Vida Ventures

Vida Ventures is a life sciences investment firm founded in 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts, by a group of scientists, physicians, entrepreneurs, and investors dedicated to advancing transformative biomedical innovations. The firm focuses on making meaningful impacts on patients' lives by funding and building breakthroughs in biomedicine. Vida Ventures manages multiple venture capital funds, including Vida Ventures III, which targets investments in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Through its efforts, the firm aims to balance financial success with a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

Jill Goldstein

Senior Associate

Helen S. Kim

Senior Managing Director

Alex Loftis

Associate

Mark Springel

Senior Associate

Chris Weyrer

Senior Associate

41 past transactions

Capstan Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Capstan Therapeutics is advancing precision in vivo cell engineering to develop therapeutics for a broad range of disease categories with unmet or underserved clinical need.

Kyverna

Series B in 2022
Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Berkeley, California, specializing in the development of cell therapies for serious autoimmune diseases. Founded in 2018, Kyverna employs advanced T cell engineering and synthetic biology technologies to target and eliminate autoreactive immune cells, addressing the root causes of inflammatory diseases. The company is advancing its therapeutic platform with product candidates such as KYV-101, an autologous CD19 CAR T-cell therapy, and KYV-201, an allogeneic version utilizing the same chimeric antigen receptor. Through these innovative approaches, Kyverna aims to provide effective treatments and potential cures for patients suffering from autoimmune conditions.

Alterome Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Alterome Therapeutics is a precision oncology biotech developing alteration-specific therapeutics to address high value and validated oncogenic drivers.

Quanta Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Quanta is a biotechnology company uncovering novel cancer therapeutic candidates using allosteric modulation to target driver oncogenes. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in San Francisco, CA.

ReCode Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
ReCode Therapeutics is a development-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the correction of the nonsense mutations that account for 1/3 of all inherited diseases, including approximately 10% of cystic fibrosis. They have combined selected tRNAs with their unique and diverse proprietary delivery platforms to create and develop first-in-class suppressor tRNA-nanoparticle therapeutics for correcting nonsense mutations. ReCode’s diverse pipeline includes lead programs for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and nonsense mutations in cystic fibrosis (CF). The company’s proprietary non-viral lipid nanoparticle platform enables the delivery of a variety of payloads, and precise organ targeting of nucleic acid and protein payloads via both systemic and local delivery. ReCode is leveraging its nanoparticle and nucleic acid technologies across multiple modalities, including mRNA-mediated protein replacement therapies, first-in-class tRNA NanoCorrectors for diseases caused by nonsense mutations, and gene editing. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Dallas, Texas.

Protego Biopharma

Venture Round in 2021
Protego Biopharma, Inc. engages in the research and development of therapeutics and diagnostics using human genetic links. It offers products in the areas of rare diseases associated with amyloidosis; early diagnosis for amyloidosis; and novel platform enabling compound screening. Protego Biopharma, Inc. was formerly known as MisfoldingDiagnostics. The company was incorporated in 2011 and is based in San Diego, California.

Vigil Neuroscience

Series B in 2021
Vigil will use the Series A funds to progress its lead pipeline candidate, a monoclonal antibody TREM2 agonist, through Phase 1 studies, advance their small molecule TREM2 agonist to IND, as well as pursue additional assets to grow the pipeline and increase the body of data supporting microglia biology as an important therapeutic pathway.

Tectonic Therapeutic

Series A in 2021
Tectonic is a privately held biotechnology company that aims to transform the discovery of novel GPCR-targeted drugs and unlock the therapeutic utility the most challenging receptors in the class. Tectonic’s founders are at the forefront of scientific research in biochemistry and molecular pharmacology with an extensive track record of entrepreneurial achievement.

Volastra

Seed Round in 2021
Volastra Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company, develops therapies for the treatment of metastatic cancers. The company offers a library of organoids derived from metastatic cancer samples to elucidate how tumors spread and devise therapeutic strategies that target chromosomal instability during the process of cancer metastasis. Volastra Therapeutics, Inc. was incorporated in 2019 and is based in New York, New York.

Aktis Oncology

Series A in 2021
Aktis Oncology is a biotechnology company focused on developing targeted radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of various solid tumor cancers. The company has created proprietary platforms that generate tumor-targeting agents optimized for alpha radiotherapy. These agents are engineered to achieve high penetration into tumors and prolonged residence time, allowing for effective tumor elimination while reducing side effects associated with treatment. Additionally, Aktis Oncology's innovative approach enables clinicians to visualize and confirm target engagement before administering therapeutic radioisotopes, enhancing the precision of cancer treatment.

Centessa Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2021
Centessa Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming the drug development process through an asset-centric research and development model. The company advances a diverse portfolio of validated programs, each managed by a dedicated subsidiary and backed by a centralized infrastructure and experienced management team. Among its pipeline assets are SerpinPC, targeting Hemophilia A and B, LB101 for solid tumors, ORX750 for narcolepsy type 1 and other sleep disorders, and MGX292 for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Additionally, Centessa is developing an undisclosed asset for solid tumors.

Scorpion Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Scorpion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation precision oncology technologies aimed at improving cancer treatment. Founded in 2020 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company specializes in creating precision oncology drugs that target known oncogenes, address currently undruggable cancer targets, and explore new therapeutic targets. By integrating advanced technologies in target discovery, medicinal chemistry, and translational medicine, Scorpion Therapeutics seeks to expand the reach of precision medicine to a broader patient population. The company's approach is designed to unlock novel small-molecule drugs that can overcome the limitations of existing therapies, thereby enhancing treatment options for cancer patients.

IconOVir Bio

Series A in 2021
IconOVir Bio is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the next generation of oncolytic virus therapy to improve the treatment of patients with cancer.

Innoskel

Series A in 2020
InnoSkel is a biotechnology company based in Valbonne, France, focused on developing therapies for rare skeletal diseases, particularly type 2 collagenopathies. This group of disorders includes Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia congenita, which is the second leading cause of dwarfism worldwide. Established in 2020 as a spin-out from the Institut de Biology Valrose at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, InnoSkel aims to create transformative treatment options that address the unmet needs of patients with skeletal dysplasia. The company's lead gene therapy asset for SEDc has shown promising efficacy in initial studies, highlighting its commitment to improving the lives of affected individuals.

Locanabio

Series B in 2020
Locanabio, Inc. develops RNA-targeted gene therapies to treat a spectrum of underserved diseases. It offers therapies for neuromuscular, neurodegeneration, and ophthalmology diseases. Locanabio, Inc. was formerly known as Locana, Inc. and changed its name to Locanabio, Inc. in July 2020. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in San Diego, California.

LianBio

Venture Round in 2020
LianBio is a biopharmaceutical company based in Shanghai, China, with an additional office in Princeton, New Jersey. Founded in 2019, the company focuses on the discovery and development of therapeutic drugs aimed at treating oncology and cardiorenal diseases, as well as other medical conditions. LianBio's mission is to enhance access to innovative medicines by partnering with leading organizations in the field to leverage advanced scientific discoveries. The company is dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs in Greater China and other Asian markets by in-licensing assets and building a diverse pipeline of clinically validated product candidates. Its portfolio aims to establish new standards of care across various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, oncology, ophthalmology, inflammatory diseases, and respiratory conditions.

Scorpion Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Scorpion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation precision oncology technologies aimed at improving cancer treatment. Founded in 2020 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company specializes in creating precision oncology drugs that target known oncogenes, address currently undruggable cancer targets, and explore new therapeutic targets. By integrating advanced technologies in target discovery, medicinal chemistry, and translational medicine, Scorpion Therapeutics seeks to expand the reach of precision medicine to a broader patient population. The company's approach is designed to unlock novel small-molecule drugs that can overcome the limitations of existing therapies, thereby enhancing treatment options for cancer patients.

A2 Biotherapeutics

Series B in 2020
A2 Biotherapeutics is an early-stage biotechnology company located in Southern California that develops novel medicines for serious illnesses. We utilize an advanced targeting technology platform to increase the effectiveness of the body’s natural immune defenses.

Neogene Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Neogene Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York that focuses on the development of T cell therapies to treat cancer. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in creating personalized engineered T-cells that target neo-antigens, which are mutated proteins resulting from DNA alterations in cancer cells. Neogene's innovative platform allows for the isolation of T cell receptor (TCR) genes specific to these neo-antigens from tumor biopsies, which are routinely collected from patients. By utilizing advanced DNA sequencing and genetic screening technologies, Neogene can accurately identify and engineer TCRs that enhance the ability of T-cells to detect and eliminate cancer cells. This approach aims to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients by providing therapies tailored to their unique tumor profiles.

Kinnate Biopharma

Series C in 2020
Kinnate Biopharma develops precision oncology therapeutics to treat patients with genomically-defined cancers. Its mission is to expand the reach of targeted therapeutics by developing products for underserved populations. The company utilizes its deep expertise in structure-based drug discovery, translational research, and patient-driven precision medicine. Its programs include candidates in preclinical development for cancers that are driven by specific oncogenic alterations in either the BRAF kinase gene or in the FGFR2 and FGFR3 kinase genes.

Kronos Bio

Private Equity Round in 2020
Kronos Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative cancer therapeutics. Founded in 2017 and based in San Mateo, California, the company concentrates on targeting dysregulated transcription factors and the associated transcriptional regulatory networks that contribute to cancer progression. Its lead candidate, entospletinib, is a selective inhibitor aimed at spleen tyrosine kinase for treating acute myeloid leukemia. Additionally, Kronos Bio is advancing KB-0742, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of cyclin dependent kinase 9, intended for the treatment of MYC-amplified solid tumors. The company employs advanced techniques, including high-throughput small-molecule microarrays and targeted protein degradation, to discover potent compounds that can effectively modulate challenging cancer targets.

Dyne Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Dyne Therapeutics, Inc., a muscle disease company, operates as a biotechnology company that focuses on advancing therapeutics for genetically driven muscle diseases in the United States. It develops various programs for myotonic dystrophy type 1, duchenne muscular dystrophy, and facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, as well as rare skeletal muscle, and cardiac and metabolic muscle diseases using its FORCE platform that delivers disease-modifying therapies. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Praxis Precision Medicines is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for central nervous system disorders associated with neuronal imbalance. The company's lead product candidates include PRAX-114, an extrasynaptic-preferring GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator currently undergoing Phase IIa clinical trials for major depressive disorder and perimenopausal depression, and PRAX-944, a selective small molecule inhibitor of T-type calcium channels in Phase IIa trials for essential tremor. Additionally, Praxis is advancing PRAX-562, a persistent sodium current blocker in Phase I trials for severe pediatric epilepsy and adult cephalgia, as well as PRAX-222, an antisense oligonucleotide targeting SCN2A epilepsy, and a program for KCNT1 GOF epilepsy. The company engages in collaborations and licensing agreements with various partners, including RogCon Inc., Purdue Neuroscience Company, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals. Founded in 2015, Praxis Precision Medicines is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

ReCode Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
ReCode Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing precision medicines for pulmonary diseases, particularly targeting rare conditions such as primary ciliary dyskinesia and cystic fibrosis. Founded in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, the company has created a non-viral lipid nanoparticle platform that facilitates the targeted delivery of genetic therapies. This innovative technology aims to deliver corrective or disease-modifying therapies to specific organs and tissues, addressing the limitations of current gene therapy methods. By improving the precision of drug delivery, ReCode Therapeutics seeks to provide new treatment options for patients with unmet medical needs, particularly in the realm of life-limiting respiratory diseases.

ReCode Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
ReCode Therapeutics is a development-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the correction of the nonsense mutations that account for 1/3 of all inherited diseases, including approximately 10% of cystic fibrosis. They have combined selected tRNAs with their unique and diverse proprietary delivery platforms to create and develop first-in-class suppressor tRNA-nanoparticle therapeutics for correcting nonsense mutations. ReCode’s diverse pipeline includes lead programs for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and nonsense mutations in cystic fibrosis (CF). The company’s proprietary non-viral lipid nanoparticle platform enables the delivery of a variety of payloads, and precise organ targeting of nucleic acid and protein payloads via both systemic and local delivery. ReCode is leveraging its nanoparticle and nucleic acid technologies across multiple modalities, including mRNA-mediated protein replacement therapies, first-in-class tRNA NanoCorrectors for diseases caused by nonsense mutations, and gene editing. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Dallas, Texas.

Kyverna

Series A in 2020
Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Berkeley, California, specializing in the development of cell therapies for serious autoimmune diseases. Founded in 2018, Kyverna employs advanced T cell engineering and synthetic biology technologies to target and eliminate autoreactive immune cells, addressing the root causes of inflammatory diseases. The company is advancing its therapeutic platform with product candidates such as KYV-101, an autologous CD19 CAR T-cell therapy, and KYV-201, an allogeneic version utilizing the same chimeric antigen receptor. Through these innovative approaches, Kyverna aims to provide effective treatments and potential cures for patients suffering from autoimmune conditions.

PACT Pharma

Series C in 2020
PACT Pharma, Inc. is engaged in developing personalized cell-based therapies aimed at treating cancer, specifically through neoantigen-specific adoptive TCR T-cell therapies for solid tumors. The company utilizes advanced bioinformatics to analyze patients' tumor and normal DNA and RNA, identifying neoantigen peptides that provoke targeted T cell responses against cancer cells. By recognizing neo-epitopes, which are unique mutations in each patient's cancer, PACT Pharma creates autologous T cells engineered to specifically target and eliminate tumors expressing these neo-antigens. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, PACT Pharma is focused on innovative approaches to enhance cancer treatment through tailored immunotherapies.

Kinnate Biopharma

Series B in 2019
Kinnate Biopharma develops precision oncology therapeutics to treat patients with genomically-defined cancers. Its mission is to expand the reach of targeted therapeutics by developing products for underserved populations. The company utilizes its deep expertise in structure-based drug discovery, translational research, and patient-driven precision medicine. Its programs include candidates in preclinical development for cancers that are driven by specific oncogenic alterations in either the BRAF kinase gene or in the FGFR2 and FGFR3 kinase genes.

A2 Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2019
A2 Biotherapeutics is an early-stage biotechnology company located in Southern California that develops novel medicines for serious illnesses. We utilize an advanced targeting technology platform to increase the effectiveness of the body’s natural immune defenses.

Remedico

Seed Round in 2019
Remedico is India's online dermatology service. The fastest and easiest way to get healthy skin and hair.

Kronos Bio

Series A in 2019
Kronos Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative cancer therapeutics. Founded in 2017 and based in San Mateo, California, the company concentrates on targeting dysregulated transcription factors and the associated transcriptional regulatory networks that contribute to cancer progression. Its lead candidate, entospletinib, is a selective inhibitor aimed at spleen tyrosine kinase for treating acute myeloid leukemia. Additionally, Kronos Bio is advancing KB-0742, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of cyclin dependent kinase 9, intended for the treatment of MYC-amplified solid tumors. The company employs advanced techniques, including high-throughput small-molecule microarrays and targeted protein degradation, to discover potent compounds that can effectively modulate challenging cancer targets.

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical

Private Equity Round in 2019
Asklepios BioPharmaceutical is a biotechnology company developing adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapies for genetic disorders and other rare diseases. It offers proprietary AAV technology, manufacturing capabilities, and a robust pipeline of in-house clinical programs for clients in the medical biopharmaceutical industry. Its pipeline includes clinical-stage programs in Pompe disease and congestive heart failure and a diverse preclinical portfolio of therapeutics targeting neuromuscular, CNS, and other diseases, as well as out-licensed clinical indications for hemophilia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The company’s gene therapy platform includes Pro10, an industry-leading proprietary cell line manufacturing process, and an extensive AAV capsid, and promoter library. Asklepios BioPharmaceutical was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

Oyster Point

Series B in 2019
Oyster Point Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Princeton, New Jersey, that specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapies for ocular surface diseases. Founded in 2015, the company is primarily focused on its lead product candidate, OC-01, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of dry eye disease. This condition, which affects over 30 million Americans, is characterized by a chronic lack of sufficient tears, leading to discomfort and potential vision problems. OC-01 is developed as a nasal spray and aims to restore tear film homeostasis by activating the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway, thereby stimulating natural tear production. Additionally, the company is exploring the use of OC-01 for neurotrophic keratitis, further expanding its therapeutic potential in ocular health.

Peloton Therapeutics

Series E in 2019
Peloton Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company based in Dallas, Texas, focused on developing innovative medicines for cancer and other serious conditions. The company's lead candidate, PT2977, is an oral HIF-2a inhibitor currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials for advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Additionally, Peloton is exploring PT2977 in various other indications, including von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated renal cell carcinoma and glioblastoma multiforme, as well as in combination therapies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Furthermore, Peloton is developing PT2567, another oral HIF-2a inhibitor in preclinical stages aimed at non-oncology applications, notably pulmonary arterial hypertension. Founded in 2010 and initially known as Damascus Pharmaceutics, Peloton Therapeutics has formed strong partnerships with academic institutions and secured funding from organizations like the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas, positioning itself as a key player in the biotech sector.

Kadiant

Seed Round in 2019
Kadiant providing high-quality applied behavior analysis therapy and services to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

A2 Biotherapeutics

Seed Round in 2019
A2 Biotherapeutics is an early-stage biotechnology company located in Southern California that develops novel medicines for serious illnesses. We utilize an advanced targeting technology platform to increase the effectiveness of the body’s natural immune defenses.

Sutro Biopharma

Series E in 2018
Sutro Biopharma is a clinical stage drug discovery, development, and manufacturing company. It is mainly engaged in the development of biopharmaceutical products. The company manufactures next-generation protein therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune disorders through its proprietary integrated cell-free protein synthesis platform, XpressCF. Products offered by the company include STRO-001 for patients with multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and STRO-002 for the treatment of ovarian and endometrial cancers.

Kronos Bio

Seed Round in 2018
Kronos Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative cancer therapeutics. Founded in 2017 and based in San Mateo, California, the company concentrates on targeting dysregulated transcription factors and the associated transcriptional regulatory networks that contribute to cancer progression. Its lead candidate, entospletinib, is a selective inhibitor aimed at spleen tyrosine kinase for treating acute myeloid leukemia. Additionally, Kronos Bio is advancing KB-0742, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of cyclin dependent kinase 9, intended for the treatment of MYC-amplified solid tumors. The company employs advanced techniques, including high-throughput small-molecule microarrays and targeted protein degradation, to discover potent compounds that can effectively modulate challenging cancer targets.

Allogene Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Allogene Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on immuno-oncology, particularly the development of genetically engineered allogeneic T cell therapies for cancer treatment. The company is advancing a pipeline of allogeneic T cell product candidates that leverage validated gene editing and proprietary cell manufacturing technologies. Key offerings include UCART19, which targets relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia, alongside several preclinical allogeneic CAR T therapies aimed at various malignancies and autoimmune diseases. By using T cells derived from healthy donors, Allogene Therapeutics aims to provide off-the-shelf treatment options that enhance patient eligibility and scalability. The company seeks to redefine CAR T therapy through its innovative approaches, addressing conditions like lymphoma, leukemia, and solid tumors.

Pionyr Immunotherapeutics

Series B in 2017
Pionyr Immunotherapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, focused on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies. Established in 2015, the company aims to enhance the body’s antitumor immunity by targeting the tumor microenvironment. Pionyr employs advanced technologies for novel target discovery and antibody generation, which underpin its next-generation immuno-oncology therapeutics. Central to its strategy is the Myeloid Tuning™ approach, designed to specifically modify the cellular composition within the tumor microenvironment, thereby improving the immune system's ability to combat tumors.

Homology Medicines

Series B in 2017
Homology Medicines, Inc. is a genetic medicines company based in Bedford, Massachusetts, focused on improving the lives of patients with rare genetic diseases. The company employs a proprietary platform that utilizes human hematopoietic stem cell-derived adeno-associated virus vectors (AAVHSCs) to deliver genetic therapies in vivo, either through gene therapy or nuclease-free gene editing. This innovative approach allows for targeted treatment of various disease-relevant tissues, including the liver and central nervous system, through a single injection. Homology's lead product candidate, HMI-102, is currently in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for treating phenylketonuria (PKU) in adults, while HMI-103 targets pediatric PKU patients, and HMI-202 is being developed for metachromatic leukodystrophy. Founded in 2015, Homology Medicines aims to address significant unmet medical needs by targeting the underlying causes of genetic disorders.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.