Virtus Inspire Ventures

Design Pharma has a unique suite of proprietary technologies that enable the discovery and biosynthetic production of drug candidates. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.

Apexigen Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Carlos, California, dedicated to the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics for cancer treatment. The company focuses on creating innovative immuno-oncology products that leverage the patient's immune system to effectively combat and eliminate cancer. Apexigen's therapeutic pipeline includes several candidates such as APX005M and APX201 for immuno-oncology, alongside APX003 and TRK-950 for oncology, as well as APX001 for inflammation and APX003 for ocular diseases. Additionally, the company has developed the APXiMAB platform, which facilitates the discovery of antibodies targeting novel immune system components. Founded in 2010, Apexigen aims to advance next-generation therapies that address significant unmet needs in cancer treatment.

HiFiBiO is a biotherapeutics company that mobilizes the human immune system to combat disease. It commercializes proprietary single-cell technologies for applications in drug and biomarker discovery and development. It also aspires to benefit patients through open-innovation partnerships with industry and academia. HiFiBiO integrates deep-rooted biological expertise with its comprehensive single-cell profiling technologies to discover and accelerate a pipeline of antibody drugs to treat cancer and autoimmune disorders. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Paris, Ille-de-France.

TriArm Therapeutics is a cell therapy company established by Panacea Venture, with research and development operations in Germany, the United States, and the Greater China region. The company specializes in the research and clinical development of CD19 CAR-T products, utilizing non-viral gene transfer technology. This innovative approach significantly lowers both the cost and preparation time associated with cell therapy products, ultimately aiming to enhance therapeutic outcomes for cancer patients.

Apexigen Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Carlos, California, dedicated to the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics for cancer treatment. The company focuses on creating innovative immuno-oncology products that leverage the patient's immune system to effectively combat and eliminate cancer. Apexigen's therapeutic pipeline includes several candidates such as APX005M and APX201 for immuno-oncology, alongside APX003 and TRK-950 for oncology, as well as APX001 for inflammation and APX003 for ocular diseases. Additionally, the company has developed the APXiMAB platform, which facilitates the discovery of antibodies targeting novel immune system components. Founded in 2010, Apexigen aims to advance next-generation therapies that address significant unmet needs in cancer treatment.

SmartZyme Biopharma is a medical technology company focused on advancing glucose monitoring for individuals with diabetes. The company specializes in the development of next-generation glucose-sensing enzymes, which enhance the performance of continuous glucose monitoring devices. By integrating these advanced enzymes, SmartZyme aims to eliminate the need for signal mediators, reduce hypoglycemic errors, and remove the requirement for fingersticks, ultimately improving the safety and quality of life for patients. The company’s innovative technology is designed to create proteins and potent enzymes tailored for optimal performance, enabling effective self-monitoring of glucose levels.

Rani Therapeutics, LLC is a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company that focuses on the development of oral delivery technologies for large drug molecules, such as peptides, proteins, and antibodies. The company has created the RaniPill capsule, a proprietary and patented platform designed to administer biologics orally, offering a convenient alternative to traditional subcutaneous or intravenous injections. This capsule is engineered to deliver precise therapeutic doses upon reaching the small intestine. Rani Therapeutics is advancing various treatments, including TNFa inhibitors for inflammatory disorders, parathyroid hormone for osteoporosis, and human growth hormone for growth deficiencies. Additionally, their portfolio includes therapies for multiple sclerosis, type II diabetes, and various inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2012 and based in San Jose, California, Rani Therapeutics has conducted several preclinical and clinical studies to assess the safety and effectiveness of its technologies, building a robust intellectual property portfolio in the process.

Gordian Surgical Ltd. is a company based in Misgav, Israel, founded in 2012, that specializes in the development of laparoscopic surgical equipment. The company's flagship product, TroClose 1200, is an integrated port closure solution designed to facilitate the opening and suturing of the abdominal wall during laparoscopic procedures. Gordian Surgical holds three U.S. patents related to laparoscopic trocar, fascial closure systems, and suture anchor deployment methods. These innovations aim to provide surgeons with a simple, secure, and effective means of closing internal tissue layers, enhancing the safety and efficiency of laparoscopic surgeries. The company has developed an initial prototype and has plans to initiate preclinical trials to further test its technology.

Rani Therapeutics, LLC is a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company that focuses on the development of oral delivery technologies for large drug molecules, such as peptides, proteins, and antibodies. The company has created the RaniPill capsule, a proprietary and patented platform designed to administer biologics orally, offering a convenient alternative to traditional subcutaneous or intravenous injections. This capsule is engineered to deliver precise therapeutic doses upon reaching the small intestine. Rani Therapeutics is advancing various treatments, including TNFa inhibitors for inflammatory disorders, parathyroid hormone for osteoporosis, and human growth hormone for growth deficiencies. Additionally, their portfolio includes therapies for multiple sclerosis, type II diabetes, and various inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2012 and based in San Jose, California, Rani Therapeutics has conducted several preclinical and clinical studies to assess the safety and effectiveness of its technologies, building a robust intellectual property portfolio in the process.

Gordian Surgical Ltd. is a company based in Misgav, Israel, founded in 2012, that specializes in the development of laparoscopic surgical equipment. The company's flagship product, TroClose 1200, is an integrated port closure solution designed to facilitate the opening and suturing of the abdominal wall during laparoscopic procedures. Gordian Surgical holds three U.S. patents related to laparoscopic trocar, fascial closure systems, and suture anchor deployment methods. These innovations aim to provide surgeons with a simple, secure, and effective means of closing internal tissue layers, enhancing the safety and efficiency of laparoscopic surgeries. The company has developed an initial prototype and has plans to initiate preclinical trials to further test its technology.