• Syntimmune

  Participated · Series A · Nov 2016

  Syntimmune’s lead candidate, SYNT001, is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the FcRn–IgG interaction and is being developed to treat a broad range of IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases. The company is conducting two ongoing Phase 1b/2a trials of SYNT001 in pemphigus and warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and U.S. Phase 1a data showed safe and rapid onset of clinically meaningful FcRn–IgG blockade. Syntimmune is also developing SYNT002, which targets the FcRn–albumin interaction and promotes clearance of albumin-bound endo- and exotoxins. The Series B proceeds will fund continued clinical development of SYNT001, manufacturing scale-up in preparation for anticipated registration studies, further preclinical development of SYNT002, and additional research activities. Since its founding, the company has received a total of $78 million in capital commitments from life sciences investors led by Apple Tree Partners. The company was founded in 2013 by Richard Blumberg, M.D., and Laurence Blumberg, M.D. Syntimmune is a clinical-stage biotech advancing therapies for IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases based on neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) biology. Its lead candidate, SYNT001, is a biologic that specifically blocks FcRn–IgG interactions and is advancing into multiple Phase 1b/2a trials. The company is also developing two earlier-stage therapeutic programs targeting other unique aspects of FcRn biology. Syntimmune intends to use the proceeds from its latest funding to advance its Phase 1b/2a studies. As of the article, the company had raised $28M in total capital to date. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Newton, MA and New York, NY. Leadership includes founder Dr. Laurence Blumberg (COO) and new President and CEO David de Graaf, Ph.D. Syntimmune is a development-stage company advancing novel therapies that target the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) to treat IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases. Its lead candidate, SYNT001, is a biologic that blocks the FcRn–IgG interaction and has completed preclinical proof of concept and safety testing. The company intends to submit an IND for SYNT001 to the FDA in mid-2016 and plans a Phase 1a trial in healthy volunteers later in the year. Syntimmune also has two additional earlier-stage therapeutic programs targeting other aspects of FcRn biology. Since its founding in 2013, Syntimmune has received $28 million in funding commitments from life sciences investors, including Apple Tree Partners, Baxalta Ventures, and Partners Innovation Fund. Funds from the recently triggered financing tranche will be used to complete the anticipated Phase 1a study.

• Gadeta

  Led · Series A · Mar 2016

  Gadeta is a Dutch biotech startup developing cell-based cancer immunotherapies built on engineered gamma delta (γδ) T-cell receptors. Its platform uses combinatorial T Cell receptor exchange (CTE) to create optimized γδ TCRs and its lead product, T Cells Engineered To Express A Defined Gamma Delta TCR (TEGs), expresses high-affinity γδ TCRs on αβ T cells. The approach targets metabolic differences in hematological and solid tumor cells discovered by Prof. Jürgen Kuball and is intended for treatment of advanced malignancies. Founded in 2015 and based in Utrecht, the company plans a Phase I/IIa trial in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in early 2017 and aims to start a second clinical trial in solid tumors later in 2017. Gadeta is also working to optimize a closed manufacturing system to support clinical production. The announcement notes the completion of a EUR 7 million Series A financing to accelerate these programs.

• True North Therapeutics

  Participated · Series C · Dec 2015

  True North Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco developing products that selectively inhibit the Complement system to treat certain rare diseases. Its lead product candidate, TNT009, is designed to selectively inhibit a target in the Classical Complement pathway. The company intends to use proceeds from its recent financing to accelerate further development of TNT009 for Cold Agglutinin Disease (CAD) and other rare Complement-mediated diseases. CAD is a rare autoimmune disease involving destruction of red blood cells that can cause anemia, fatigue and potentially fatal thromboses; there are currently no approved pharmaceutical products for CAD in the U.S. or Europe. TNT009 received Orphan Drug designation from the U.S. FDA for autoimmune hemolytic anemia, including CAD, adding to a designation from the European Medicines Agency received in February 2016. The company is led by CEO Nancy Stagliano and completed a $45M Series D equity financing to fund its development plans. True North Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing antibody therapies that selectively inhibit the Complement system to treat rare diseases. Its lead program, TNT009, is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that targets C1s to selectively block the Classical Complement pathway. The company is positioning TNT009 for Cold Agglutinin Disease (CAD) and other complement-mediated indications across hematology, transplantation, and dermatology. True North initiated a Phase 1a clinical study with TNT009 earlier in 2015 and plans to begin a Phase 1b clinical study later this month. Proceeds from the recent financing will be used to advance TNT009 through potential registration-enabling studies for CAD and to progress additional complement inhibitors in its pipeline. True North is based in South San Francisco, California. True North Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing a pipeline of novel therapies that selectively target the Complement pathway to address rare and antibody-driven diseases. Its lead candidate, TNT009, is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits C1s to selectively block the Classical Complement pathway while preserving the Alternative and Lectin pathways. The company plans a broad clinical program for TNT009, initiating a Phase 1a study in Q2 2015 and a Phase 1b program later in the year in indications including antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplant and Cold Agglutinin Disease. Proceeds from a completed $35 million Series B equity financing will fund completion of clinical studies for TNT009 and advancement of a second preclinical drug candidate into clinical development. True North positions itself as the first company to selectively target Classical Complement pathway blockade across hematologic, kidney transplant, and skin therapeutic areas. The company is located in South San Francisco, California. True North Therapeutics is developing TNT009, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits C1s in the Classical Complement pathway. Preclinical studies showed ex vivo efficacy for TNT009. The company is focused on Complement-mediated rare diseases across hematologic, renal (including kidney transplant), neurological and dermatology areas. True North plans to advance TNT009 into clinical development with the initiation of first human trials planned for early 2015. The Series A financing will fund completion of Phase 1a and Phase 1b studies, including evaluation of patients with autoantibody-driven rare diseases mediated by the Complement system. True North was spun out from iPierian and is based in South San Francisco, California.

No current team members are available.