Participated · Series B · Aug 2026

Vaderis is developing engasertib (VAD044), an investigational once-daily oral selective allosteric AKT1/2 inhibitor intended to treat hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The company has advanced engasertib into pivotal development following positive proof-of-concept and long-term extension data published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Vaderis has initiated HEROIC, a global Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolling patients across North America, South America and Europe. The company intends to use proceeds from its $152 million Series B to support operations through regulatory submissions and potential U.S. approval. Vaderis is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, with a U.S. subsidiary in Lincolnshire, Illinois. The company positions engasertib as a potential first approved therapy specifically developed for people living with HHT.

Participated · Series B · Mar 2026

Unnatural Products has built an integrated discovery platform to engineer synthetic macrocyclic peptides at scale, combining computational design, automated chemistry, and high-throughput biological testing. The company positions macrocyclic peptides as a modality that can marry biologics-level selectivity with small-molecule delivery properties, including potential oral delivery and cell permeability. Its pipeline targets cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and immunological diseases, and the company is advancing lead programs toward clinical development. Unnatural Products has established collaborations with pharma and biotech partners including Novartis, Merck, BridgeBio and argenx; the Novartis deal includes up to $100 million upfront and up to $1.7 billion in milestones. The recent $45 million Series B will fund further platform development and pipeline advancement. The company is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California.

Participated · Series B · Dec 2025

Protego Biopharma engineers first-in-class pharmacological chaperones that stabilize misfolded proteins, preventing toxic amyloid accumulation at the root of systemic amyloid diseases. Its lead candidate, PROT-001, targets immunoglobulin light chains and is being advanced toward a pivotal trial for AL amyloidosis, a rare and often fatal condition with limited treatment options. The company’s platform, grounded in human genetics and protein-folding biology, positions it to address a broad spectrum of protein misfolding disorders beyond AL amyloidosis. Protego’s approach aims to deliver disease-modifying rather than symptomatic therapies, representing a potential paradigm shift in this field. Backed by a syndicate of blue-chip life-science investors, the company is now well capitalized following its Series B raise. Although still pre-revenue, Protego benefits from renewed investor confidence and plans to use the new capital primarily for clinical development and regulatory activities related to PROT-001.

Participated · Series B · Jun 2025

Actio Biosciences is a clinical-stage company using genetics and precision medicine to develop oral small-molecule therapeutics that target shared underlying biology across rare and common diseases. Its pipeline is led by ABS-1230, a selective KCNT1 inhibitor for KCNT1-related epilepsy, and ABS-0871, a TRPV4 inhibitor being evaluated for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2C and overactive bladder. ABS-0871 is currently in the healthy volunteer portion of a Phase 1 trial with plans to expand into a Phase 1b patient study in 2026; ABS-1230 is planned to enter the healthy volunteer portion of a Phase 1 trial in the second half of 2025 with a Phase 1b proof-of-concept study in KCNT1-related epilepsy patients planned for early 2026. ABS-1230 has received rare pediatric and orphan drug designations from the FDA; ABS-0871 has rare pediatric, orphan drug and fast track designations. The company applies genetics, drug discovery and data sciences to select programs with reduced biological and technical risk, aiming to streamline development of precisely targeted therapies. Founded in October 2021 and based in San Diego, Actio positions its programs for expansion into broader indications as supporting evidence emerges. Actio Biosciences applies a human genetics platform to identify and de-risk therapeutic targets, aiming to translate insights from rare diseases into treatments for common conditions. Its platform includes a proprietary Rare Disease Target Atlas and expertise in bioinformatics, biology and chemistry. The company has a partnership with The Jackson Laboratory to evaluate targets in genetically engineered mouse models and collaborates with academic centers for further validation and natural history insights. Actio’s lead program targets the TRPV4 ion channel and is being advanced toward the clinic for TRPV4-related rare diseases such as CMT2C and serious bone disorders; preclinical models showed improvements in motor function, mobility, bone morphology and lifespan. The company plans to expand its pipeline and has identified two additional programs aimed at genetic epilepsies and genetic skin conditions. Actio completed a $55 million Series A to advance its programs and platform.

Led · Series A · Mar 2025

Hillstar Bio develops next-generation precision immunology therapies that selectively deplete pathogenic immune cells while preserving healthy cells. Its lead program targets TRBV9+ T cells and is being advanced toward a clinical proof-of-concept study in axial spondyloarthritis and other HLA-B27-associated conditions. The company plans to initiate clinical trials for the TRBV9 program in 2026. Hillstar leverages tailored discovery techniques, validated technologies, and disease-specific biomarkers to identify patient populations and mitigate development risk. The company is backed by an investor syndicate and says it is fully funded through early clinical studies following the recent financing. Hillstar highlights a leadership team with deep expertise in antibody engineering, immunology, and clinical development.