Participated · Equity · Jul 2020

Citryll, based in Oss, The Netherlands, is advancing a novel approach to treating immune-mediated inflammatory diseases by targeting Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs). Its lead asset, CIT-013, is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody with a dual mechanism of action that enhances clearance of existing NETs and inhibits formation of new NETs. The company says this approach could create a new class of therapeutics with broad applications across conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Citryll is led by CEO Eduardo Bravo. The company intends to use the funds from its Series B to enable next steps in the clinical development of CIT-013. The technology aims to address a fundamental component of the inflammatory process that has not yet been therapeutically targeted. Citryll develops CIT-013, a therapeutic antibody designed to inhibit formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and NETosis. The company intends to use CIT-013 to treat autoimmune and NET-driven conditions, including lupus, organ damage from sepsis, asthma and NET-induced thrombosis. Citryll says CIT-013 does not broadly target inflammation or acquired immunity but instead extinguishes NET-derived autoantigens and toxic, prothrombotic and proinflammatory components. Proceeds from the fundraise will advance the preclinical and clinical development and manufacturing of CIT-013. The programme’s preclinical development and manufacturing were accelerated in 2019 via a first closing with existing investors, and the program was on track to reach the clinic in 2021. Citryll describes its team as world leaders and pioneers in the NETosis space. The company is based in Oss, the Netherlands, and was founded by ModiQuest B.V. together with CEO Helmuth van Es and CSO Renato Chirivi. Citryll develops tACPA, a class of antibodies that inhibit NETosis by binding N‑terminal citrullinated histone epitopes essential for NET formation, acting downstream of the PAD‑dependent citrullination pathway. The company’s approach aims to extinguish sources of autoantigens and NET‑derived toxic molecules without broadly suppressing inflammation or acquired immunity. Citryll targets autoimmune and other diseases driven by NETs, including lupus, vasculitis, pulmonary fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and organ damage due to sepsis. Proceeds from its recent financing will be used to advance pre‑clinical and clinical development of the tACPA therapeutic. Citryll was founded by ModiQuest B.V., CEO Helmuth van Es, and CSO Renato Chirivi, and is based in Oss, the Netherlands. The company positions tACPA as a first‑in‑class therapeutic innovation addressing significant medical needs where NET formation plays a crucial pathogenic role.

Participated · Seed · Aug 2018

DNAlite Therapeutics is an early-stage, preclinical biotechnology company developing gastrointestinal gene therapies. The company is pursuing a gene therapy strategy to treat monogenetic gastrointestinal diseases by delivering a functional copy of the gene to patients' gastrointestinal epithelium using a proprietary delivery platform. Proceeds from a recent seed financing will be used to continue development of treatments for genetic intestinal diseases. DNAlite focuses on bringing next-generation drugs to organs protected by mucosal barriers and on addressing patient populations with limited therapeutic options. The company was founded in 2016 by UC Berkeley graduates Mubhij Ahmad and Timothy Day and is Berkeley-based. Recent additions to the team include Xixi Zhu (operations, cross-border fundraising and business development) and Dr. Cassandra Callmann (nanoparticle drug delivery) to help advance the pipeline.