Participated · Series D · Jul 2026

FORE Biotherapeutics is a registration-stage targeted oncology company whose lead asset is plixorafenib (FORE8394; formerly PLX8394), a BRAF inhibitor with a mechanism described as both a dimer and paradox breaker. The company is advancing plixorafenib in the global Phase 2 FORTE Master Protocol, a registration-intended basket study that includes monotherapy baskets for recurrent or progressive BRAF V600E primary CNS tumors, rare BRAF V600 mutated solid tumors, and advanced solid tumors with BRAF fusions. Fore reported that target enrollment of approximately 50 patients has been reached in the BRAF V600E CNS tumor basket and expects topline results from that basket around the end of 2026; the company anticipates a potential regulatory submission if the primary analysis is positive. Plixorafenib received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA in April 2026, and prior Phase 1/2 data showed a 67% ORR in MAPK inhibitor–naïve BRAF V600 primary recurrent CNS tumors (n=9) and a 42% response rate with a median duration of response of 17.8 months in V600-altered, MAPK inhibitor–naïve patients. The company reported a favorable safety profile for plixorafenib, including a drug-related discontinuation rate of less than 2%, and has implemented protocol changes in FORTE such as allowing dosing with food and lowering the minimum enrollment age to 8 years based on IDMC clearance.

Participated · Series C · Sep 2024

Pulmotect is developing PUL-042, a first-in-class inhaled, synergistic combination of two toll-like receptor agonists that amplifies the lung epithelial innate immune response. PUL-042 triggers release of antimicrobial peptides and reactive oxygen species to provide broad-spectrum, pathogen-agnostic protection against viral, bacterial and fungal respiratory pathogens. Preclinical models, including immunocompromised animals, demonstrated protection across a range of pathogens. Phase 1 and 2 trials in more than 200 subjects have shown favorable tolerability and evidence of antiviral activity, including activity against SARS-CoV-2 when dosed early. The company holds patents issued in 28 countries and its R&D has been supported by DoD, NIH (NIAID, NIGMS), CPRIT and other agencies. Pulmotect plans to use recent financing and grant support to fund a Phase 2 multiple-dose antiviral trial in immunosuppressed patients with hematologic malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Participated · Series A · Oct 2023

Cranebio develops and manufactures disposable self-test kits that enable tests previously possible only in hospitals or testing facilities. Its main products are the Feminine Tester, focused on preconception care, and a next-generation rapid gene kit that uses DNA origami technology. The Feminine Tester will see its first product—sold under Unicharm's Sofy brand, an ovulation-timing discharge sheet—launched in November through a joint R&D partner. The DNA origami rapid kit uses proprietary DNA origami structures to allow visible-light nucleic acid detection without expensive fluorescence equipment or clinical laboratory technicians. Cranebio positions the DNA origami tests for medical diagnostics as well as rapid applications such as water-quality and food-safety testing.

Participated · Series C · Jun 2023

Cellusion is developing CLS001, an iPS cell-derived corneal endothelial cell substitute produced via a proprietary technique to efficiently generate corneal endothelial-like cells. The lead program, CLS001, targets bullous keratopathy and aims to address global corneal donor shortages that leave an estimated 13 million patients waiting for transplants. The company has reinforced its R&D organization and in September 2022 executed a license agreement with Celregen (a Fosun Pharma subsidiary) for operations in Greater China. In March 2023 a First In Human transplant of CLS001 was announced by joint research partner Dr. Shigeto Shimmura, and Cellusion is advancing preparations for company-sponsored clinical trials in Japan and for global trials. Proceeds from the recent fundraise will be used to advance those clinical-trial preparations and to support R&D of subsequent pipelines following CLS001. Cellusion is led by CEO Shin Hatou, is headquartered in Tokyo, was founded in January 2015, and has raised ¥4.5 billion (approximately US$33 million) in total to date. Cellusion develops CLS001, a corneal endothelial cell substitute (CECSi cells) differentiated from iPS cells, intended to treat bullous keratopathy and address the global shortage of donor corneas. The company highlights a simple injection delivery procedure designed to reduce reliance on donor tissue and specialized surgical expertise. Cellusion plans company-sponsored phase 1/2 clinical trials of CLS001 in Japan and overseas and has already obtained approval for an investigator-initiated first-in-human study at Keio University Hospital. The new funding will also be used to expand its Tokyo-based research and business teams and to advance R&D on other pipeline programs. Cellusion is pursuing supply-chain partnerships with Toho Holdings and Toyo Seikan Group Holdings to support CLS001 manufacturing and distribution. Founded in January 2015 and headquartered in Tokyo, the company aims to scale clinical development and global access to its cell therapy.

Led · Series A · Jul 2021

Suono Bio develops an ultra-rapid, localized delivery platform that enables administration of small molecules, biologics, nucleic acids and gene therapies without encapsulation. The technology was developed in Professor Robert Langer’s laboratory at MIT and the company was founded by Professor Langer, Professor Giovanni Traverso and Dr. Carl Schoellhammer. Suono Bio is advancing lead programs in inflammatory bowel disease and is developing a first product for ulcerative colitis that the company intends to ready for human trials. Proceeds from the recent financing will be used to complete development of that first product and expand the company’s pipeline. The company has previously received strategic investments from FUJIFILM Corporation and NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd., and its platform has been described in publications including Nature and Science Translational Medicine. Suono Bio is based in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Suono Bio is developing a second-generation platform for ultra-rapid, formulation-independent delivery of therapeutics to the gastrointestinal tract, including small molecules, biologics, nucleic acids and gene therapies. The technology was developed in the laboratory of MIT Institute Professor Robert Langer. The company was founded by Professor Robert Langer, Professor Giovanni Traverso and Dr. Carl Schoellhammer. Suono Bio says the platform enables rapid, local administration of therapeutics without the need for encapsulation. Management indicated the strategic investment will help advance the platform toward clinical development. The company previously announced a strategic investment from FUJIFILM in 2018 and had seed funding from The Engine in 2017. Suono Bio is developing a second-generation platform for ultra-rapid, localized administration of therapeutics without the need for encapsulation. The platform is formulation-independent and designed to deliver small molecules, biologics, nucleic acids and gene therapies at clinically-relevant doses. The company has demonstrated pre-clinical activity across a range of diseases using diverse therapeutics. Suono Bio leverages technology developed in the laboratory of MIT Institute Professor Robert Langer and is focused on inflammatory-mediated diseases. Leadership and founders include Professor Langer, Dr. Giovanni Traverso, Amy Schulman (executive chair) and Dr. Carl Schoellhammer (founding CEO). The company is backed by Polaris Partners, MIT’s The Engine and MedTech Venture Partners and is based in Cambridge, Mass. Suono Bio develops ultrasound-based drug-delivery technology that uses low-frequency ultrasound to create bubbles in a liquid drug solution that implode and generate jets to push drugs into targeted tissues. The system pairs a device that emits low-frequency ultrasound with drugs in liquid form to physically propel therapeutics to specific sites, a process the CEO says should be pain-free. Suono is initially focusing on therapies for gastrointestinal diseases, where localized delivery could avoid degradation in the digestive tract or the need for systemic injections. The company also envisions enabling delivery of delicate DNA or RNA therapies that are otherwise hard to administer. Suono recently closed a seed round worth a few million dollars with participation from MIT's new $170 million fund The Engine and Polaris. The funding will be used to prepare the technology for human trials, which CEO Carl Schoellhammer (age 30) expects to begin within the next 12 months.