Led · Seed · Apr 2026

Tortugas Neuroscience is a clinical-stage, neurology-focused biotech led by CEO Jeff Jonas and based in Framingham, MA. Its pipeline, in-licensed from Eisai Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Ltd., includes potential treatments for schizophrenia, tinnitus, focal epilepsy, reversible encephalopathies and other CNS indications. Programs center on small-molecule new chemical entities with derisked mechanisms of action designed as once-daily oral formulations with differentiated pharmacological profiles and indication-expansion potential. The company is advancing two lead candidates through Phase 2 clinical trials. The recent $106M Seed and Series A financings are intended to support ongoing research and development and completion of those Phase 2 studies.

Led · Series A · Dec 2024

Tasca Therapeutics leverages a proprietary auto-palmitoylation drug-discovery platform that integrates pathway biology, structure-based design, and precision oncology to address previously intractable cancer targets. Its lead candidate, CP-383, is a first-in-class small molecule shown in preclinical studies to deliver robust anti-tumor activity across multiple models, including tumors with limited response to existing treatments. The company has initiated a multi-center, open-label Phase 1/2 dose-escalation and expansion study to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of CP-383 in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors; later study stages will incorporate biomarker-enriched cohorts. Tasca’s pipeline strategy focuses on genetically and functionally validated cancer drivers, aiming to reshape treatment options for patients with high unmet need. Financially, the company has secured a $67 million Series A round, providing capital to advance CP-383 through early-stage clinical development and expand its oncology pipeline. Investors in this round include Regeneron Ventures, Cure Ventures, Invus Group, and 8VC.

Led · Series A · Feb 2024

Kenai Therapeutics leverages induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to develop off-the-shelf, allogeneic neuron replacement therapeutics targeting central nervous system disorders. Its lead candidate, RNDP-001, is an iPSC-derived dopamine progenitor cell therapy for idiopathic and inherited Parkinson’s disease that has shown robust survival, innervation, and behavioral rescue in preclinical models. The company plans to submit an IND for RNDP-001 and complete Phase 1 clinical trials, which the article states will initiate within the year. Kenai is building a broader pipeline of advanced dopamine neuron replacement therapeutics for neurological diseases. The company works with FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics as its contract manufacturing and development partner. Kenai previously raised seed funding under the name Ryne Bio. Ryne Biotechnology leverages induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to develop off-the-shelf neuron replacement therapeutics targeting neurological disorders. Its lead candidate, RNDP-001, is an iPSC-derived dopamine neuron progenitor aimed at treating inherited and idiopathic forms of Parkinson’s disease. RNDP-001 has completed preclinical efficacy and safety studies and Ryne plans to finalize its IND package and submit an IND within the next 12 months. The company will produce GMP-grade materials to enable evaluation of RNDP-001 in Phase 1 clinical trials. Beyond RNDP-001, Ryne is building a platform of drug candidates, including next-generation, gene-modified programs intended to modify and reverse disease progression. Ryne Bio was launched and seeded in 2022 by Saisei Ventures and is based in San Diego.