Participated · Series A · Jun 2023

Kate Therapeutics is a patient-centric biotechnology company developing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies for genetically defined muscle and heart diseases. Its technology platforms aim to address major limitations of current gene therapies, including tissue-specific delivery and gene regulation, with the potential to improve efficacy and safety. The company intends to advance an initial internal portfolio of muscle and heart disease programs, including myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). It will use newly raised funds to support progression of these programs. The company is led by president and CEO Kevin Forrest, Ph.D. Kate Therapeutics is based in San Diego, CA.

Participated · Series B · Mar 2021

StrideBio develops engineered AAV capsids using its proprietary STRIVE™ structure-inspired vector engineering platform to create differentiated capsids that aim to overcome first-generation gene therapy limitations. Key targeted improvements include reduced seroprevalence, improved tropism for neuronal and cardiovascular cell types, liver de-targeting and increased gene transfer efficiency to potentially enable improved safety and lower clinical doses. The company is advancing a pipeline of gene therapy candidates initially focused on genetically-defined CNS and cardiovascular disorders. StrideBio was founded in 2015 based on the research of Mavis Agbandje-McKenna and Aravind Asokan and is led by CEO Sapan Shah. It operates with existing manufacturing infrastructure that includes a 6,000 sq ft GMP clean suite and plans to expand manufacturing capacity with proceeds from the financing. StrideBio is a Durham, NC-based company that develops AAV (adeno-associated virus) vectors for in vivo gene therapies. Its platform uses structure-guided evolution to discover novel capsids with reduced antibody binding profiles in multiple tissues, including liver, muscle, eye and the central nervous system, improving properties for in vivo gene delivery. The underlying technology is based on the work of co-founders Dr. Aravind Asokan (UNC Chapel Hill) and Dr. Mavis Agbandje-McKenna (University of Florida). In June 2018 the company closed a $15.7M Series A financing led by Hatteras Venture Partners with participation from Takeda Ventures, UCB Ventures and Alexandria Venture Investments. As part of the financing, Jayson Punwani of Takeda Ventures and Erica Whittaker of UCB Ventures joined StrideBio’s board. The company will use the funds to advance multiple programs toward the clinic. StrideBio Inc. is a Durham-based biotech that develops engineered AAV viral vectors for gene therapy, using structure-inspired design to create vectors that can escape pre-existing neutralizing antibodies. Its core technology engine focuses on designing novel AAVs to improve in vivo gene delivery. In April the company struck a deal with Crispr Therapeutics to develop in vivo gene delivery applications; that agreement includes development funding, milestone payments and royalties, while StrideBio retains certain rights to use the licensed vectors. The technology is based on work by Dr. Aravind Asokan (UNC‑Chapel Hill) and Dr. Mavis Agbandje‑McKenna (University of Florida). StrideBio recently raised $1.0 million via a private debt and option offering, according to an SEC filing. The company has previously received capital from Hatteras Venture Partners.