitating and fatal diseases to receive a life-saving HSC transplant. Its mission is to significantly improve the eligibility and outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplants and adoptive cell therapy.

Ventus Therapeutics

Series C in 2022
Ventus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecule medicines aimed at treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer by targeting the innate immune system. The company employs a structural immunology platform that provides deep insights into the mechanisms and molecular structures involved in immune responses. This platform integrates proprietary protein engineering capabilities with advanced rational and structure-based drug design tools, allowing for precise targeting of the innate immune system. Ventus is actively building a pipeline of drug programs that address critical targets within this system, particularly proteins involved in inflammasome and nucleic acid-sensing signaling pathways, thereby enabling the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory and immune-related conditions.

Nested Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2022
Nested Therapeutics is a Cambridge-based biotech company founded in 2021, specializing in the development of precision oncology therapies. The firm focuses on discovering and creating small-molecule drugs that target specific cancer genes and driver mutations. By leveraging advanced techniques in genomics, computational chemistry, proteomics, and artificial intelligence, Nested Therapeutics aims to identify druggable pockets within mutation clusters. This approach allows for the development of novel therapies that enable healthcare professionals to provide more effective and targeted treatments for cancer patients.

Coda Biotherapeutics

Venture Round in 2021
Coda Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies to modulate neuronal activity through its chemogenetic platform. Established in 2014 and based in San Francisco, the company employs gene therapy techniques to modify specific neuronal populations, enabling them to express engineered ligand-gated ion channels that are responsive to a proprietary small molecule. This interaction allows for precise, dose-dependent control of neuronal activity, facilitating the treatment of conditions such as neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and movement disorders. Coda's approach utilizes viral vectors to deliver these engineered neurotransmitter receptors directly to targeted neurons, enhancing the efficiency of treatment for severe nervous system disorders compared to traditional therapies.

SanReno Therapeutics

Funding Round in 2021
SanReno Therapeutics specializes in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of therapies for kidney diseases in several regions including the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Singapore. Established through a joint venture involving Chinook Therapeutics, Frazier Healthcare Partners, and Pivotal bioVenture Partners China, the company is dedicated to researching and producing innovative biotech solutions aimed at improving the quality of life for patients suffering from kidney-related conditions.

Tentarix Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2021
Tentarix Biotherapeutics is focused on developing innovative protein therapeutics that address significant challenges in the treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other medical conditions. The company utilizes a protein engineering platform that employs synthetic biology to create multispecific binding molecules with unique combined bioactivities. By leveraging fully human antibody variable domains, Tentarix aims to enhance specificity and therapeutic activity, offering clinicians new approaches to treatment that were previously unattainable.

858 Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
858 Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery of small molecule therapeutics aimed at treating cancers and other diseases, particularly those resistant to existing therapies. The company employs innovative strategies in areas such as synthetic lethality, innate immunity, and RNA modulation to develop its therapeutic candidates. Its lead program focuses on a PARG inhibitor, which is currently in early clinical development. By leveraging its platform to investigate the role of RNA modifying proteins in disease biology, 858 Therapeutics is generating a pipeline of targeted small molecules that address critical unmet medical needs in oncology and immunology.

Lycia Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Lycia Therapeutics is a biotechnology firm focused on discovering and developing first-in-class therapies. The company utilizes its innovative lysosomal targeting chimeras (LYTACs) platform to create therapeutics that target and degrade extracellular and membrane-bound proteins associated with challenging diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. By addressing these difficult-to-treat conditions, Lycia Therapeutics aims to provide medical practitioners with effective treatment options to improve patient outcomes.

Jnana Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that focuses on drug discovery through its innovative platform targeting solute carrier (SLC) transporters. Established in 2016, the company aims to improve patient outcomes by developing small molecule therapies for various diseases, including those related to immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense. By utilizing advanced chemoproteomics techniques, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets, addressing significant unmet medical needs in areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. The company's approach seeks to enhance drug discovery efficiency by comprehensively targeting the vast family of membrane proteins associated with SLC transporters.

T-knife

Series B in 2021
T-knife is a biotechnology company focused on developing T cell receptor therapies aimed at treating cancer. Utilizing a humanized T cell receptor (TCR) mice platform, the company is capable of carrying human TCRαβ gene loci and recombining a diverse array of human TCRs. This innovative approach facilitates the efficient generation and virtual selection of T cell receptors tailored for specific human tumor antigens, enhancing the potential for effective cancer therapies. Through its advanced technology, T-knife aims to improve treatment options for patients battling cancer.

Turnstone Biologics

Series D in 2021
Turnstone Biologics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Ottawa, Canada, with an additional office in New York. Founded in 2015, the company is dedicated to advancing innovative viral immunotherapies aimed at improving cancer patient survival. Its lead product, RIVAL-01, utilizes a vaccinia virus backbone that encodes several immunomodulators, including Flt3 ligand, anti-CTLA-4 antibody, and IL-12 cytokine, which work together to enhance immune activity and optimize the tumor microenvironment for effective cancer treatment. Additionally, Turnstone Biologics is developing next-generation tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies by isolating and expanding the most potent and tumor-reactive T cells from patients' tumors, thereby harnessing the body's own immune system to combat solid tumors. Through these innovative approaches, Turnstone Biologics aims to deliver breakthrough cancer immunotherapies that significantly improve clinical outcomes for patients.

LENZ Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
LENZ Therapeutics is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative ophthalmic therapies. It focuses on addressing vision-related issues, particularly presbyopia, which affects the near vision of individuals, especially those over the age of 45. The company's primary product is an aceclidine-based eye drop designed to restore near vision loss associated with this condition. Through its advancements in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, LENZ Therapeutics aims to improve the quality of life for those impacted by vision challenges.

RayzeBio

Series C in 2021
RayzeBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2020. It specializes in developing tumor-targeted small molecule medicines that utilize the therapeutic potential of radioisotopes, particularly Actinium-225, an alpha-emitting radioisotope aimed at treating solid tumors. RayzeBio is focused on enhancing cancer treatment outcomes by creating a robust pipeline of radiopharmaceutical candidates targeting validated oncology drug targets. The company's portfolio includes a range of drug candidates at various stages of development, from discovery to late-stage clinical programs, addressing significant market opportunities in the field of cancer therapeutics.

Bright Peak Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Bright Peak Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The company specializes in cytokine therapeutics that enable tissue and cell-specific targeting of cytokine payloads. This approach aims to enhance the efficacy of treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. By leveraging innovative immuno-cytokines, Bright Peak seeks to provide more effective therapeutic options for complex medical conditions.

Stablix

Series A in 2021
Stablix Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in Targeted Protein Stabilization (TPS). The company has developed a platform that produces heterobifunctional small molecules, known as RESTORACS, which selectively recruit deubiquitinase enzymes to remove ubiquitin from targeted proteins. This process enhances the stability and activity of these proteins. Stablix focuses on utilizing its innovative technology to create therapeutic programs aimed at treating rare diseases, cancer, and immunological disorders. By restoring protein function, Stablix aims to provide more effective treatment options for complex medical conditions.

Capsida

Series A in 2021
Capsida is a biotechnology company focused on developing targeted gene therapies for monogenic and sporadic disorders affecting both the central nervous system and other areas of the body. The company utilizes a proprietary adeno-associated virus (AAV) engineering platform, which creates capsids specifically designed to target particular tissues and cells within affected organs. This advanced approach not only aims to enhance the efficacy of the therapies by ensuring they reach the intended sites of action, but also minimizes the impact on non-target tissues, thereby improving patient health outcomes in the treatment of life-threatening genetic disorders.

Ventus Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Ventus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecule medicines aimed at treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer by targeting the innate immune system. The company employs a structural immunology platform that provides deep insights into the mechanisms and molecular structures involved in immune responses. This platform integrates proprietary protein engineering capabilities with advanced rational and structure-based drug design tools, allowing for precise targeting of the innate immune system. Ventus is actively building a pipeline of drug programs that address critical targets within this system, particularly proteins involved in inflammasome and nucleic acid-sensing signaling pathways, thereby enabling the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory and immune-related conditions.

Graphite Bio

Series B in 2021
Graphite Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage gene editing company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in targeted DNA integration to develop innovative therapies for severe diseases. The company utilizes a precision gene editing approach to precisely correct genetic mutations, replace malfunctioning genes, and insert therapeutic genetic sequences at specific locations within the genome. Its technology aims to transform treatment paradigms by enabling the targeted integration of genetic payloads, which could potentially cure a range of serious and life-threatening conditions. Graphite Bio was formerly known as Integral Medicines, Inc. before rebranding in August 2020, and it was incorporated in 2019.

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.

Century Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Century Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to treat hematologic and solid malignancies. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company utilizes a specialized platform that integrates gene editing and protein engineering to create allogeneic therapies. This platform allows for the generation of master cell banks of modified immune effector cells, specifically engineered to optimize performance and reduce the risk of rejection by the host immune system. By employing advanced technologies such as CRISPR-mediated gene editing and proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, Century Therapeutics aims to address significant unmet medical needs in cancer and other diseases.

Vividion Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Vividion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that focuses on developing innovative therapeutics to address significant unmet medical needs. Established in 2013, Vividion utilizes a pioneering platform for proteome-wide small molecule drug discovery, which combines advanced synthetic chemistry techniques with chemical proteomics. This approach allows the company to expand the druggable proteome and target challenging proteins, ultimately enabling the discovery of transformative treatments for serious illnesses. Vividion's scientific foundation stems from experts in chemical biology and synthetic chemistry at The Scripps Research Institute, reflecting its commitment to advancing therapeutics that can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Pipeline Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Pipeline Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing small molecules aimed at neuroregeneration, which includes promoting synaptogenesis, remyelination, and axonal repair. Based in San Diego, California, the company’s lead product candidate, PIPE-505, is a gamma secretase inhibitor designed to treat mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss associated with cochlear synaptopathy. Additionally, Pipeline Therapeutics is advancing earlier-stage programs, such as PIPE-307, which target remyelination and axonal repair to address various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis. Founded in 2017, the company aims to harness the body's natural repair mechanisms to facilitate recovery from neurological damage.

Gritstone bio

Post in 2020
Gritstone bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing personalized immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company initially concentrated on tumor-specific neoantigens but has expanded its programs to include viral antigens found on the surfaces of infected cells. This approach leverages the immune system's ability to recognize abnormal cell targets, which is crucial for both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Gritstone bio is building a robust pipeline of immunotherapy product candidates, including GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL, designed to address various solid tumors. Through these developments, Gritstone bio aims to contribute to the evolving landscape of cancer treatment and enhance patient outcomes.

RayzeBio

Series B in 2020
RayzeBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2020. It specializes in developing tumor-targeted small molecule medicines that utilize the therapeutic potential of radioisotopes, particularly Actinium-225, an alpha-emitting radioisotope aimed at treating solid tumors. RayzeBio is focused on enhancing cancer treatment outcomes by creating a robust pipeline of radiopharmaceutical candidates targeting validated oncology drug targets. The company's portfolio includes a range of drug candidates at various stages of development, from discovery to late-stage clinical programs, addressing significant market opportunities in the field of cancer therapeutics.

VectivBio

Venture Round in 2020
VectivBio AG is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2019 as a spinout from Therachon. The company specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative treatments for severe rare diseases, particularly those with significant unmet medical needs. Its lead product candidate, Apraglutide, is a synthetic GLP-2 analog designed to enhance the intestine’s ability to absorb fluids and nutrients, thereby reducing the reliance on parenteral support in patients with short bowel syndrome. VectivBio is dedicated to developing best-in-disease therapies that aim to meaningfully improve the lives of patients and their families, providing more than just incremental advancements over existing standard-of-care options.

RayzeBio

Series A in 2020
RayzeBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2020. It specializes in developing tumor-targeted small molecule medicines that utilize the therapeutic potential of radioisotopes, particularly Actinium-225, an alpha-emitting radioisotope aimed at treating solid tumors. RayzeBio is focused on enhancing cancer treatment outcomes by creating a robust pipeline of radiopharmaceutical candidates targeting validated oncology drug targets. The company's portfolio includes a range of drug candidates at various stages of development, from discovery to late-stage clinical programs, addressing significant market opportunities in the field of cancer therapeutics.

Monte Rosa Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
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.

Lava Therapeutics

Series C in 2020
Lava Therapeutics B.V. is a biotechnology company based in Utrecht, the Netherlands, founded in 2016. The company specializes in developing proprietary bispecific antibodies aimed at engaging gamma-delta T cells for the treatment of both hematological and solid cancers. Its innovative platform, known as the Gammabody platform, is designed to create next-generation bispecific antibodies that activate the immune system to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. By harnessing the potential of γδ T cells, Lava Therapeutics aims to produce potent, safe, and cost-effective biopharmaceuticals that enhance the body's ability to combat cancer, thereby transforming the landscape of cancer treatment.

Graphite Bio

Series A in 2020
Graphite Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage gene editing company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in targeted DNA integration to develop innovative therapies for severe diseases. The company utilizes a precision gene editing approach to precisely correct genetic mutations, replace malfunctioning genes, and insert therapeutic genetic sequences at specific locations within the genome. Its technology aims to transform treatment paradigms by enabling the targeted integration of genetic payloads, which could potentially cure a range of serious and life-threatening conditions. Graphite Bio was formerly known as Integral Medicines, Inc. before rebranding in August 2020, and it was incorporated in 2019.

Chinook Therapeutics

Post in 2020
Chinook Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of precision medicines for kidney diseases. The company's lead program is atrasentan, an investigational endothelin receptor antagonist currently prepared for Phase III trials targeting IgA nephropathy and other primary glomerular diseases. In addition to atrasentan, Chinook is developing BION-1301, an investigational anti-APRIL monoclonal antibody evaluated in a Phase Ib trial for IgA nephropathy, and CHK-336, a preclinical candidate aimed at treating an undisclosed ultra-orphan kidney disease. Chinook Therapeutics is also engaged in research programs addressing other rare and severe chronic kidney conditions, including polycystic kidney disease.

T-knife

Series A in 2020
T-knife is a biotechnology company focused on developing T cell receptor therapies aimed at treating cancer. Utilizing a humanized T cell receptor (TCR) mice platform, the company is capable of carrying human TCRαβ gene loci and recombining a diverse array of human TCRs. This innovative approach facilitates the efficient generation and virtual selection of T cell receptors tailored for specific human tumor antigens, enhancing the potential for effective cancer therapies. Through its advanced technology, T-knife aims to improve treatment options for patients battling cancer.

Matterhorn Biosciences

Venture Round in 2020
Matterhorn Biosciences is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing cellular therapies that target the MR1 molecule, which displays cancer-specific metabolites on the surface of cancer cells. The company's approach involves creating M-TCR cell therapies that utilize T cells designed to recognize and attack these metabolites, facilitating the destruction of tumors across various tissue types. By leveraging a library of T-cell receptors that can be linked to MR1-specific T cells, Matterhorn aims to enhance the ability of the immune system to identify and eliminate a wide range of cancerous cells. This innovative focus positions Matterhorn at the forefront of cancer treatment research, aiming to provide effective therapeutic options for patients facing challenging diagnoses.

Bright Peak Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Bright Peak Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The company specializes in cytokine therapeutics that enable tissue and cell-specific targeting of cytokine payloads. This approach aims to enhance the efficacy of treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. By leveraging innovative immuno-cytokines, Bright Peak seeks to provide more effective therapeutic options for complex medical conditions.

Monte Rosa Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
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.

Ventus Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Ventus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecule medicines aimed at treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer by targeting the innate immune system. The company employs a structural immunology platform that provides deep insights into the mechanisms and molecular structures involved in immune responses. This platform integrates proprietary protein engineering capabilities with advanced rational and structure-based drug design tools, allowing for precise targeting of the innate immune system. Ventus is actively building a pipeline of drug programs that address critical targets within this system, particularly proteins involved in inflammasome and nucleic acid-sensing signaling pathways, thereby enabling the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory and immune-related conditions.

Pandion Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Pandion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions. The company's lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered variant of interleukin-2 currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to PT101, Pandion's pipeline includes PT627, a systemic PD-1 agonist in preclinical studies, and PT001 and PT002, which are bifunctional molecules designed for tissue-selective immunomodulation in the gastrointestinal tract. These molecules utilize a unique approach to achieve localized treatment, potentially enhancing efficacy and safety compared to traditional therapies. Pandion also collaborates with Astellas Pharma to develop locally acting immunomodulators targeting autoimmune diseases of the pancreas. The company is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts.

Lycia Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2020
Lycia Therapeutics is a biotechnology firm focused on discovering and developing first-in-class therapies. The company utilizes its innovative lysosomal targeting chimeras (LYTACs) platform to create therapeutics that target and degrade extracellular and membrane-bound proteins associated with challenging diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. By addressing these difficult-to-treat conditions, Lycia Therapeutics aims to provide medical practitioners with effective treatment options to improve patient outcomes.

Aligos Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Aligos Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2018 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California. The company specializes in developing innovative therapeutics to address unmet medical needs in viral and liver diseases, particularly targeting chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Its lead drug candidate, ALG-010133, is a synthetic oligonucleotide currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials for CHB. Aligos is also advancing several other candidates, including ALG-000184, a capsid assembly modulator for CHB; ALG-020572, an oligonucleotide for CHB; ALG-125097, an siRNA drug candidate for CHB; and ALG-055009, a small molecule THR-ß agonist for NASH. The company's strategy leverages the extensive expertise of its team in liver disease and viral hepatitis to develop targeted antiviral therapies and expedite its drug development pipeline.

VectivBio

Series A in 2020
VectivBio AG is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2019 as a spinout from Therachon. The company specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative treatments for severe rare diseases, particularly those with significant unmet medical needs. Its lead product candidate, Apraglutide, is a synthetic GLP-2 analog designed to enhance the intestine’s ability to absorb fluids and nutrients, thereby reducing the reliance on parenteral support in patients with short bowel syndrome. VectivBio is dedicated to developing best-in-disease therapies that aim to meaningfully improve the lives of patients and their families, providing more than just incremental advancements over existing standard-of-care options.

Pipeline Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Pipeline Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing small molecules aimed at neuroregeneration, which includes promoting synaptogenesis, remyelination, and axonal repair. Based in San Diego, California, the company’s lead product candidate, PIPE-505, is a gamma secretase inhibitor designed to treat mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss associated with cochlear synaptopathy. Additionally, Pipeline Therapeutics is advancing earlier-stage programs, such as PIPE-307, which target remyelination and axonal repair to address various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis. Founded in 2017, the company aims to harness the body's natural repair mechanisms to facilitate recovery from neurological damage.

Black Diamond Therapeutics

Series C in 2019
Black Diamond Therapeutics, Inc., established in 2014 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in precision oncology medicine. The company discovers and develops small molecule therapies that are tumor-agnostic, meaning they target specific genetic mutations across various cancer types rather than being limited to a single cancer indication. Its lead product candidate, BDTX-189, inhibits non-canonical and oncogenic mutations of ErbB kinases epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The company's Mutation-Allostery-Pharmacology platform enables it to target undrugged mutations in patients with genetically defined cancers, offering new treatment options where few exist. Black Diamond Therapeutics is also advancing early-stage pipeline programs targeting allosteric mutations in other cancer-related kinases.

Coda Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2019
Coda Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies to modulate neuronal activity through its chemogenetic platform. Established in 2014 and based in San Francisco, the company employs gene therapy techniques to modify specific neuronal populations, enabling them to express engineered ligand-gated ion channels that are responsive to a proprietary small molecule. This interaction allows for precise, dose-dependent control of neuronal activity, facilitating the treatment of conditions such as neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and movement disorders. Coda's approach utilizes viral vectors to deliver these engineered neurotransmitter receptors directly to targeted neurons, enhancing the efficiency of treatment for severe nervous system disorders compared to traditional therapies.

Anokion

Series B in 2019
Anokion SA is a biotechnology company based in Ecublens, Switzerland, specializing in antigen-specific immune tolerance solutions. As a spin-off from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Anokion develops innovative immunotherapy aimed at reducing the immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins. The company's platform technology can be applied across a wide range of clinical indications, targeting both prevalent and rare autoimmune diseases, including celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. By engineering proteins or antigens for precise therapy, Anokion aims to provide effective treatment options that minimize side effects, thereby improving patient outcomes in the management of autoimmune and allergic diseases.

Repare Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Repare Therapeutics Inc. is a precision oncology company based in Montréal, Canada, specializing in the discovery and development of novel therapeutics through a synthetic lethality approach. Utilizing its proprietary SNIPRx platform, which combines genome-wide and CRISPR-enabled technology, the company systematically identifies targeted cancer therapies addressing genomic instability, particularly in DNA damage repair. Its lead candidate, RP-3500, is an oral small molecule inhibitor designed to treat solid tumors with specific DNA damage repair-related genomic alterations. Additionally, Repare is advancing a CCNE1-SL inhibitor program targeting tumors with CCNE1 amplification, along with a Polymerase Theta program focused on BRCA mutations and related genomic alterations. Founded in 2016, the company aims to improve cancer treatment by leveraging innovative drug discovery methods and addressing the unique vulnerabilities of tumor cells.

Passage Bio

Series B in 2019
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.

Chinook Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Chinook Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of precision medicines for kidney diseases. The company's lead program is atrasentan, an investigational endothelin receptor antagonist currently prepared for Phase III trials targeting IgA nephropathy and other primary glomerular diseases. In addition to atrasentan, Chinook is developing BION-1301, an investigational anti-APRIL monoclonal antibody evaluated in a Phase Ib trial for IgA nephropathy, and CHK-336, a preclinical candidate aimed at treating an undisclosed ultra-orphan kidney disease. Chinook Therapeutics is also engaged in research programs addressing other rare and severe chronic kidney conditions, including polycystic kidney disease.

Century Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Century Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to treat hematologic and solid malignancies. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company utilizes a specialized platform that integrates gene editing and protein engineering to create allogeneic therapies. This platform allows for the generation of master cell banks of modified immune effector cells, specifically engineered to optimize performance and reduce the risk of rejection by the host immune system. By employing advanced technologies such as CRISPR-mediated gene editing and proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, Century Therapeutics aims to address significant unmet medical needs in cancer and other diseases.

Vividion Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Vividion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that focuses on developing innovative therapeutics to address significant unmet medical needs. Established in 2013, Vividion utilizes a pioneering platform for proteome-wide small molecule drug discovery, which combines advanced synthetic chemistry techniques with chemical proteomics. This approach allows the company to expand the druggable proteome and target challenging proteins, ultimately enabling the discovery of transformative treatments for serious illnesses. Vividion's scientific foundation stems from experts in chemical biology and synthetic chemistry at The Scripps Research Institute, reflecting its commitment to advancing therapeutics that can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Oyster Point

Series B in 2019
Oyster Point Pharma, Inc., established in 2015 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for ocular surface diseases. Its lead product candidate, OC-01, is a nasal spray formulated as a highly selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, currently in Phase III trials for treating the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, a chronic condition affecting over 30 million Americans. OC-01's novel mechanism of action stimulates tear production by activating the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway, re-establishing tear film homeostasis.

Passage Bio

Series A in 2019
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.

Black Diamond Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Black Diamond Therapeutics, Inc., established in 2014 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in precision oncology medicine. The company discovers and develops small molecule therapies that are tumor-agnostic, meaning they target specific genetic mutations across various cancer types rather than being limited to a single cancer indication. Its lead product candidate, BDTX-189, inhibits non-canonical and oncogenic mutations of ErbB kinases epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The company's Mutation-Allostery-Pharmacology platform enables it to target undrugged mutations in patients with genetically defined cancers, offering new treatment options where few exist. Black Diamond Therapeutics is also advancing early-stage pipeline programs targeting allosteric mutations in other cancer-related kinases.

Akero Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Akero Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing treatments for serious metabolic diseases, particularly nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Founded in 2017 and formerly known as Pippin Pharmaceuticals, the company is dedicated to addressing the significant unmet medical needs associated with NASH, a condition characterized by liver inflammation and damage, which can lead to severe complications such as fibrosis and liver failure. Akero's lead product candidate, AKR-001, is a long-acting Fc fusion modified FGF21 protein designed to restore metabolic balance by targeting both liver and adipose tissues, thereby reducing liver fat and suppressing inflammation and fibrosis. This innovative approach builds upon two decades of research into FGF21 biology, positioning Akero as a frontrunner in the quest for effective NASH therapies.

Black Diamond Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Black Diamond Therapeutics, Inc., established in 2014 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in precision oncology medicine. The company discovers and develops small molecule therapies that are tumor-agnostic, meaning they target specific genetic mutations across various cancer types rather than being limited to a single cancer indication. Its lead product candidate, BDTX-189, inhibits non-canonical and oncogenic mutations of ErbB kinases epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The company's Mutation-Allostery-Pharmacology platform enables it to target undrugged mutations in patients with genetically defined cancers, offering new treatment options where few exist. Black Diamond Therapeutics is also advancing early-stage pipeline programs targeting allosteric mutations in other cancer-related kinases.

Gotham Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Gotham Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in New York that focuses on developing a novel class of drugs targeting epitranscriptomics machinery. Founded in 2017, the company aims to provide new treatment options for patients with cancers, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Its approach involves creating small molecules that modify the activity of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) to influence protein transcription. This innovative strategy allows Gotham Therapeutics to potentially optimize therapeutic outcomes for individuals suffering from serious health conditions.

Coda Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2018
Coda Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies to modulate neuronal activity through its chemogenetic platform. Established in 2014 and based in San Francisco, the company employs gene therapy techniques to modify specific neuronal populations, enabling them to express engineered ligand-gated ion channels that are responsive to a proprietary small molecule. This interaction allows for precise, dose-dependent control of neuronal activity, facilitating the treatment of conditions such as neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and movement disorders. Coda's approach utilizes viral vectors to deliver these engineered neurotransmitter receptors directly to targeted neurons, enhancing the efficiency of treatment for severe nervous system disorders compared to traditional therapies.

Therachon

Series B in 2018
Therachon is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of treatments for rare genetic diseases that lack available therapies. Primarily based in Basel, Switzerland, with research labs in Nice, France, the company is advancing its lead candidate, TA-46, a novel protein therapy aimed at treating achondroplasia, the most prevalent form of short-limbed dwarfism. In addition to its focus on achondroplasia, Therachon is also committed to developing therapeutics targeting rare gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal disorders, with the goal of enabling medical professionals to effectively manage conditions such as short bowel syndrome.

Akero Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Akero Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing treatments for serious metabolic diseases, particularly nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Founded in 2017 and formerly known as Pippin Pharmaceuticals, the company is dedicated to addressing the significant unmet medical needs associated with NASH, a condition characterized by liver inflammation and damage, which can lead to severe complications such as fibrosis and liver failure. Akero's lead product candidate, AKR-001, is a long-acting Fc fusion modified FGF21 protein designed to restore metabolic balance by targeting both liver and adipose tissues, thereby reducing liver fat and suppressing inflammation and fibrosis. This innovative approach builds upon two decades of research into FGF21 biology, positioning Akero as a frontrunner in the quest for effective NASH therapies.

Lava Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Lava Therapeutics B.V. is a biotechnology company based in Utrecht, the Netherlands, founded in 2016. The company specializes in developing proprietary bispecific antibodies aimed at engaging gamma-delta T cells for the treatment of both hematological and solid cancers. Its innovative platform, known as the Gammabody platform, is designed to create next-generation bispecific antibodies that activate the immune system to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. By harnessing the potential of γδ T cells, Lava Therapeutics aims to produce potent, safe, and cost-effective biopharmaceuticals that enhance the body's ability to combat cancer, thereby transforming the landscape of cancer treatment.

Enterprise Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Enterprise Therapeutics, established in 2014 and headquartered in Brighton, UK, is a drug discovery company focused on developing therapies for respiratory diseases. Its primary focus is on chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, cystic fibrosis, and asthma. The company aims to create novel treatments that target the underlying mechanisms of mucus congestion, reducing lung infections and enhancing patients' quality of life.

Tempest Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Tempest Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing small molecule therapeutics for cancer treatment. Established in 2011, the company aims to enhance anti-tumor immunity through its innovative drug pipeline, which includes clinical-stage candidates such as TPST-8844, TPST-1120, and TPST-1495. TPST-8844 targets an enzyme that helps tumor cells evade immune responses, while TPST-1120 blocks the PPAR-alpha pathway to stimulate immune effector cells essential for fighting tumors. Additionally, the company's therapeutics address pathways that directly kill tumor cells and activate tumor-specific immunity, positioning Tempest Therapeutics at the forefront of cancer treatment innovation.

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2018
Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company headquartered in San Diego, California, dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapeutics for rare endocrine diseases and endocrine-related tumors. The company’s lead product candidate, paltusotine, is an oral selective nonpeptide somatostatin receptor type 2 biased agonist currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials aimed at treating acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors. In addition to paltusotine, Crinetics is developing several other therapeutics, including CRN01941, an oral selective nonpeptide sst2 biased agonist for neuroendocrine tumors, and an oral somatostatin type 5 receptor agonist for congenital hyperinsulinism. The company is also working on an oral adrenocorticotrophic hormone antagonist for conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Founded in 2008, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals is focused on leveraging its internal discovery efforts to create effective treatments while utilizing hormonal biomarker endpoints to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of its clinical studies.

Quentis Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Quentis Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York, founded in 2016. The company specializes in developing immunotherapies that target endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response pathways within the tumor microenvironment. By addressing ER stress, Quentis aims to enhance the immune system's capacity to combat cancer, providing patients with innovative treatment options. Its therapeutic approach focuses on awakening anti-tumor immunity, thereby potentially improving outcomes for individuals facing various forms of cancer.

Pandion Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Pandion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions. The company's lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered variant of interleukin-2 currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to PT101, Pandion's pipeline includes PT627, a systemic PD-1 agonist in preclinical studies, and PT001 and PT002, which are bifunctional molecules designed for tissue-selective immunomodulation in the gastrointestinal tract. These molecules utilize a unique approach to achieve localized treatment, potentially enhancing efficacy and safety compared to traditional therapies. Pandion also collaborates with Astellas Pharma to develop locally acting immunomodulators targeting autoimmune diseases of the pancreas. The company is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts.

Aligos Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Aligos Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2018 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California. The company specializes in developing innovative therapeutics to address unmet medical needs in viral and liver diseases, particularly targeting chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Its lead drug candidate, ALG-010133, is a synthetic oligonucleotide currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials for CHB. Aligos is also advancing several other candidates, including ALG-000184, a capsid assembly modulator for CHB; ALG-020572, an oligonucleotide for CHB; ALG-125097, an siRNA drug candidate for CHB; and ALG-055009, a small molecule THR-ß agonist for NASH. The company's strategy leverages the extensive expertise of its team in liver disease and viral hepatitis to develop targeted antiviral therapies and expedite its drug development pipeline.

Jnana Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that focuses on drug discovery through its innovative platform targeting solute carrier (SLC) transporters. Established in 2016, the company aims to improve patient outcomes by developing small molecule therapies for various diseases, including those related to immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense. By utilizing advanced chemoproteomics techniques, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets, addressing significant unmet medical needs in areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. The company's approach seeks to enhance drug discovery efficiency by comprehensively targeting the vast family of membrane proteins associated with SLC transporters.

Oyster Point

Series A in 2017
Oyster Point Pharma, Inc., established in 2015 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for ocular surface diseases. Its lead product candidate, OC-01, is a nasal spray formulated as a highly selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, currently in Phase III trials for treating the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, a chronic condition affecting over 30 million Americans. OC-01's novel mechanism of action stimulates tear production by activating the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway, re-establishing tear film homeostasis.

Nouscom

Series B in 2017
Nouscom is a biotechnology company focused on developing an immunotherapy platform that creates modified viral vector vaccines for cancer treatment. The company utilizes a range of engineered viral vectors optimized for the effective expression of long strings of tumor neoantigens. Additionally, its platform includes tools designed to induce broad and potent antitumor T-cell responses, which aim to enhance cancer-specific cellular immunity in patients.

Gritstone bio

Series B in 2017
Gritstone bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing personalized immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company initially concentrated on tumor-specific neoantigens but has expanded its programs to include viral antigens found on the surfaces of infected cells. This approach leverages the immune system's ability to recognize abnormal cell targets, which is crucial for both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Gritstone bio is building a robust pipeline of immunotherapy product candidates, including GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL, designed to address various solid tumors. Through these developments, Gritstone bio aims to contribute to the evolving landscape of cancer treatment and enhance patient outcomes.

Venatorx Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2017
Venatorx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel anti-infective agents aimed at treating multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections and challenging viral infections. Founded in 2010 and based in Malvern, Pennsylvania, the company specializes in developing antibacterial drugs to combat resistant infections commonly encountered in hospital and community settings, such as those caused by MRSA, Pseudomonas spp., and Salmonella spp. Venatorx employs innovative chemical approaches to create treatments that exhibit selective and potent activity against various resistant bacterial strains, thereby providing healthcare professionals with broader treatment options to address significant unmet medical needs.

Repare Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Repare Therapeutics Inc. is a precision oncology company based in Montréal, Canada, specializing in the discovery and development of novel therapeutics through a synthetic lethality approach. Utilizing its proprietary SNIPRx platform, which combines genome-wide and CRISPR-enabled technology, the company systematically identifies targeted cancer therapies addressing genomic instability, particularly in DNA damage repair. Its lead candidate, RP-3500, is an oral small molecule inhibitor designed to treat solid tumors with specific DNA damage repair-related genomic alterations. Additionally, Repare is advancing a CCNE1-SL inhibitor program targeting tumors with CCNE1 amplification, along with a Polymerase Theta program focused on BRCA mutations and related genomic alterations. Founded in 2016, the company aims to improve cancer treatment by leveraging innovative drug discovery methods and addressing the unique vulnerabilities of tumor cells.

Vividion Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Vividion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that focuses on developing innovative therapeutics to address significant unmet medical needs. Established in 2013, Vividion utilizes a pioneering platform for proteome-wide small molecule drug discovery, which combines advanced synthetic chemistry techniques with chemical proteomics. This approach allows the company to expand the druggable proteome and target challenging proteins, ultimately enabling the discovery of transformative treatments for serious illnesses. Vividion's scientific foundation stems from experts in chemical biology and synthetic chemistry at The Scripps Research Institute, reflecting its commitment to advancing therapeutics that can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Tarveda Therapeutics

Series D in 2017
Tarveda Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative cancer therapies specifically for solid tumors. The company specializes in miniature drug conjugates, with its lead candidate, PEN-866, targeting activated Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) to deliver a potent topoisomerase 1 inhibitor, SN38, directly to tumor cells. Additionally, Tarveda is advancing another drug conjugate aimed at treating patients with neuroendocrine tumors and small cell lung cancer that express somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2). By leveraging its targeted drug delivery platform, Tarveda Therapeutics aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers while reducing potential side effects. Founded in 2011 and based in Watertown, Massachusetts, the company was previously known as Blend Therapeutics until its rebranding in 2016.

Jecure Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Jecure Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis. Established in 2015 and operating as a subsidiary of Genentech, Inc. since 2018, the company specializes in innovative drug discovery programs aimed at addressing serious inflammatory diseases. Jecure's therapeutics work by blocking inflammasome activation and disrupting the inflammation processes that lead to liver cell injury and death. The company utilizes advanced methodologies, including SiRNA-based murine fibrosis models for target identification and validation, as well as unique in-vivo screening models that replicate key features of NASH. This approach enables the identification of drug candidates capable of intervening throughout the disease progression, facilitating a clearer path for translational development.

Therachon

Series A in 2017
Therachon is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of treatments for rare genetic diseases that lack available therapies. Primarily based in Basel, Switzerland, with research labs in Nice, France, the company is advancing its lead candidate, TA-46, a novel protein therapy aimed at treating achondroplasia, the most prevalent form of short-limbed dwarfism. In addition to its focus on achondroplasia, Therachon is also committed to developing therapeutics targeting rare gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal disorders, with the goal of enabling medical professionals to effectively manage conditions such as short bowel syndrome.
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