Virginia Catalyst

Pascal Medical specializes in the development and distribution of advanced synthetic polymer products, primarily a synthetic polymer hydrogel, designed to seal surgical and traumatic leaks, and release antibiotics onto surgical sites. Their primary focus is the orthopedic, spine, and neurosurgery markets, aiming to enhance the safety and effectiveness of surgical procedures.

Luminoah is a medical device company focused on transforming the enteral feeding market through its innovative platform for personalized enteral nutrition. The company has developed a closed-loop system that integrates a wearable device with durable medical equipment and consumable nutrition pouches. This system allows for real-time tracking of feed status online, enabling healthcare professionals to remotely monitor patients and assess clinical outcomes effectively. By enhancing chronic disease care, Luminoah aims to improve the quality of life for individuals requiring enteral nutrition.

Icarus Medical Innovations focuses on designing and manufacturing custom knee braces aimed at treating knee osteoarthritis. The company develops advanced products that utilize an external muscle-tendon system, which alleviates weight from the knees while enhancing stability and supporting physical activity. These knee braces are fully adjustable, providing patients with tailored assistance that allows them to manage knee pain and maintain mobility. By combining innovative technology with patient-centered design, Icarus Medical Innovations seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis-related discomfort.

Tympanogen, Inc., established in 2014 and headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, specializes in developing innovative medical devices for ear, nose, and throat applications. The company's primary focus is on improving treatment outcomes and reducing healthcare costs for otolaryngologists and their patients. Tympanogen's flagship product, Perf-Fix, is a pioneering gel patch designed for nonsurgical eardrum repair, offering a convenient alternative to traditional tympanoplasty procedures.

AgroSpheres, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that specializes in innovative pesticide delivery technologies for the agriculture industry. Founded in 2016, AgroSpheres develops engineered bio-particles designed to deliver pesticide-degrading enzymes, which help to minimize waiting periods between pesticide application and harvest. The company employs a unique platform technology that enhances the performance of various crop protection products, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. By utilizing bioengineering and industrial fermentation techniques, AgroSpheres creates biodegradable encapsulation solutions that aim to reduce harmful pesticide residues on plants, ultimately promoting healthier agricultural practices and improving the overall well-being of crops.

ReAlta Life Sciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Norfolk, Virginia, founded in 2018. The company focuses on developing engineered peptides aimed at addressing life-threatening rare diseases by modulating the immune system. Its therapeutic approach utilizes insights from the human astrovirus, which causes a unique, self-limiting gastroenteritis while inhibiting key components of the innate immune system. ReAlta’s pipeline is anchored by RLS-0071, a peptide that has received Orphan Drug Designation from both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for treating hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in neonates. By leveraging virus-derived mechanisms, ReAlta aims to rebalance complement and inflammatory processes in the body, thereby enabling healthcare professionals to effectively manage critical medical needs.

Contraline, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, focused on developing innovative male birth control solutions. The company is pioneering the first long-lasting, non-hormonal, and reversible contraceptive for men. Its primary product, Echo-V, is an ultrasound-visible polymer solution that is injected into the vas deferens, forming a polymer hydrogel device. This device functions as a semi-permeable membrane, effectively blocking sperm while allowing bodily fluids to pass through. Contraline also offers Vasintomy, a non-surgical procedure for the insertion of Echo-V, providing a cost-effective and accessible approach to male contraception. Incorporated in 2015, Contraline aims to transform the landscape of reproductive health for men.

Ceres Nanosciences, Inc., established in 2008 and based in Manassas, Virginia, specializes in the research, development, and commercialization of innovative sample preparation products and diagnostic tests. The company's core technology, Nanotrap, captures, enriches, and preserves biomarkers from various biofluid matrices, facilitating early detection of diseases such as cancer, cardiac, and infectious diseases. Ceres' lead product is a direct antigen test for Lyme disease diagnosis, slated for commercial release in 2015. The company's product pipeline includes advanced sample collection technologies and diagnostics, funded through federal grants and industry collaborations.

Sanyal Biotechnology is a contract research organization focused on pre-clinical drug screening using small animal models, specifically tailored for research on liver disease and associated comorbidities related to metabolic syndrome. The company has created a proprietary isogenic mouse model, known as the DIAMOND mouse, which develops non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) as a direct result of a Western diet. This model mimics the progression of human liver disease linked to metabolic syndrome, providing a more physiologically relevant platform for researchers. Sanyal Biotechnology also offers customized studies and professional data interpretation, ensuring that clients receive tailored research solutions to meet their specific needs in preclinical investigations.

Propagenix is a healthcare technology platform developer focused on creating personalized diagnostics and cell therapies to enhance human health. The company specializes in differentiating primary epithelial adult stem cells to generate tissue models that are utilized in drug discovery and toxicology screening. This innovative approach addresses the critical shortage of transplantable organs by facilitating the development of mature, functional epithelial tissues, such as skin, airways, and kidneys. Through its advanced systems, Propagenix aims to support medical professionals in improving treatment options and outcomes for patients.

BioTherapeutics Inc. is a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative small-molecule drugs aimed at treating inflammation linked to autoimmune disorders and type 2 diabetes. The company employs a science-based approach that combines nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and informatics to enhance precision medicine. This integration allows BioTherapeutics to provide patients with safe and effective treatment alternatives for autoimmune and metabolic diseases. Through its research and development efforts, the company strives to contribute significantly to the field of biotherapeutics and improve patient outcomes.

VoltMed is a medical device company. They commit to helping cancer patients through the commercialization of the inspire platform. The platform provides unique benefits in destroying aberrant tissue. Inspire is based on evidence-based research.

Pulse Biosciences, Inc. is a bioelectric medicine company focused on health innovation, headquartered in Hayward, California. Founded in 2014, it specializes in the research, development, and commercialization of its proprietary CellFX system, which employs Nano-Pulse Stimulation technology. This technology delivers precise, non-thermal electrical energy pulses lasting nanoseconds to target and clear specific cells while preserving surrounding non-cellular tissue. The CellFX system is designed primarily for dermatological applications, addressing various skin conditions with high demand for effective treatment solutions. As a multi-application platform, it aims to provide significant customer value through a utilization-based revenue model. Pulse Biosciences is committed to enhancing patient outcomes and advancing treatment options in the medical field.

Serpin Pharma is a privately held biotech company based in Northern Virginia, USA, focused on developing innovative anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating peptides. The company is dedicated to creating first-in-class therapeutics aimed at enhancing the body's natural immune response, effectively reducing inflammation and restoring immune balance. Its lead drug candidate targets the inflammatory response and promotes cellular repair in various conditions, including autoimmune and infectious diseases. By offering regenerative and protective effects on damaged tissues, Serpin Pharma aims to provide patients with treatments that avoid the non-specific side effects associated with traditional immune suppression therapies.