Vertex Ventures HC

Indapta Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing an off-the-shelf, non-engineered NK (natural killer) cell therapy platform for treating blood and solid tumor cancers. The company aims to enhance the immune response and improve antibody therapy cytotoxicity.

Moximed develops and provides the Atlas System, an implantable joint unloader designed to alleviate pain and preserve mobility in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. Its outpatient treatment option aims to improve quality of life for those not responsive to other therapies or candidates for knee replacement.

NeuSpera Medical Inc. is a company based in San Jose, California, that specializes in the development and manufacturing of ultra-miniaturized implantable devices designed for neuromodulation therapy. Established in 2013, NeuSpera Medical utilizes its proprietary Mid-Field Powering technology, which harnesses the body as a natural waveguide to transmit energy, allowing for external powering of its implants. This innovative approach facilitates minimally invasive interventions aimed at treating chronic conditions such as Urinary Urgency Incontinence and chronic peripheral nerve pain. The company's focus on bioelectronic medicine positions it as a key player in advancing therapeutic solutions through its cutting-edge implantable technology.

TORL BioTherapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative, antibody-based therapies aimed at enhancing the lives of cancer patients. The company specializes in antibody-drug conjugates and other biologics, focusing on oncologic diseases with significant unmet medical needs. TORL BioTherapeutics employs a strategy that involves target identification and early discovery work, allowing them to selectively advance drug programs through novel licensing agreements. This approach enables their researchers to develop proprietary drugs with unique and optimized profiles, contributing to the advancement of cancer treatment options.

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 developing oral small-molecule medicines that target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). It operates a proprietary Native Complex Platform to accelerate GPCR drug discovery and aims to deliver therapies across endocrinology, immunology and inflammation, and metabolic diseases. The company is advancing a GPCR-focused pipeline with candidates such as SEP-786 (PTH1R) and SEP-631 (MRGPRX2), along with programs targeting TSHR, GLP-1R, GIPR, and GCGR, with the goal of translating GPCR biology into orally available medicines that address unmet patient needs.

Spyglass Pharma specializes in developing innovative treatments for chronic eye diseases using advanced technologies. The company aims to deliver multiple drugs to address additional ophthalmic indications.

Boundless Bio develops innovative cancer therapeutics focused on understanding and treating previously untreatable cancers. It specializes in targeting extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) biology, a key driver of aggressive cancers.

TORL BioTherapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative, antibody-based therapies aimed at enhancing the lives of cancer patients. The company specializes in antibody-drug conjugates and other biologics, focusing on oncologic diseases with significant unmet medical needs. TORL BioTherapeutics employs a strategy that involves target identification and early discovery work, allowing them to selectively advance drug programs through novel licensing agreements. This approach enables their researchers to develop proprietary drugs with unique and optimized profiles, contributing to the advancement of cancer treatment options.

SonoThera is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative genetic therapies using ultrasound technology. The company's mission is to create non-viral genetic medicines that address the root causes of human diseases. SonoThera specializes in ultrasound-guided nonviral gene therapy, aiming to provide effective treatments for conditions that currently have suboptimal or no available treatments. By leveraging this approach, SonoThera seeks to enhance the health and quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

Matchpoint Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision covalent medicines aimed at transforming the treatment of immune diseases and other serious illnesses. Utilizing its proprietary Advanced Covalent Exploration (ACE) platform, the company combines advanced chemoproteomics, machine learning, and the evolution of covalent chemistry libraries to enhance the discovery process. This innovative approach allows for deeper probing of the proteome to identify 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 pioneering ultra-sustained pain therapeutics to transform post-surgical pain management. Its proprietary platform combines non-opioid analgesics and biopolymers to create dissolvable therapeutics delivering pain relief within targeted sites over weeks, significantly longer than current treatments. The company's lead product candidate, ATX101, is in Phase 2 clinical trials for total knee replacement surgeries.

Founded in 2015 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Obsidian Therapeutics develops next-generation controllable cell and gene therapies designed to extend adoptive immunotherapy to every cancer patient. Its innovative approach uses pharmacologic operating systems to precisely control protein activity in cells, enabling physicians to improve upon current cell therapies using simple, safe, orally-active marketed drugs.

Sonoma Biotherapeutics, Inc. is focused on developing adoptive T regulatory (Treg) cell therapies aimed at treating autoimmune and degenerative diseases. Established in 2019 and based in South San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Seattle, the company employs next-generation genome editing and target-specific cell therapy techniques to innovate in the field of Treg cell therapeutics. The firm aims to create disease-modifying and potentially curative therapies that promote self-tolerance and inhibit harmful inflammatory responses associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Founded by experts in Treg biology and cell therapy, Sonoma Biotherapeutics integrates advanced methodologies to enhance its therapeutic offerings.

NeuSpera Medical Inc. is a company based in San Jose, California, that specializes in the development and manufacturing of ultra-miniaturized implantable devices designed for neuromodulation therapy. Established in 2013, NeuSpera Medical utilizes its proprietary Mid-Field Powering technology, which harnesses the body as a natural waveguide to transmit energy, allowing for external powering of its implants. This innovative approach facilitates minimally invasive interventions aimed at treating chronic conditions such as Urinary Urgency Incontinence and chronic peripheral nerve pain. The company's focus on bioelectronic medicine positions it as a key player in advancing therapeutic solutions through its cutting-edge implantable technology.

Boundless Bio develops innovative cancer therapeutics focused on understanding and treating previously untreatable cancers. It specializes in targeting extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) biology, a key driver of aggressive cancers.

Elevation Oncology develops precision medicines for genomically defined cancers. Its lead candidate, seribantumab, inhibits tumor growth driven by NRG1 fusions, currently in Phase 2 trials.

Palleon Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company developing drugs that target glycan-mediated immune regulation to treat cancer. Its platform integrates insights from glycoscience and human immunology, enabling it to create novel therapies targeting multiple immune cell types.

Elevation Oncology develops precision medicines for genomically defined cancers. Its lead candidate, seribantumab, inhibits tumor growth driven by NRG1 fusions, currently in Phase 2 trials.

Epirium Bio, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and disorders characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction. Founded in 2008, the company leverages unique insights into mitochondrial biology and tissue regeneration to create a small molecule platform aimed at improving muscle strength and facilitating tissue regeneration. Epirium Bio's innovative approach addresses significant clinical needs in treating neuromuscular, neurodegenerative, and mitochondrial disorders, enabling healthcare providers to better support patients suffering from conditions such as muscular dystrophy.

Blackthorn Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2013. The company focuses on developing precision medicine for neurobehavioral disorders, utilizing advances in computational and clinical neuroscience. By leveraging its proprietary computational platform, Blackthorn aims to address historical challenges in drug discovery by targeting dysfunctional brain circuits. This approach enables the identification of novel drug candidates and biologically-based patient subgroups that are most likely to respond to specific treatments. Through its innovative strategies, Blackthorn seeks to enhance the precision of therapeutic interventions for disorders of the central nervous system, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

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 based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, focused on developing innovative treatments for obstructive lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Founded in 2008, Nuvaira specializes in a novel catheter-based Lung Denervation System that aims to address airway nerve hyperactivity by targeting the parasympathetic innervation of the lungs. This minimally invasive procedure is designed to improve lung function, enhance exercise capacity, and elevate the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic respiratory conditions. With a commitment to advancing treatment options, Nuvaira seeks to reduce the clinical consequences associated with neural hyperactivity in conditions such as COPD and asthma.

EarLens is a privately held medical technology company focused on enhancing the hearing experience for individuals with hearing loss. The firm has pioneered the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, a groundbreaking device that directly activates the natural hearing process. This innovative system utilizes low-frequency radio signals and a small lens placed on the eardrum to vibrate it, allowing for superior sound quality and a broader bandwidth than traditional hearing aids. Unlike conventional devices that amplify sound, the Earlens solution delivers sound directly to the eardrum, thereby minimizing feedback and ensuring clear hearing in various environments. The second generation of this technology received FDA clearance in 2019, marking a significant advancement in the standard of care for hearing performance.

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 that develops a novel class of medicines called Bicycles, synthetic short peptides constrained to form two loops that stabilize their structure. Its lead program BT1718 is a Bicycle Toxin Conjugate for oncology, with Phase I/IIa trials in tumors expressing Membrane Type 1 matrix metalloprotease. The company is also advancing BT5528, a BTC targeting EphA2, and BT8009 in preclinical development for Nectin-4, along with preclinical CD137 and THR-149, a plasma kallikrein inhibitor for diabetic macular edema. Beyond its internal programs, Bicycle Therapeutics collaborates with Cancer Research Technology, Cancer Research UK, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, Oxurion, and the Dementia Discovery Fund, and has a discovery collaboration with Genentech for immuno-oncology targets. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Founded in 2015 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Obsidian Therapeutics develops next-generation controllable cell and gene therapies designed to extend adoptive immunotherapy to every cancer patient. Its innovative approach uses pharmacologic operating systems to precisely control protein activity in cells, enabling physicians to improve upon current cell therapies using simple, safe, orally-active marketed drugs.

Visterra is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision antibody-based medicines for hard-to-treat infectious and non-infectious diseases. It uses its Hierotope platform to engineer monoclonal antibodies targeting various pathogens, including influenza A, dengue virus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy.

Palleon Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company developing drugs that target glycan-mediated immune regulation to treat cancer. Its platform integrates insights from glycoscience and human immunology, enabling it to create novel therapies targeting multiple immune cell types.

EarLens is a privately held medical technology company focused on enhancing the hearing experience for individuals with hearing loss. The firm has pioneered the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, a groundbreaking device that directly activates the natural hearing process. This innovative system utilizes low-frequency radio signals and a small lens placed on the eardrum to vibrate it, allowing for superior sound quality and a broader bandwidth than traditional hearing aids. Unlike conventional devices that amplify sound, the Earlens solution delivers sound directly to the eardrum, thereby minimizing feedback and ensuring clear hearing in various environments. The second generation of this technology received FDA clearance in 2019, marking a significant advancement in the standard of care for hearing performance.

Moximed develops and provides the Atlas System, an implantable joint unloader designed to alleviate pain and preserve mobility in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. Its outpatient treatment option aims to improve quality of life for those not responsive to other therapies or candidates for knee replacement.

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 privately held medical technology company focused on enhancing the hearing experience for individuals with hearing loss. The firm has pioneered the Earlens Contact Hearing Solution, a groundbreaking device that directly activates the natural hearing process. This innovative system utilizes low-frequency radio signals and a small lens placed on the eardrum to vibrate it, allowing for superior sound quality and a broader bandwidth than traditional hearing aids. Unlike conventional devices that amplify sound, the Earlens solution delivers sound directly to the eardrum, thereby minimizing feedback and ensuring clear hearing in various environments. The second generation of this technology received FDA clearance in 2019, marking a significant advancement in the standard of care for hearing performance.

Visterra is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision antibody-based medicines for hard-to-treat infectious and non-infectious diseases. It uses its Hierotope platform to engineer monoclonal antibodies targeting various pathogens, including influenza A, dengue virus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy.

Kona Medical, Inc. is a medical technology company that specializes in developing a non-invasive ultrasound-based therapy system aimed at treating hypertension and related disorders. Established in 2009 by Dr. Michael Gertner, the company focuses on addressing the challenges posed by drug-resistant hypertension through innovative approaches, particularly renal artery denervation. Its flagship product, Surround Sound, employs ultrasound imaging to precisely guide the delivery of focused ultrasound energy for renal denervation, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional treatments. Based in Issaquah, Washington, Kona Medical integrates Dr. Gertner's inventions with assets from Therus Corporation, enhancing its capabilities in therapeutic focused ultrasound.

Moximed develops and provides the Atlas System, an implantable joint unloader designed to alleviate pain and preserve mobility in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. Its outpatient treatment option aims to improve quality of life for those not responsive to other therapies or candidates for knee replacement.

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 is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision antibody-based medicines for hard-to-treat infectious and non-infectious diseases. It uses its Hierotope platform to engineer monoclonal antibodies targeting various pathogens, including influenza A, dengue virus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy.

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 has created a minimally invasive intracanalicular scaffold that helps alleviate high intraocular pressure by restoring the natural drainage 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 glaucoma treatments, Ivantis plans to expand its research and development efforts to address other challenging diseases within the field of ophthalmology. The company's products are utilized in clinical trials by ophthalmology specialists across the United States.

Nuvaira, Inc. is a medical device company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, focused on developing innovative treatments for obstructive lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Founded in 2008, Nuvaira specializes in a novel catheter-based Lung Denervation System that aims to address airway nerve hyperactivity by targeting the parasympathetic innervation of the lungs. This minimally invasive procedure is designed to improve lung function, enhance exercise capacity, and elevate the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic respiratory conditions. With a commitment to advancing treatment options, Nuvaira seeks to reduce the clinical consequences associated with neural hyperactivity in conditions such as COPD and asthma.

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.