About Us.
Over the last decade we have focused on advancing disruptive biotech ventures developing disease-modifying cellular medicines, several of which are now in clinical development. Correcting an underlying deficit within a cell or tissue can halt degeneration and potentially reverse the course of disease. More recently we have branched out by launching a few proof of concept tech ventures that leverage AI.
Biotech Ventures.
$70+ Million Strategic R&D Alliance (2021)
Opsis Therapeutics: Bayer subsidiary BlueRock Therapeutics optioned three programs for an up-front, undisclosed milestone payments, and up to low-double digit tiered royalty
(First Patient Treated with OpCT-001 ; License of OpCT-001 ; IND Clearance of OpCT-001)
$82 Million Series A Financing (2024)
Kenai Therapeutics: Financing co-led by Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, Cure Ventures and The Column Group, with participation from Euclidean Capital and Saisei Ventures
ProTgen is a biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of hematopoetic stem and progenitor cell (HSC)-derived therapies directed at regenerationg of the thymus and replenishment of the T-cell repertoire. The company’s technology platform is centered on soluble Notch ligands for generation of progenitor T-cells, initially focsed on on new medicines for treatment of life-threatening cancers.
Papillon Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of gene modified hematopoetic stem cell (HSC) therapies directed at the underlying causes of multi-systemic inherited diseases. The company’s technology platform enables durable expression of functional protein throughout the body via the natural delivery by monocytes.
StemCardia is a company focused on advancing the pipeline of cell replacement therapies targeting heart disease. Leveraging innovations in induced pluripotent cell (iPSC) generation and cardiac cell differentiation, StemCardia is developing cell therapies for patients with heart failure, the leading cause of death globally.
Agnos Therapeutics is a company focused on advancing the pipeline of cell replenishment therapies targeting ocular diseases. Leveraging innovations in induced pluripotent cell (iPSC) generation and ocular cell differentiation, Agnos is developing cell therapies for the majority of patients with an inherited retinal disease.
Kenai Therapeutics (Kenai) is a biotechnology company pioneering next generation approaches to cure neurological conditions. The Company utilizes induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, a Nobel Prize-winning breakthrough that enables scientists to manufacture any human cell, to generate Kenai’s off-the-shelf neuron replacement therapeutics. By focusing on an iPSC technology platform, and forging partnerships with global leaders in surgical delivery and clinical development, Kenai is dedicated to advancing a best-in-class pipeline targeting neurological conditions. Kenai Therapeutics closed an $82 million Series A financing in 2024, co-led by Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, Cure Ventures and The Column Group, with participation from Euclidean Capital and Saisei Ventures.
Opsis Therapeutics is a company focused on advancing the pipeline of cell replacement therapies targeting ocular diseases. Leveraging innovations in induced pluripotent cell (iPSC) generation, retinal cell differentiation, and functional biomaterials, Opsis Therapeutics is developing cell therapies for patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), inherited macular degenerations and primary photoreceptor diseases. Founded in 2016, Opsis Therapeutics is a joint venture of FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics and David Gamm, M.D., Ph.D., and is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin.
Vascugen is a company focused on advancing the pipeline of cell replacement therapies targeting microvascular diseases. Leveraging innovations in induced pluripotent cell (iPSC) generation and vascular cell differentiation, Vascugen is developing cell therapies for patients with severe ischemic conditions of the limb, lung, and retina.
RPRD (Right Patient Right Drug) Diagnostics is a precision medicine company offering clinical pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing and analysis services. The company specializes in comprehensive PGx and tailored panels, such as the CNT Panel for identification of leukemia patients at risk for toxicity from thiopurine drugs. These tests enable physicians to consider a patient’s unique genetic profile when recommending drug treatment.
Dianomi Therapeutics was a development stage biopharmaceutical company advancing a pipeline of next generation treatments for inflammatory diseases, initially targeting osteoarthritis. The company’s proprietary Mineral Coated Microparticle (MCM) technology enables formulation of proven drugs for improved delivery, stability, and function.
Tech Ventures.
pr1or.art was founded to solve a core problem: that innovation is too often captive to capital. The company’s mission is to democratize IP strategy by providing powerful new tools that level the playing field for innovators of all sizes.
Press Releases.
2024.10.08 - USC launches collaboration with StemCardia to advance heart regeneration therapies
2024.09.30 - StemCardia Licenses Technologies for Heart Regeneration Developed at UW School of Medicine
2024.04.15 - NuFund Venture Group Invests in Papillon Therapeutics to Advance Multi-Systemic Genetic Medicines
2024.03.13 - BioCardia and StemCardia Announce Biotherapeutic Delivery Partnership
2023.02.14 - Ryne Biotechnology Awarded $4 Million from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
2022.08.31 - First U.S. patient receives autologous stem cell therapy to treat dry AMD
2021.02.09 - US Capital Global Launches $7MM Preferred Stock Offering for Dianomi Therapeutics, Inc.
2020.02.11 - Dianomi Therapeutics Exclusively Licenses Nucleic Acid Technologies from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
2019.02.04 - Ligand Announces Investment in Dianomi Therapeutics
2018.11.16 - IU Philanthropic Venture Fund Invests in Regenerative Medicine Company Vascugen
2018.05.01 - Vascugen Licenses Stem Cell Technology for Blood Vessel Regeneration Developed at IU School of Medicine
2017.10.19 - RPRD Diagnostics Partners with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to Offer Comprehensive Pharmacogenetics Testing
2017.02.13 - RPRD Diagnostics Announces Strategic Collaboration with Children's Minnesota to Advance Clinical Pharmacogenomics
2016.10.17 - RPRD Diagnostics Launches to Bring Comprehensive Pharmacogenetics Testing to Routine Clinical Practice