Vertex Ventures HC

Indapta Therapeutics is a privately held biotechnology company focused on developing a natural killer (NK) cell therapy platform aimed at treating both blood and solid tumor cancers. The company specializes in a proprietary off-the-shelf, non-engineered, and allogeneic G-NK cell designed to enhance the immune response and significantly improve the effectiveness of antibody therapies. Through its innovative approach, Indapta Therapeutics seeks to provide healthcare providers with advanced treatment options for patients suffering from cancer, leveraging the potent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity of its NK cell therapy.

Moximed, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative solutions for patients with knee osteoarthritis. The company offers the Atlas System, an implantable joint unloader designed to alleviate pain for individuals suffering from medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. This system operates similarly to a shock absorber, providing dynamic load reduction to minimize joint pain and enhance mobility. Moximed also features the MISHA Knee System, which offers an outpatient treatment option for patients who have not found relief through other therapies and are not suitable candidates for knee replacement surgery. By addressing the specific needs of osteoarthritis patients, Moximed aims to improve their quality of life while potentially delaying the need for more invasive surgical interventions. Founded in 2006, the company serves patients and medical professionals worldwide.

NeuSpera Medical Inc. specializes in the development and manufacturing of ultra-miniaturized implantable devices designed for neuromodulation therapy, focusing on treating chronic illnesses through minimally invasive solutions. The company utilizes its proprietary Mid-Field Powering technology, which harnesses the body as a natural waveguide to direct energy to the implants. This innovative approach allows for external powering of the devices, facilitating deeper and more reliable neuromodulation treatments for conditions such as Urinary Urgency Incontinence (UUI) and chronic peripheral nerve pain. Founded in 2013 and based in San Jose, California, NeuSpera Medical is committed to advancing bioelectronic medicine.

TORL BioTherapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative antibody-based medicines aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients. The company specializes in creating antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to address oncologic diseases that exhibit significant unmet medical needs. TORL BioTherapeutics employs a strategic approach that includes target identification and early discovery work, allowing them to license promising drug programs and develop proprietary therapies with optimized characteristics. Through this pipeline, TORL BioTherapeutics is positioned to advance novel treatments that could significantly enhance patient care in oncology.

Eyebiotech is a vision treatment company that develops products to preserve, repair, and improve eyesight. The firm guards against sight-threatening eye disorders and developed the first anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medication for patients with age-related macular degeneration, allowing those with eye ailments to regain their eyesight.

Septerna is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and advancing novel small-molecule medicines that target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The company aims to improve patient outcomes by integrating innovative drug discovery technologies with GPCR drug targets. Utilizing its Native Complex platform, Septerna facilitates industrial-scale drug discovery through advanced screening technologies and structure-based drug design. This approach enables medical researchers to efficiently identify treatments for a variety of diseases.

Spyglass Pharma specializes in developing innovative treatments for chronic ophthalmic diseases, leveraging advanced technology to enhance patient care and vision. The company focuses on creating ophthalmic devices and a drug delivery platform that addresses unmet needs in areas such as cataracts and lens replacement surgeries. Its delivery system is designed to be implanted alongside intraocular lenses during standard cataract procedures, allowing surgeons to administer multi-year therapies for chronic conditions. This approach aims to improve the accessibility and affordability of quality eye treatments for patients, ensuring better outcomes in ophthalmic care.

Boundless Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for the treatment of aggressive cancers linked to extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA). Founded in 2018 and based in La Jolla, California, the company aims to address the significant unmet medical needs of patients with oncogene amplified tumors, which affect over 14% of cancer patients. By targeting ecDNA, a key factor in oncogene amplification, Boundless Bio seeks to provide transformative treatments for previously difficult-to-treat cancers. One of its leading candidates, BBI-355, is an oral, selective inhibitor of checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1), designed to manage the replication and transcription of ecDNA in cancer cells.

TORL BioTherapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative antibody-based medicines aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients. The company specializes in creating antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to address oncologic diseases that exhibit significant unmet medical needs. TORL BioTherapeutics employs a strategic approach that includes target identification and early discovery work, allowing them to license promising drug programs and develop proprietary therapies with optimized characteristics. Through this pipeline, TORL BioTherapeutics is positioned to advance novel treatments that could significantly enhance patient care in oncology.

SonoThera is a biotechnology company focused on developing non-viral genetic therapies using ultrasound technology. The company aims to create genetic medicines that address the root causes of human diseases, particularly for conditions that currently have limited or no effective treatments. By leveraging ultrasound-guided nonviral gene therapy, SonoThera seeks to enhance treatment options and improve health outcomes for millions of patients.

Matchpoint Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision covalent medicines aimed at transforming the treatment of immune diseases and other serious conditions. Utilizing its proprietary Advanced Covalent Exploration (ACE) platform, the company combines advanced chemoproteomics, machine learning, and the evolution of covalent chemistry libraries to enhance drug discovery. This innovative approach allows for a deeper exploration of the proteome, enabling the identification and targeting of new binding sites on disease-causing proteins. Matchpoint is building an emerging pipeline of novel covalent medicines, with an initial emphasis on immunology.

Allay Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative pain management solutions aimed at improving post-surgical recovery for patients. The company utilizes a proprietary technology platform that integrates validated non-opioid analgesics with biopolymers to create dissolvable therapeutic products. These products are designed to deliver targeted pain relief at the surgical site over extended periods, significantly longer than conventional pain treatments. Allay's lead investigational product, ATX101, is currently undergoing evaluation in a Phase 2 clinical trial for total knee arthroplasty surgeries. With a team of experienced entrepreneurs, scientists, and clinicians based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Singapore, Allay Therapeutics is dedicated to transforming the approach to pain management and addressing the limitations associated with opioid use.

Obsidian Therapeutics develops innovative cell and gene therapies aimed at enhancing adoptive immunotherapy for cancer patients. Founded in 2015 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating next-generation therapies that utilize pharmacologic operating systems to provide precise control over protein activity within cells. This technology allows for the development of adoptive cell therapies with advanced functionalities that can be managed by physicians using simple, safe, and orally active medications. By offering improved control over treatment, Obsidian Therapeutics aims to provide better outcomes for patients compared to existing cell therapy options.

Sonoma Biotherapeutics develops adoptive Treg cell therapies aimed at treating autoimmune and degenerative diseases. The company employs advanced genome editing and target-specific cell therapy to create therapeutic solutions that promote self-tolerance and mitigate harmful inflammatory responses associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Seattle, Washington, Sonoma Biotherapeutics combines expertise in Treg biology and proprietary methodologies to advance its therapeutic platform, focusing on developing disease-modifying and potentially curative treatments.

NeuSpera Medical Inc. specializes in the development and manufacturing of ultra-miniaturized implantable devices designed for neuromodulation therapy, focusing on treating chronic illnesses through minimally invasive solutions. The company utilizes its proprietary Mid-Field Powering technology, which harnesses the body as a natural waveguide to direct energy to the implants. This innovative approach allows for external powering of the devices, facilitating deeper and more reliable neuromodulation treatments for conditions such as Urinary Urgency Incontinence (UUI) and chronic peripheral nerve pain. Founded in 2013 and based in San Jose, California, NeuSpera Medical is committed to advancing bioelectronic medicine.

Boundless Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for the treatment of aggressive cancers linked to extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA). Founded in 2018 and based in La Jolla, California, the company aims to address the significant unmet medical needs of patients with oncogene amplified tumors, which affect over 14% of cancer patients. By targeting ecDNA, a key factor in oncogene amplification, Boundless Bio seeks to provide transformative treatments for previously difficult-to-treat cancers. One of its leading candidates, BBI-355, is an oral, selective inhibitor of checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1), designed to manage the replication and transcription of ecDNA in cancer cells.

Elevation Oncology, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing precision medicines for patients with genomically defined cancers. The company focuses on creating targeted therapeutics that inhibit specific genetic alterations known to drive cancer progression. Its lead drug candidate, seribantumab, targets neuregulin-1 (NRG1) fusions, which are rare genomic alterations that can be treated through targeted HER3 inhibition. Currently, seribantumab is undergoing clinical testing in the Phase 2 CRESTONE study, which evaluates its efficacy in patients with solid tumors of any origin that harbor NRG1 fusions. Founded in 2019 and based in New York, Elevation Oncology aims to make genomic tests actionable by selectively developing drugs that address these specific alterations in cancer patients.

Palleon Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company that develops therapeutics targeting glycan-mediated immune regulation for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2015 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company specializes in creating glycoimmune checkpoint inhibitors, a novel class of drugs designed to enhance immune response against cancer. By integrating insights from global leaders in glycoscience and human immunology, Palleon aims to provide a broader array of combination therapies that not only address cancer but also combat resistance to traditional immuno-oncology treatments. Additionally, the company develops therapies for inflammatory diseases, including autoimmunity and fibrosis.

Elevation Oncology, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing precision medicines for patients with genomically defined cancers. The company focuses on creating targeted therapeutics that inhibit specific genetic alterations known to drive cancer progression. Its lead drug candidate, seribantumab, targets neuregulin-1 (NRG1) fusions, which are rare genomic alterations that can be treated through targeted HER3 inhibition. Currently, seribantumab is undergoing clinical testing in the Phase 2 CRESTONE study, which evaluates its efficacy in patients with solid tumors of any origin that harbor NRG1 fusions. Founded in 2019 and based in New York, Elevation Oncology aims to make genomic tests actionable by selectively developing drugs that address these specific alterations in cancer patients.

Epirium Bio, Inc. is a San Diego-based biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutic compounds for cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and various conditions related to mitochondrial dysfunction. Founded in 2008 and previously known as Cardero Therapeutics, Epirium Bio utilizes innovative insights into mitochondrial biology and tissue regeneration to create small molecule therapies. The company's research is aimed at enhancing muscle strength and supporting the treatment of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders, including conditions such as muscular dystrophy. Through its novel approaches, Epirium Bio seeks to provide clinically significant solutions for patients suffering from these challenging diseases.

Blackthorn Therapeutics, based in South San Francisco, California, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision medicine for neurobehavioral disorders. Founded in 2013, the company utilizes a proprietary computational platform that integrates advances in computational and clinical neuroscience to better understand the relationship between brain function and behavior. By targeting dysfunctional brain circuits, Blackthorn aims to address longstanding challenges in drug discovery and development. The company’s approach involves identifying novel therapeutic targets, small molecule drug candidates, and biologically-based patient subgroups that are most likely to benefit from treatment, thereby enhancing the precision of therapeutic interventions in the central nervous system.

Twentyeight-Seven Therapeutics is a developer of microRNAs designed to target regulatory proteins.The company's modulating RNA which are short non-coding RNAs that inhibit target gene expression by suppressing mRNA translation and promoting mRNA decay and develop small molecules that can modulate levels of miRNAs by targeting proteins that interact with these miRNAs, enabling users to target miRNAs are directly involved in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis.

Nuvaira, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing innovative treatments for obstructive lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The company has created a novel, catheter-based Lung Denervation System designed to address airway nerve hyperactivity, a common issue in patients with COPD and asthma. This minimally invasive procedure targets the parasympathetic nerves of the lungs, aiming to enhance lung function, improve exercise capacity, and elevate the quality of life for affected individuals. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nuvaira was previously known as Holaira, Inc. before rebranding in June 2017.

Earlens is a medical technology company focused on improving the hearing experience for individuals with hearing loss. It has created the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, a unique device that directly stimulates the eardrum using a small lens, replicating the natural hearing process. Unlike conventional hearing aids that amplify sound, the Earlens solution delivers sound directly to the eardrum, providing superior sound quality and a broader bandwidth. This innovative, non-surgical approach allows for automatic adjustments in challenging listening environments while minimizing feedback. The technology received FDA clearance in 2019 for its second generation, marking a significant advancement in hearing solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those with hearing impairment.

Twentyeight-Seven Therapeutics is a developer of microRNAs designed to target regulatory proteins.The company's modulating RNA which are short non-coding RNAs that inhibit target gene expression by suppressing mRNA translation and promoting mRNA decay and develop small molecules that can modulate levels of miRNAs by targeting proteins that interact with these miRNAs, enabling users to target miRNAs are directly involved in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis.

Bicycle Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a novel class of medicines known as Bicycles, which are synthetic short peptides designed to stabilize their structural geometry through two loops. The company primarily targets oncology indications with significant unmet medical needs. Its lead product candidate, BT1718, is a Bicycle Toxin Conjugate currently undergoing Phase I/IIa clinical trials aimed at tumors expressing Membrane Type 1 matrix metalloprotease. Other oncology candidates include BT5528, also in Phase I/IIa trials targeting EphA2, and BT8009, which is in preclinical studies for Nectin-4. Additionally, Bicycle Therapeutics is developing THR-149, a plasma kallikrein inhibitor that has completed Phase I trials for diabetic macular edema. The company collaborates with various biopharmaceutical organizations to advance programs in areas like anti-infectives and cardiovascular health. Founded in 2009, Bicycle Therapeutics is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Obsidian Therapeutics develops innovative cell and gene therapies aimed at enhancing adoptive immunotherapy for cancer patients. Founded in 2015 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating next-generation therapies that utilize pharmacologic operating systems to provide precise control over protein activity within cells. This technology allows for the development of adoptive cell therapies with advanced functionalities that can be managed by physicians using simple, safe, and orally active medications. By offering improved control over treatment, Obsidian Therapeutics aims to provide better outcomes for patients compared to existing cell therapy options.

Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.

Palleon Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company that develops therapeutics targeting glycan-mediated immune regulation for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2015 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company specializes in creating glycoimmune checkpoint inhibitors, a novel class of drugs designed to enhance immune response against cancer. By integrating insights from global leaders in glycoscience and human immunology, Palleon aims to provide a broader array of combination therapies that not only address cancer but also combat resistance to traditional immuno-oncology treatments. Additionally, the company develops therapies for inflammatory diseases, including autoimmunity and fibrosis.

Earlens is a medical technology company focused on improving the hearing experience for individuals with hearing loss. It has created the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, a unique device that directly stimulates the eardrum using a small lens, replicating the natural hearing process. Unlike conventional hearing aids that amplify sound, the Earlens solution delivers sound directly to the eardrum, providing superior sound quality and a broader bandwidth. This innovative, non-surgical approach allows for automatic adjustments in challenging listening environments while minimizing feedback. The technology received FDA clearance in 2019 for its second generation, marking a significant advancement in hearing solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those with hearing impairment.

Moximed, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative solutions for patients with knee osteoarthritis. The company offers the Atlas System, an implantable joint unloader designed to alleviate pain for individuals suffering from medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. This system operates similarly to a shock absorber, providing dynamic load reduction to minimize joint pain and enhance mobility. Moximed also features the MISHA Knee System, which offers an outpatient treatment option for patients who have not found relief through other therapies and are not suitable candidates for knee replacement surgery. By addressing the specific needs of osteoarthritis patients, Moximed aims to improve their quality of life while potentially delaying the need for more invasive surgical interventions. Founded in 2006, the company serves patients and medical professionals worldwide.

Innoventure is a startup medical device accelerator which brings US/EU medtech assets to China and get through the local regulatory path to develop further value.

Earlens is a medical technology company focused on improving the hearing experience for individuals with hearing loss. It has created the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, a unique device that directly stimulates the eardrum using a small lens, replicating the natural hearing process. Unlike conventional hearing aids that amplify sound, the Earlens solution delivers sound directly to the eardrum, providing superior sound quality and a broader bandwidth. This innovative, non-surgical approach allows for automatic adjustments in challenging listening environments while minimizing feedback. The technology received FDA clearance in 2019 for its second generation, marking a significant advancement in hearing solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those with hearing impairment.

Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.

Kona Medical, Inc. is a medical technology company founded in 2009 and based in Issaquah, Washington. It specializes in the development of a non-invasive ultrasound-based therapy system aimed at treating hypertension, particularly in patients with drug-resistant hypertension. The company's flagship product, Surround Sound, utilizes ultrasound imaging to precisely guide the application of focused ultrasound energy for renal denervation, targeting the nerves connected to the kidneys to help regulate blood pressure. By offering a less invasive alternative to traditional treatments, Kona Medical seeks to address the health risks associated with high blood pressure while improving patient outcomes through advanced therapeutic techniques.

Moximed, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative solutions for patients with knee osteoarthritis. The company offers the Atlas System, an implantable joint unloader designed to alleviate pain for individuals suffering from medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. This system operates similarly to a shock absorber, providing dynamic load reduction to minimize joint pain and enhance mobility. Moximed also features the MISHA Knee System, which offers an outpatient treatment option for patients who have not found relief through other therapies and are not suitable candidates for knee replacement surgery. By addressing the specific needs of osteoarthritis patients, Moximed aims to improve their quality of life while potentially delaying the need for more invasive surgical interventions. Founded in 2006, the company serves patients and medical professionals worldwide.

Twelve manufactures medical devices. It was formerly known as Foundry Newco XII, Inc. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Menlo Park, California.

Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.

Ivantis Inc. is a medical device company based in Irvine, California, focused on developing innovative treatments for primary open-angle glaucoma. Founded in 2007, the company specializes in a minimally invasive intracanalicular scaffold that alleviates high intraocular pressure by restoring the natural outflow pathway in Schlemm's canal. This device aims to provide a less invasive and more effective solution for the over 60 million individuals worldwide affected by this condition. In addition to its primary focus on glaucoma, Ivantis intends to explore innovative treatments for other ophthalmic diseases as it expands its product offerings. The company also provides a Session Persistence Server to support clinical trials, ensuring data protection for telnet task workers and terminal emulation users across various devices and operating systems.

Nuvaira, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing innovative treatments for obstructive lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The company has created a novel, catheter-based Lung Denervation System designed to address airway nerve hyperactivity, a common issue in patients with COPD and asthma. This minimally invasive procedure targets the parasympathetic nerves of the lungs, aiming to enhance lung function, improve exercise capacity, and elevate the quality of life for affected individuals. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nuvaira was previously known as Holaira, Inc. before rebranding in June 2017.

Sensimed AG is a medical devices company based in Lausanne, Switzerland, founded in 2003. The company specializes in the design, development, and commercialization of integrated micro-systems for medical applications, particularly focusing on glaucoma management. Its flagship product, the SENSIMED Triggerfish, is a soft, single-use contact lens that enables continuous monitoring of intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations in glaucoma patients over a 24-hour period. The Triggerfish system includes disposable sensors, an adhesive antenna for communication, a battery-powered recorder for data collection, and software for data management and analysis. Sensimed aims to enhance personalized treatment for glaucoma patients by analyzing the collected data to identify pathological patterns and improve clinical outcomes. The company's products are distributed through partners across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and the Americas. As of December 2019, Sensimed operates as a subsidiary of SEED Co., Ltd.