• InteRNA Technologies

  Participated · Series A · Dec 2015

  InteRNA Technologies is a Dutch clinical-stage biotech developing a pipeline of proprietary microRNA (miRNA) therapeutics with a focus on cancer. Its lead candidate, INT-1B3, is designed to modulate multiple signaling pathways including PTEN, PI3K/Akt and Ras/MAPK to inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis and affect the tumor microenvironment. INT-1B3 also triggers immunogenic tumor cell death, downregulates the adenosine‑A2A receptor pathway (via CD39/CD73 inhibition), and promotes CD8+ T cell recruitment, showing improved animal survival versus anti‑PD1 in preclinical studies. The company uses a miRNA discovery and functional validation platform combined with a 3rd generation drug delivery formulation to select and enable candidates. Proceeds from the recently extended Series B will enable the clinical evaluation of INT-1B3 in patients with advanced solid tumors and support development of additional preclinical programs to expand the pipeline. InteRNA emphasizes therapies that engage multiple targets simultaneously to address resistance and improve efficacy for hard-to-treat cancers. InteRNA Technologies develops cancer therapeutics based on microRNA (miRNA) using a proprietary technology platform for rapid identification and validation of therapeutic miRNAs. Led by CEO Roel Schaapveld, the company has established in vivo proof of concept for multiple pipeline candidates. InteRNA is pursuing partnerships to secure appropriate delivery technologies and expects corporate partnerships to advance several products into clinical development. It was incorporated as a spin-off from the Hubrecht Institute by Aglaia Oncology Fund I and is based in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. The company closed the final tranche of its Series A at US$10.5M and will use the funds to progress lead product candidates through preclinical studies toward clinical development and to expand the management team. Recent governance changes include additions to the Supervisory Board and the appointment of Hans Schikan as chairman. InteRNA Technologies develops microRNA (miRNA)-based therapeutics with a lead candidate, miR-3157, targeting melanoma. The company intends to use newly raised capital to advance miR-3157 through preclinical studies toward clinical development. miR-3157 has been granted a U.S. patent. In addition to its own program, InteRNA plans to partner development of other compounds with selected pharmaceutical companies. The company completed an equity financing of undisclosed size, backed by new institutional and angel investors. InteRNA was spun off from the Hubrecht Institute and is led by CEO Roel Schaapveld.

• Portal Instruments

  Participated · Series B · Oct 2015

  Portal Instruments is a Cambridge, MA–based clinical-stage drug delivery device company developing a computerized needle-free delivery system for injectable biologics aimed at chronic diseases. The company’s patented injection mechanism is designed to deliver precise drug volumes to desired tissue depths regardless of viscosity or composition and is customizable across medical, animal, agricultural, and cosmetic applications. Portal holds a worldwide exclusive license to technology conceived and prototyped at MIT by founder Ian Hunter and is supported by an intellectual property portfolio of more than 50 patents. Led by CEO Patrick Anquetil, the company intends to use the financing to further develop its system and to advance commercialization of its first product. In conjunction with the financing, Jim W. Young, Ph.D., Venture Partner at 5AM Venture Management, joined the company’s board. Financially, the company closed a $25M Series B with an initial $10M draw and an additional $15M contingent on milestone achievement. Portal Instruments is a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based developer of computerized needle-free drug delivery systems that can administer viscous biologics and other formulations. The company leverages technology developed and prototyped at MIT and holds a worldwide exclusive license to an intellectual property portfolio of more than 50 patents conceived by MIT inventor Ian Hunter, Ph.D. Portal’s system is designed to deliver precise drug doses at desired tissue depths regardless of viscosity or composition. Leadership includes CEO Patrick Anquetil, Ph.D., MBA and COO Mark Philip, Ph.D., MBA. The company completed an $11M Series A financing and intends to use the funds to further develop its delivery system. Investors in the round include Sanofi through its Sunrise initiative, Boston-based PBJ Capital, and a major U.S. medical device company.

No current team members are available.