Participated · Series A · Jan 2024

Circular Genomics is building a proprietary circular RNA (circRNA) biomarker platform that analyzes highly stable, brain-enriched non-coding RNAs from whole blood to detect neurological disease biology before symptoms appear. Its lead application is an Alzheimer’s disease assay designed to outperform current PET and CSF diagnostics by providing an accessible, pathway-level view of neurodegeneration. The company’s data show robust prediction models, identification of presymptomatic patients, and specificity versus other dementias, positioning the test for use in early screening, patient stratification, and longitudinal monitoring. Beyond Alzheimer’s, Circular Genomics plans to expand its platform into other neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder. Near-term priorities include completing large clinical validation studies, enhancing the biomarker panel, forming strategic partnerships with pharma and diagnostic providers, and growing the commercial and scientific teams. The recent $15 million Series A financing provides the capital required to advance these initiatives and prepare the first assay for market launch.

Led · Equity · May 2015

SolaranRx is developing a precision theranostic platform combining therapeutics and diagnostics for metastatic melanoma. Its lead product, SRX-1177, is a novel peptide linked to a radioisotope that specifically targets melanocortin-1 (MC1) receptors, which are over-expressed in about 80% of melanoma cells. SRX-1177 can identify MC1-positive patients using a standard imaging procedure, after which therapeutic doses are used to deliver targeted radiation to kill melanoma cells while minimizing impact on healthy tissue. Les Stewart and co-founder Stuart Rose acquired exclusive rights to the UNM technology in June 2014 and are advancing the program toward clinical application. The FDA has granted orphan drug status to SRX-1177, and Informa/Kantar Health named it among the 2014 Top 10 Most Interesting Oncology Projects to Watch. Financially, the company recently received a $100,000 investment from the STC.UNM Co-Investment Fund to support continued development.

Participated · Series A · Jan 2015

EcoPesticides International develops biologic-based pesticides that use naturally occurring bacteria and fungi encapsulated in natural biopolymers to protect from UV and environmental degradation. Its encapsulation technology is intended to extend potency and performance while avoiding harm to people, animals, and beneficial insects. The company holds an exclusive global licensing agreement with the University of New Mexico and operates lab activities in Santa Fe. EcoPesticides is conducting trials targeting desert locusts in West Africa and grasshoppers in Montana, reporting promising results for its encapsulation approach. The funds from the recent round will advance the technology, support operations, and secure research and development partners. The company positions itself against a $50 billion global crop protection market and cites the microbial pesticide market growing from $2 billion toward $5 billion by 2020.