Participated · Series A · Jun 2022

Founded in 2019, PineTree Therapeutics is building AbReptor™, a proprietary platform that creates modular bispecific and multispecific degraders capable of eliminating membrane-bound and extracellular proteins that drive tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. The technology has shown strong preclinical efficacy and safety against receptor tyrosine kinases, including those refractory to existing TKIs and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Beyond oncology, the company believes its degraders may provide new approaches for inflammatory and immunology indications. PineTree is also exploring a novel class of degrading antibody–drug conjugates and trispecific degraders to enhance durability and tolerability. In July 2024 it inked an AstraZeneca collaboration that carries more than $500 million in potential milestones and royalties around its preclinical EGFR degrader. Proceeds from its recent Series B financing will fund IND-enabling work, first-in-human studies, and expansion of its degrader portfolio, while supporting additional strategic collaborations. The company remains pre-revenue and has not yet entered clinical trials, putting near-term emphasis on advancing lead candidates into Phase I.

Participated · Series A · Nov 2021

MANA Therapeutics develops nonengineered, off-the-shelf allogeneic cell therapies using its EDIFY platform to target multiple tumor-associated antigens. The EDIFY platform leverages dendritic cells and ManaMix antigens to educate and expand T-cells without genetic modification, aiming for multi-antigen targeting, safety, repeat dosing, and a simplified high-yield manufacturing process. The company is advancing multiple candidates: MANA-312, an allogeneic donor-derived product in a Phase 1 trial initiated earlier this year; MANA-412, expected to enter clinical trials in 2022; and a pipeline of MANA-512 candidates applying new antigen sets. MANA also uses a ManaMatch HLA matching protocol to build a bank of readily accessible, nonengineered therapies intended to treat the majority of patients in targeted indications. Financially, MANA announced the final close of its Series A bringing total equity proceeds to $42 million and closed a $7.5 million venture debt facility with Silicon Valley Bank, with a $5 million initial tranche available immediately. The company says the funding will accelerate clinical study starts and allow further pipeline build-out. MANA Therapeutics is a clinical-stage company developing nonengineered, off-the-shelf allogeneic cell therapies using its EDIFY™ platform to target multiple tumor-associated antigens. The EDIFY platform leverages dendritic cells and natural immune pathways to educate and expand T-cells without viral or genetic modification, using ManaMix™ antigens for multi-antigen targeting. Initial CNH and Johns Hopkins-led human proof-of-concept trials supported a strong safety profile, showed immunological anti-tumor activity, and validated MANA’s initial tumor antigens. MANA has initiated a Phase 1 trial of MANA-312 in relapsed/refractory AML post-HSCT and is developing MANA-412 as a preclinical off-the-shelf candidate with plans to file an IND in late-2021. The company uses a simplified, scalable manufacturing process that does not require genetic modification and can generate tens of billions of cells from a single partial HLA-matched donor. A $35 million Series A financing will support advancement of internal and partnered programs across hematologic and select solid tumors.

Led · Series A · Oct 2021

Cerecin focuses on creating therapeutics that address the metabolic basis of central nervous system diseases. Its lead candidate, CER-0001, is being evaluated in clinical studies for migraine prevention and infantile spasms, with plans for a pivotal Alzheimer’s disease trial. The company recently completed enrollment of the 83-patient RELIEF pilot migraine study and is expanding its infantile spasms trial sites in Australia and Singapore. Proceeds from recent financings are earmarked to advance these programs and to broaden Cerecin’s pipeline of lipid-based neurotherapeutics. Cerecin benefits from strategic backing by Nestlé S.A. and Wilmar International, along with a network of Korean institutional investors. Although no revenue figures have been disclosed, the firm closed a USD $40 million Series II/IIA round in late 2021 and continues to secure follow-on capital to reach upcoming clinical inflection points.