Participating Companies
5AM Ventures
5AM Ventures is a leading venture capital firm focused on building next-generation life science companies capable of delivering outstanding returns to our investors.
Abbvie
We’re a company that takes on the toughest health challenges. But we do more than treat diseases—we aim to make a remarkable impact on people’s lives. We are AbbVie, a highly focused research-driven biopharmaceutical company.
AiM Medical Robotics
AiM Medical Robotics is developing an advanced surgical robotic system for the Neurosurgical market. Our proprietary design will allow for patients to be treated while inside the MRI scanner, thereby providing the surgeon with “real time” positioning, navigation, and therapeutic feedback, in a controlled automated environment.
The Allen Institute
The Allen Institute is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization founded by philanthropist and visionary Paul G. Allen. The Allen Institute is dedicated to answering some of the biggest questions in bioscience and accelerating research worldwide. The Institute is a recognized leader in large-scale research with a commitment to an open science model. Its research institutes include the Allen Institute for Brain Science, launched in 2003, the Allen Institute for Cell Science, launched in 2014, and the Allen Institute for Immunology, launched in 2018. In 2016, the Allen Institute expanded its reach with the launch of The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, which identifies pioneers with new ideas to expand the boundaries of knowledge and make the world better. For more information, visit alleninstitute.org.
Alopexx
Founded in 2011, Alopexx is a science-driven Investment, Management and Development Company. We invest in novel health care technologies at all stages of development. We have a large, experienced team with expertise at all stages of product development. We work together with entrepreneurs, investors, scientists and cjorporate partners to develop breakthrough technologies that improve patients’ lives. Our portfolio companies are listed below
Alzheon
Alzheon, Inc. is committed to developing innovative medicines by directly addressing the underlying pathology of devastating neurodegenerative disorders. Our lead Alzheimer’s clinical candidate, ALZ-801, is a Phase 3-ready, first-in-class, small molecule oral inhibitor of beta amyloid aggregation and neurotoxicity – hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. ALZ-801 is a novel prodrug that builds on the safety and efficacy profile of the active compound tramiprosate, which has been evaluated in clinical trials involving over 2,000 Alzheimer’s patients. Our clinical expertise and technology platform are focused on developing drug candidates using a Precision Medicine approach based on individual genetic and biological information to advance therapies with the greatest impact for patients.
Bay City Capital
Founded in 1997, Bay City Capital LLC is a life sciences investment firm with a global diversified strategy ranging from seed stage to public companies, and including innovation, restructuring opportunities, and growth investing. Our investment team brings a wealth of experience across all areas of the life sciences industry. Nearly all of our partners have been with the firm for 12 years or more, and they are supported by over 20 investment professionals, distinguished advisers, and scientific advisory board members.
Biogen
At Biogen, our mission is clear: we are pioneers in neuroscience. Biogen discovers, develops, and delivers worldwide innovative therapies for people living with serious neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. One of the world’s first global biotechnology companies, Biogen was founded in 1978 by Charles Weissmann, Heinz Schaller, Kenneth Murray, and Nobel Prize winners Walter Gilbert and Phillip Sharp, and today has the leading portfolio of medicines to treat multiple sclerosis, has introduced the first and only approved treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, and is focused on advancing neuroscience research programs in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology, movement disorders, neuromuscular disorders, acute neurology, neurocognitive disorders, pain, and ophthalmology. Biogen also manufactures and commercializes biosimilars of advanced biologics.
Centrexion
At Centrexion Therapeutics, we believe that the most effective way to treat chronic pain is through therapies that specifically target the origin of the pain signal. This approach differs from other treatments such as opioids, which bind to specific receptors located throughout the body including in the brain, spinal cord and other nervous tissue rather than the specific source of chronic pain in the peripheral nervous system, or NSAIDs and steroids, which target the inflammatory response, not pain signaling.
Cognito Therapeutics
Cognito Therapeutics is a clinical stage company developing device-based therapies and services to pioneer this approach. Gamma stimulation is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that could provide dramatic benefits in Alzheimer’s Disease.
Cognoptix
Cognoptix is creating and developing a simple, innovative non-invasive eye scanning test for the early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease.
The key to effective preventive therapy and treatment of Alzheimer’s is the creation of an “early warning system” for the disease, before it progresses to the point where treatment options are limited. Cognoptix’s technology has demonstrated successful preclinical and clinical results as the company develops its diagnostic platform – which consists of a laser eye scanning device combined with an ophthalmic ointment which specifically identifies Alzheimer’s related proteins found in the lens of the eye.
Cognoptix’s goal is to provide clinicians with a reliable, inexpensive and widely available test that can be performed quickly and accurately by a general practitioner in an office setting, to enable swift intervention and ongoing monitoring of patients.
Collaborations Pharmaceuticals
Collaborations Pharmaceuticals is focused on using machine learning approaches for rare and neglected disease drug discovery. It has active small molecule programs on Ebola, Chagas disease, Tuberculosis, HIV, Cryptococcus, Hepatitis B, Staphlococcus A, Rhinovirus and Norovirus. It has rare disease programs on Batten Disease, HNPP and fucosidosis.
COMPASS Pathways
COMPASS Pathways is a life sciences company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health.Our first major initiative is developing psilocybin therapy through late-stage clinical trials in the EU and US for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
We are developing psychoactive care pathways based on advances in neuroscience, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology and digital platforms.
DermaXon:
DermaXon is a Montana-based drug discovery company founded in 2013 providing first-in-class drug candidates. DermaXon targets the brain-skin connection to discover and develop novel therapeutic strategies to treat life-threatening diseases and disorders such as pain, pruritus and genetic disorders of skin cornification. The company’s core technology is based on the design and development of small molecules modulating multiple targets or inhibiting the degradation of endogenous molecules exhibiting polypharmacology. DermaXon uses medicinal chemistry, molecular biology and RNA sequencing to characterize and identify synergies and overlaps between biological signaling pathways modulated by small molecules.
Dolby Family Ventures
Dolby Family Ventures is an early stage venture firm focused on building great technology companies. We partner with best-in-class innovators and strong investment syndicate partners at the seed stage of a company’s development. Unlike many seed investors, we intend to continue to invest across future rounds in our successful portfolio companies.
The fund honors the legacy of Ray Dolby and his commitment to engineers and their vision to solve the world’s toughest problems. Dolby Family Ventures formalizes the Dolby family’s ongoing multi-generational commitment to supporting talented entrepreneurs.
We work actively with entrepreneurs to implement best practices in operational finance, strategy, and board development processes.
Emerald Health Pharmaceuticals
Emerald Health Pharmaceuticals is a private drug development company focused on patented non-psychotropic cannabinoid analogues (new chemical entities) for the treatment of inflammatory, auto-immune, neurodegenerative, fibrotic, and metabolic diseases. The Company's portfolio of twenty-five patented molecules are chemically-modified derivatives of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), specifically designed to improve the therapeutic properties of these natural compounds by addressing multiple biological targets and physiologic pathways that have been demonstrated to play key roles in specific central nervous system (CNS), auto-immune, inflammatory, metabolic, and fibrotic diseases. The first two selected product candidates from this portfolio of molecules (EHP-101, a CBD analogue, and EHP-102, a CBG analogue) are being developed to address unmet medical needs in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, Huntington's Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. EHP expects to begin human trials in 2018.
EnClear Therapies
EnClear Therapies is a Cambridge (USA) based biotechnology company developing neurology-focused, device-based systems that remove toxic proteins as therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and provide closed loop delivery & monitoring of cerebrospinal fluids (CSF). The company’s first products will target improving the lives of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).
The FOXG1 Research Foundation (FRF)
The FOXG1 Research Foundation was founded in 2017 by three moms whose children were born with the rare neurologic disorder called FOXG1 syndrome. Along with a team of FOXG1 parents from across the globe, The FOXG1 Research Foundation is accelerating research to find a cure for every child in the world with FOXG1 syndrome. FRF is dedicated to raising money to fund the world's leading scientists that are integral along the strategic Path to a Cure. FOXG1 is a transcription factor gene that is linked to many brain disorders, affecting millions of patients, such as autism, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, brain cancers, and more. FRF will continue to apply its research to solve all related disorders. More information is available at https://www.foxg1research.org.
GliaCure
GliaCure is a pioneer in the development of novel therapeutics aimed at treating neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders of the brain. The company’s approaches are based on glial targets, a cell type in the brain that has previously been overlooked in drug discovery.
The company has developed a small molecule clinical candidate – GC021109 – for a glial target that has two primary actions downstream of target engagement: the stimulation of phagocytosis and anti-inflammatory actions in which levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are reduced.
Gliapharm
GliaPharm is a Swiss biotechnology company that develops treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
GliaPharm's innovative therapeutic approach is to target glial cells, the 'support cells' of neurons, to sustain and enhance brain metabolism in pathological conditions. Our vision is to become a leading biotechnology company with a focus on glia-mediated pathways as agents for neuroprotection and maintenance of cognitive functions.
Helixmith
Helixmith is the global leader in the area of plasmid DNA gene therapy with a presence in Seoul and San Diego. In the US, the company is conducting the world’s first phase III gene therapy trial for severe neuropathic pain, which is nearing its completion, another phase III for diabetic foot ulcer, and phase II for ALS.
Iaso Ventures
Iaso Ventures is the nation’s first sector-focused brain and behavioral health venture fund. Iaso Ventures builds innovative early-stage companies that develop non-pharmacological interventions and solutions using our domain-specific insights into patient/provider engagement, commercialization, and market adoption.
Iproteos
Iproteos’ technology platform IPROTech has allowed the development of innovative compounds to address unmet needs for Central Nervous System indications. Our product pipeline is composed by: 1. First-in-class cognitive enhancer for the treatment of cognitive symptoms associated with psychiatric diseases and dementias which will enter clinical trials in the next few months. 2. Disease-modifying treatment of epilepsy, with focus on the epileptogenesis process, which has generated a proof of concept in animal models of disease and is currently under preclinical testing.
Johnson & Johnson Innovation
Johnson & Johnson Innovation focuses on accelerating all stages of innovation worldwide and forming collaborations between entrepreneurs and Johnson & Johnson's global healthcare businesses. Johnson & Johnson Innovation provides scientists, entrepreneurs and emerging companies with one-stop access to science and technology experts who can facilitate collaborations across the pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer companies of Johnson & Johnson. Under the Johnson & Johnson Innovation umbrella of businesses, we connect with innovators through our regional Innovation Centers, JLABS, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Inc. and our Business Development teams to create customized deals and novel collaborations that speed development of innovations to solve unmet needs in patients. For more information please visit www.jnjinnovation.com.
Lauren Sciences
Lauren Sciences LLC leads in Neuroscience as New York biotech committed to development of its novel V-Smart® platform to create robust pipeline of transformative V-Smart® Nanomedicines, consisting of CNS-active drugs that normally do not cross BBB. Just some applications include Parkinson's, Lou Gehrig's (ALS), Brain Cancer (GBM), Alzheimer's. Lauren Sciences laboratories/research team are in Israel, where V-Smart® technology was invented. V-Smart® breakthrough innovation solves greatest medical challenge in brain disease treatment -- non-invasive targeted delivery of therapeutics to the brain. V-Smart® Nanomedicines encapsulate therapeutic agents, “macro” target brain and cross BBB, “micro” target and deliver to specific sites in brain, selectively release at target sites, are administered systemically. Revolutionary, game changers, disease-modifying drugs, not symptomatic palliatives. 11 foundation grant awards, 6 pre-clinical pipeline products; 18 peer-reviewed journal publications; 25 research presentations; 6 scientific meeting posters; 10 patent family portfolios.
MEMStim
At MEMStim we produce implantable electrode leads capable of providing targeted electrical stimulation to highly dense and small nerve fiber groups. Using automated Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) manufacturing similar to that of the micro-computer chip industry, we create biocompatible electrode leads, which, just like computers, can be made smaller, and do much more than their hand-assembled counterparts.
Mitovation
Mitovation is developing novel infrared light (IRL) technology for the treatment of ischemic brain injuries. With funding and support from the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Defense, Mitovation’s founders and executive team are translating this groundbreaking technology from bench to bedside for the treatment of adult cardiac arrest/resuscitation and neonatal hypoxia.
Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma:
Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC) was founded in 1678 in Doshomachi, Osaka, which is the birthplace of Japan’s pharmaceutical industry. MTPC is expanding its global operations and building for future growth with the aim of becoming a global research-driven pharmaceutical company. Edaravone (RADICAVA) for the treatment of ALS was discovered by MTPC and is the first FDA-approved treatment option for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in more than 20 years. For more information, go tohttp://www.mt-pharma.co.jp/.
MPH
MPH is a venture capital firm that invests in innovative research-driven companies in the areas of biotechnology, therapeutics and vaccines. Founded in 2006, MPH is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC). By working with MPH, promising companies can gain access to the funding and industry expertise needed to bring state-of-the-art products to market
NeuroElectrics
Neuroelectrics® is a digital brain health company that innovates at the intersection of neuroscience, physics, machine learning, and hardware. We have developed wireless EEG and tDCS,tACS,tRNS stimulation devices with up to 32 channels, amongst other products encompassing software and research services, with the purpose of monitoring and enhancing brain health.
Neuroene Therapeutics
Neuroene Therapeutics is a startup drug discovery company formed in 2015 after the Co-Founders discovered a new class of compounds based on Vitamin K (VK) that improves mitochondrial and neuronal health in multiple animal models of difficult to treat neurological diseases, such as medication-resistant epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and rare pediatric mitochondrial disease. The long-term objective is to develop this VK analog drug discovery platform to identify clinical candidates for multiple diseases of underlying mitochondrial dysfunction.
Neuroscience Trials Australia
NTA is a niche Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in all aspects and phases (I, II, III, IV) of neuroscience clinical research. Our areas of expertise include pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and device development programs. Indications that we focus on include stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, MS and ALS.
NeuroSigma
NeuroSigma is a California-based life sciences company established to develop bioelectronic technologies with the potential to transform medical practice and patients' lives. NeuroSigma is focused on TNS neuromodulation therapies based on intellectual property, licensed on an exclusive basis from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), covering a wide-spectrum of disorders, including ADHD.
NI Research
The development of improved treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders is the greatest challenge confronting contemporary medicine. Indeed, neurodegenerative disorders, epitomized by Alzheimers, pose an ummatched threat to modern health care systems and the economic well being of society as a whole. Since 1995, NI Research has been the leading resource for independent information and analysis regarding the next generation of neurotherapeutics. It is to NI Research publications that the pharma industry and investment professionals turn for objective appraisals of scientific programs, companies seeking to bring them forward, and for consultation regarding strategy and licensing. NI Research emphasizes independence and objectivity: No advertising or sponsorships are accepted.
Norwich Ventures
Norwich is a specialized venture capital firm focused on early-stage medtech. We invest in entrepreneurs developing game-changing technologies that solve large unmet medical needs. We provide initial capital in seed and early-stage rounds. We approach each investment with a long-term perspective and continue to support and invest in the company throughout its phases of growth.
Oligomerix
Oligomerix is a highly differentiated biopharmaceutical company discovering and developing novel therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative diseases characterized by tau protein aggregation. It has developed two highly differentiated approaches for small molecule drug discovery: tau oligomer inhibitor program and tau protease inhibitor program.
Each approach has its own associated biomarkers programs. These are enabling and accelerating technologies for large pharmaceutical licensees, partners and acquirers that will play a major role in successfully intervening in this costly, debilitating disease.
Pfizer
Pfizer is a research-based, global biopharmaceutical company. We apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives through the discovery, development and manufacture of healthcare products. Our global portfolio includes medicines and vaccines, as well as many of the world’s best-known consumer healthcare products.
PJT Partners
PJT Partners is a global advisory-focused investment bank. Our team of senior professionals delivers a wide array of strategic advisory, shareholder engagement, restructuring and special situations and private fund advisory and placement services to corporations, financial sponsors, institutional investors and governments around the world. We offer a unique portfolio of advisory services designed to help our clients achieve their strategic objectives. We also provide, through Park Hill, private fund advisory and placement services for alternative investment managers, including private equity funds, real estate funds and hedge funds. To learn more about PJT Partners, please visit the Company’s website at www.pjtpartners.com.
PsychoGenics
PsychoGenics is a Preclinical CRO with expertise in the CNS and orphan disorders. We are known for our cutting edge translational approach to research, our customized solutions, the breadth and quality of our work, as well as for our ability to identify statistically relevant phenotypic changes, even early and subtle changes, that help our clients quantify the efficacy of their treatments before they move into the clinic.
Pulse Therapeutics
Pulse Therapeutics, Inc. is a Medical Device company based in Saint Louis, MO. Pulse is developing magnetic nanoparticle-based technology for the improvement of fluid dynamics in a range of therapeutic applications. In September 2018, Pulse became part of Euphrates Vascular, Inc.
ReNeurogen LLC
ReNeurogen is a virtual pharmaceutical company developing systems pharmacology therapies for the treatment of neurological diseases in multiple sclerosis and sickle cell disease in Elm Grove, WI.
Sage Therapeutics
Sage Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel medicines to transform the lives of patients with life-altering central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Sage's lead product, designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a breakthrough therapy for postpartum depression, was recently approved pending DEA scheduling. Sage is developing a portfolio of novel product candidates targeting critical CNS receptor systems, including SAGE-217, which is in Phase 3 development in major depressive disorder and postpartum depression.
Serina Therapeutics
Serina is a privately held pharmaceutical company located at the HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama. We have developed a proprietary polymer technology called POZ™ based upon the water soluble polymer poly(oxazoline). POZ™ therapeutics are designed to optimize drug delivery to maximize compliance, therapeutic outcomes, safety and quality of life for patients. We have a pipeline of proprietary compounds addressing significant medical needs in Parkinson’s disease, restless legs syndrome, post-operative pain and epilepsy. Serina Therapeutics, Inc. began operations in 2007 and was co-founded by Drs. Milton Harris and Michael Bentley who developed and patented much of the polymer technology known as PEG, or PEGylation. During their work at Shearwater Polymers, which became Nektar Therapeutics after the acquisition by Inhale Therapeutics, PEG became widely accepted as the polymer standard for drug development. Today, greater than $150 billion of cumulative product sales can be attributed to this technology.
Smith Therapeutics
Smith Therapeutics is developing off-the-shelf CAR-T regulatory cell therapies to treat high profile neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Autism as well as rare diseases including ALS and PSP. Smith Therapeutics is upending traditional Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) technology to develop CAR-T regulatory cells (Tregs) targeted to brain glial cells or inflammatory cells to shut down inflammation and prevent neuron damage (CAR-Treg). Smith is poised to develop low-cost CAR-T treatments for NDD of high unmet need.
STALICLA
STALICLA is a mission-driven biotech, with a unique patient centric vision, that is poised to become a disruptive industry challenger and future global leader in personalized treatment options for patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). At STALICLA, we have developed an innovative algorithm platform that uses robust sets of clinical signs and symptoms with big data analytics to identify subgroups of ASD patients. By identifying these subgroups, we aim to offer repurposed drugs that provide more effective, personalized treatment options.
The company was founded in Geneva, Switzerland in May 2017 by today’s CEO Lynn Durham, a biotech entrepreneur with a lifelong involvement with the autism community.
STALICLA has established a research partnership with the Greenwood Genetic Center, South Carolina, USA, a leading translational research center in genetics and neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD.
UCB Pharma
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With 7 500 people in approximately 40 countries, the company generated revenue of € 4.6 billion in 2018. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).
Vallon Pharmaceuticals
Vallon Pharmaceuticals focuses on the development and commercialization of novel treatments for CNS disorders. We are currently focused on the development and commercialization of a novel treatment for ADHD and Narcolepsy where there is substantial unmet need.
Verge Genomics
Verge was founded by a unique combination of the field's top machine learning experts and seasoned neuroscience drug developers. Together, we share the vision that exponential advances in computational genomics combined with new insights into neuroscience has created a breakthrough opportunity to discover drugs that dramatically improve the lives of patients suffering from neurodegenerative disease.
ViroMed
ViroMed Co. Ltd. is the global leader in the area of plasmid DNA gene therapy with a presence in Seoul and San Diego.
In the US, the company is conducting the world’s first phase III gene therapy trial for severe neuropathic pain, which is nearing its completion, another phase III for diabetic foot ulcer, and phase II for ALS.
Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
The Wyss Center is an independent, non-profit, neurotechnology research and development organization. The Center provides the expertise, facilities and financial resources to transform creative neuroscience research into clinical solutions that will improve the lives of people with nervous system disorders.
The Center’s experienced multidisciplinary neurotechnology development team from industry and academia provides the integrated scientific, engineering, clinical, regulatory and business expertise required to guide high risk, high reward projects on their journey from research to product.
Based at Campus Biotech in Geneva, Switzerland, the Center provides advanced neuroscience and engineering facilities for the development of technology that will prevent, diagnose or treat nervous system disorders, or has the potential to improve lives.
The Center has ongoing projects in movement restoration, stoke rehabilitation, neural circuits, sensory function, and advanced technology. It is currently seeking new partners from anywhere in the world that can fill scientific or technical gaps in the development of novel neurotechnologies in current Wyss Center projects.
A major goal of the Center is to ensure that innovative neurotechnologies advance until they are sufficiently mature to attract corporate partnerships, venture funding, or other mechanisms necessary to make them broadly available to society.
Established by a generous donation from the Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist Hansjörg Wyss, the Wyss (pronounced “Veese”) Center, is a partner in a progressive new neuroscience hub at Campus Biotech. www.wysscenter.ch/