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, focused on developing antibody therapeutics for cancer treatment. Established in 2010, Apexigen specializes in immuno-oncology, creating therapies that aim to leverage the patient's immune system to effectively combat and eradicate cancer. The company's pipeline includes several promising candidates, such as APX005M and APX201 for immuno-oncology, along with additional programs targeting various oncology and inflammation conditions. Notably, its lead candidate, sotigalimab, is currently in clinical development, complemented by a range of preclinical immuno-oncology programs. Apexigen also utilizes its proprietary APXiMAB platform to discover novel antibodies targeting immune system pathways, underscoring its commitment to advancing innovative treatments in cancer care.

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, focused on developing antibody therapeutics for cancer treatment. Established in 2010, Apexigen specializes in immuno-oncology, creating therapies that aim to leverage the patient's immune system to effectively combat and eradicate cancer. The company's pipeline includes several promising candidates, such as APX005M and APX201 for immuno-oncology, along with additional programs targeting various oncology and inflammation conditions. Notably, its lead candidate, sotigalimab, is currently in clinical development, complemented by a range of preclinical immuno-oncology programs. Apexigen also utilizes its proprietary APXiMAB platform to discover novel antibodies targeting immune system pathways, underscoring its commitment to advancing innovative treatments in cancer care.

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 specializing in the development of laparoscopic equipment, founded in 2012 and based in Misgav, Israel. The company has created the TroClose 1200, an integrated port closure solution that facilitates the opening and suturing of the abdominal wall during laparoscopic procedures. With three U.S. patents covering various aspects of laparoscopic technology, including trocar systems and suture anchor deployment methods, Gordian Surgical aims to provide surgeons with a simple, secure, and effective product for abdominal wall closure. The company's innovative technology enhances surgical procedures by ensuring improved closure of the internal tissue layer, thereby increasing safety and efficiency in laparoscopic surgeries. Following the development of an initial prototype, Gordian Surgical began preclinical trials in mid-2013.

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 specializing in the development of laparoscopic equipment, founded in 2012 and based in Misgav, Israel. The company has created the TroClose 1200, an integrated port closure solution that facilitates the opening and suturing of the abdominal wall during laparoscopic procedures. With three U.S. patents covering various aspects of laparoscopic technology, including trocar systems and suture anchor deployment methods, Gordian Surgical aims to provide surgeons with a simple, secure, and effective product for abdominal wall closure. The company's innovative technology enhances surgical procedures by ensuring improved closure of the internal tissue layer, thereby increasing safety and efficiency in laparoscopic surgeries. Following the development of an initial prototype, Gordian Surgical began preclinical trials in mid-2013.