Participating Companies
Founded in 2002, 5AM Ventures is a leading life science venture capital firm with ~$1 billion under management. With a focus on biopharmaceuticals, drug delivery technologies and life science instruments, 5AM strategically invests in first institutional VC rounds with significant reserves for follow-on investments. The 5AM team is comprised of 18 investment professionals with offices in San Francisco, CA and Boston, MA.
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.
Acumen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is dedicated to the discovery and development of effective therapeutics and diagnostics for treating Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative conditions.
Albany Med is northeastern New York’s only academic health sciences center and is one of the largest private employers in the Capital Region.
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
Alnylam (Nasdaq: ALNY) is leading the translation of RNA interference (RNAi) into a whole new class of innovative medicines with the potential to transform the lives of people afflicted with rare genetic, cardio-metabolic, and hepatic infectious diseases. Based on Nobel Prize-winning science, RNAi therapeutics represent a powerful, clinically validated approach for the treatment of a wide range of severe and debilitating diseases. Founded in 2002, Alnylam is delivering on a bold vision to turn scientific possibility into reality, with a robust discovery platform and deep pipeline of investigational medicines, including four product candidates that are in late-stage development.
Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (Nasdaq: AVXL) is a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of differentiated therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, other central nervous system (CNS) diseases, pain and various types of cancer.
Archer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Archer) was founded in 2008 and specializes in drug discovery for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Archer’s researchers and scientists are committed to identifying convenient, safe, orally administered medications to slow or prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Established in 2016, Autós provides consultancy and advisory services to clients across the life sciences ecosystem, including biopharma, newcos, non-profit foundations, private investors, philanthropists and venture funds. Autós draws on extensive experience with psychiatric and neurological disorders, and specializes in rare (orphan) diseases of the CNS, including the autism spectrum and related neurodevelopmental disorders.
Aural Analytics is an emerging healthtech company founded after decades of speech science and speech signal processing research at Arizona State University. We have built proprietary metrics using speech to capture changes in neurological health. With our downloadable apps, any smartphone or tablet becomes a powerful brain health monitor.
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.
Biscayne Neurotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel drugs for serious central nervous system disorders such as refractory epilepsy. Biscayne’s lead compound BIS-001ER has shown striking efficacy in highly predictive models of difficult-to-treat epileptic conditions, such as focal seizures and Dravet syndrome.
BlackThorn Therapeutics is dedicated to improving the lives of people with neurobehavioral disorders through the discovery and development of novel, targeted treatments.
As one of the world’s largest company dedicated to developing, manufacturing, and marketing of less-invasive therapies, Boston Scientific supplies medical devices and technologies in such fields as Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Urology, Women’s Heath and Neuromodulation for Pain Management and Parkinson’s Disease.
BrainScope is a medical neuro-technology company that is pioneering the assessment of brain injury, including concussion. The company’s innovative BrainScope One system (FDA-cleared as Ahead 300) is an easy-to-use, non-invasive, hand-held platform that empowers physicians to make more accurate head injury assessments quickly at the point-of-care.
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing innovative, autologous stem cell therapies for highly debilitating neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease and Motor Neuron Disease), Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease. Our platform technology, NurOwn®, uses proprietary culture conditions to induce mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to secrete high levels of neurotrophic factors (NTFs) known to promote the survival of neurons. Our research efforts have shown that these MSC-NTF cells might be an effective tool for battling neurodegenerative diseases.
Cala Health is a growing medical technology company pioneering a new class of electrical medicine called neuroperipheral therapyTM. Neuroperipheral therapy treats chronic disease non-invasively by stimulating peripheral nerves with body-worn electronics. Cala Health is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and backed by the biggest leaders in healthcare and technology including: Johnson and Johnson Development Corporation, Google Ventures, Novartis and Qualcomm (dRx Capital) and GlaxoSmithKline (Action Potential Venture Capital).
Centauri Surgical Systems is a surgical robotics platform company that has created a surgeon designed and developed robot capable of performing interactive, directed neurologic procedures within the brain. The system utilizes real-time MRI guidance and is outfitted with surgical tools that allow surgeons to precisely access the brain and spine during surgery providing accurate, automated delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic instruments and drugs. These platforms are easy to use, fast, and highly capable of facilitating 3-D image guided procedures including deep brain stimulation, tumor ablation, biopsy, lesion removal, and electrode device placement representing a significant breakthrough over existing methods..
Circumvent Pharmaceuticals is developing small molecule modulators of palmitoylation as therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including CLN1 Batten Disease, ALS, and Alzheimer’s disease. Circumvent’s lead program is currently in IND-enabling studies for CLN1 Batten Disease, an ultra-rare CNS disease that results in rapid neurodegeneration in infants and children..
Coronis NeuroSciences is a specialty pharma company focused on the development of Innovative therapies for Neurocognitive and Neurodevelopmental disorders. The company owns a pipeline of several clinical and pre-clinical stage molecules that regulates synaptogenesis and brain plasticity. Its primary indication focuses on ADNP-syndrome, an ultra-rare orphan indication, recently characterized as one of the three most prevalent disorders within the autistic spectrum
Cortexyme is developing therapeutics based on data supporting a new theory of the cause of Alzheimer’s and other degenerative disorders. Cortexyme is targeting a specific, undisclosed pathogen tied to neurodegeneration. The target has been validated in a number of animal models and Cortexyme is currently testing several potential lead therapeutics in preclinical studies.
Credit Suisse is a global financial services company providing Private Banking & Wealth Management services, and Investment Banking services and expertise, to companies, institutions and high-net-worth clients. We are active in more than 50 countries and employ over 46,000 people.
Embera NeuroTherapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on treating a broad range of addictions where the major clinical challenge is a limited range of effective therapies. Embera is developing a novel drug combination (EMB-001) targeting specific brain functions related to stress responses that drive craving and relapse associated with these disorders. Embera is advancing EMB-001 development programs in cocaine use disorder and smoking cessation.
Engage Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company bringing innovative medicines to market. The Company’s lead investigational drug is Staccato® alprazolam, a small, easy-to-use hand-held drug-device combination product that leverages an FDA-approved delivery system with FDA-approved alprazolam for the cessation of active and acute epileptic seizures. Staccato alprazolam in a Phase 2a proof of concept study demonstrated reduction of seizure in a photosensitivity model. The product will proceed into an advanced clinical setting leveraging a 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway.
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.
Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C. is the largest dedicated food and drug law firm in the country. Our niche practices in the areas of new drug development, controlled substances, advertising, and health care law complement our core FDA practice. Our knowledge of the laws and regulations governing drugs, medical devices, foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics is unparalleled in breadth and depth.
Johnson & Johnson Innovation LLC 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 onestop access to science and technology experts who can facilitate collaborations across the pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer companies of Johnson & Johnson. With 250 operating companies across over 60 countries, Johnson & Johnson is one of the world’s largest diversified healthcare companies. For more information, visit www.jnjinnovation.com or follow @JNJInnovation.
Karuna Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage drug development company targeting muscarinic receptors for the treatment of psychosis and cognitive impairment in psychiatric and neurological disorders. Karuna's lead program, KarXT, is a product candidate consisting of xanomeline, a novel muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist that has demonstrated efficacy in placebo-controlled human trials in schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease, and trospium chloride, an FDA-approved and well-established muscarinic receptor antagonist that has been shown not to enter the CNS. Karuna has demonstrated the ability to improve the tolerability of xanomeline by antagonizing peripheral muscarinic receptors with trospium, overcoming the key hindrance in xanomeline’s previous development efforts. A Phase II of KarXT in schizophrenia patients with acute psychosis is planned to begin in Q3 2018
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.
M3 Biotechnology is a therapeutics company that has a novel platform of disease-modifying regenerative small molecules, particularly relevant to neurodegenerative diseases with a focus on Alzheimer’s.
Established in 2012, Mensia Technologies has brought neurofeedback into the 21st century. In 2015, Mensia Technologies won a prestigious EU Horizon 2020 grant for Newrofeed, the non inferiority study comparing reference drug methylphenidate/RITALIN with Mensia Koala in the treatment of ADHD. Mensia aims to obtain the CE mark for Mensia Koala in the course of 2017.
Founded in 1986, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana.
Medtronic plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 84,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in approximately 160 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.
Minerva Neurosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of a portfolio of products to treat CNS diseases. Minerva’s product portfolio includes: MIN-101, in clinical development for schizophrenia; seltorexant (MIN-202), in clinical development for insomnia and major depressive disorder (MDD); MIN-117, in clinical development for MDD; and MIN-301, in pre-clinical development for Parkinson’s disease.
Minoryx is a clinical stage biotech company leading the development of new therapies for X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) and other inborn errors of metabolism, a group of rare diseases of genetic origin with a high unmet medical need. The company’s leading program is MIN-102, which has multiple CNS indications beyond X-ALD. The Minoryx team is made up of a group of drug discovery and development experts with several decades of experience in biotech and pharma. The company is backed by a syndicate of experienced investors and has support from a network of other organizations. Minoryx was founded in 2011 and has to date raised a total of €24.4M.
MP Healthcare Venture Management (MPH) is the corporate venture subsidiary of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC). MPH invests in early-stage biotech companies focused on novel therapeutics and platform technologies. 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® 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.
Neuroscience Trials Australia 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.
Neurotech Reports is dedicated to providing business and technology professionals up-to-date and forward-looking information about the field of neurotechnology and future developments that will affect the venture capital, research, and start-up communities. Neurotech Reports serves the scientific, medical, engineering, and financial communities interested in developing the field of neurotechnology. This includes entrepreneurs interesting in launching new firms, existing biotechnology and medical device manufacturers interested in branching into a new market, scientific and engineering professionals interested in applying their skills to this new market, and venture capitalists seeking worthwhile funding opportunities.
The Neurotechnology Industry Organization is the first and only trade group that advocates on behalf of companies involved neurotechnology. Since 2006, over 100 organizations have joined us in our mission to accelerate neurotechnology research, development and commercialization, including neuroscience companies, brain research institutes, and patient advocacy groups across the spectrum of neurological disease, psychiatric illnesses and nervous system injuries. NIO is a non-profit trade association that is focused on lifting the burden of brain disease and accelerating the economic benefits from advancing neuroscience which is a unique challenge that can only be met by fostering a dedicated commercial neuroscience ecosystem. NIO’s programs have the following goals: Advocate the industry’s position to regulators and elected officials; Inform the media about industry’s progress and contributions to quality of life; Provide industry events and business development services to the industry; and to Foster leadership positions that drive innovation forward.
NeuroVentures is a specialty venture capital firm dedicated to investing in companies focused on the discovery, development and marketing of new drugs, medical devices and other therapeutics and technologies to treat Central Nervous System disorders.
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, Neuro Industry 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.
The mission of NINDS is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease. Within NINDS, the Division of Translational Research’s mission is to accelerate the preclinical discovery and development of new therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders.
NovaQuest was formed in 2000 with the vision of building an investment platform to provide strategic capital to life sciences and healthcare companies. Today, NovaQuest Capital Management manages over $1.6 billion through two platforms: BioPharma and Private Equity. Our team of investment professionals have significant investment experience and deep life science and healthcare expertise. Furthermore, NovaQuest benefits from a large network of industry experts that look to help identify and potentially assist NovaQuest portfolio companies and investments.
Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) is a provincially funded, not-for-profit institute seeking to maximize the impact of neuroscience and establish Ontario as a world leader in brain research, commercialization and care. OBI promotes the commercialization of early stage neurotechnologies through an effective neurotech cluster ecosystem.
Origenis GmbH (www.origenis.com) is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company developing brain-penetrating small molecule medicines and diagnostics for a variety of neuroinflammatory diseases. Origenis leverages its technology platform in drug design, compound synthesis and characterization to engineer a continuous stream of IP-protected new chemical entities capable of permeating the blood-brain barrier. Origenis’ lead product candidates address validated targets LRRK2 and DAPK1, both of which are associated with neurodegeneration in a variety of chronic and acute brain diseases, including Parkinson‘s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and traumatic brain injury, among others. Origenis’ approach has been validated by multiple partners resulting in significant IP and R&D portfolio for both Origenis and its collaborators.
Founded in 2000 in Barcelona, Spain, Oryzon is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company considered as the European champion in Epigenetics. The company has one of the strongest portfolios in the field. Oryzon’s LSD1 program has resulted in + 20 patent families and has rendered two compounds in clinical trials. In addition, Oryzon has ongoing programs for developing inhibitors against other epigenetic targets. The company has a strong technological platform for biomarker identification and performs biomarker and target validation for a variety of malignant and neurodegenerative diseases. Oryzon’s strategy is to develop first in class compounds against novel epigenetic targets through Phase II clinical trials, at which point it is decided on a case by-case basis to either keep the development in-house or to partner or outlicense the compound for late stage development and commercialization. The company has offices in Spain and USA.
PathMaker Neurosystems is a clinical-stage bioelectronic medicine company developing breakthrough non-invasive systems for the treatment of spasticity, paralysis and muscle weakness. With offices in Boston and Paris, our veteran team is working with the world’s leading scientists in our field and collaborating with world-class research institutions to rapidly bring to market disruptive products for treating chronic neuromotor conditions.
Pfizer Inc. 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.
Polaris Partners has a 20+ year history of partnering with repeat entrepreneurs, and world-class scientists and innovators who are improving the way we live and work. The multibillion-dollar firm invests in exceptional healthcare and technology companies across all stages, from founding to profitable growth. Polaris has offices in Boston and San Francisco. Learn more at polarispartners.com.
PPD is a leading global contract research organization providing comprehensive, integrated drug development, laboratory and lifecycle management services. Our clients and partners include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, academic and government organizations. With offices in 47 countries and approximately 20,000 professionals worldwide, PPD applies innovative technologies, therapeutic expertise and a firm commitment to quality to help clients and partners bend the cost and time curve of drug development and optimize value in delivering lifechanging therapies to improve health.
Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term chronic conditions.
Sense Diagnostics, LLC provides Sense, a non-invasive disposable device that monitors brain activity primarily in the intensive care units (ICU). Its device include a radiofrequency sensor that detects changes in the brain, including hemmorage/bleeding, brain swelling (cerebral edema), and seizures. It serves doctors in the fields, ICUs, ORs, and EDs, as well as anywhere where patients risk neurological worsening. The company is based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Serina Therapeutics, Inc. 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.
Soterix Medical Inc. (SMI) was formed to develop and deploy innovative medical treatments focused on neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders and rehabilitation. Founded in 2008, SMI is the world leader in clinical trials for non-invasive neuromodulation working with over 250 medical centers in the US and worldwide. SMI has licensed and developed a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio that includes High-Definition transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS), Limited Total Energy tDCS (LTE-tDCS), and Neurotargeting. From the most targeted non-invasive clinical systems to the most portable units, Soterix Medical provides clinicians and patients with unique and adaptable solutions. Ongoing Phase I, II, IIb, and III trials use investigational devices that are regulated/limited by US or Federal law. SMI is proudly based in New York City with international distributors in all major markets.
STALICA is a biotech company focusing solely on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Using big data analytics, STALICLA is changing the paradigm in ASD drug development by bringing disease modifying and personalized medicine to patients with high unmet medical need.
The mission of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences is to educate, train, and comprehensively prepare uniformed services health professionals, scientists, and leaders to support the Military and Public Health Systems, the National Security and National Defense Strategies of the United States, and the readiness of our Uniformed Services.
Versant Ventures is a leading healthcare investment firm committed to helping exceptional entrepreneurs build the next generation of great companies. The firm invests across the healthcare sector and at all stages of company development, with an emphasis on the discovery and development of novel therapeutics. With $2.3 billion under management and offices in Canada, the U.S. and Europe, Versant has built a team with deep investment, operating, and scientific expertise that enables a hands-on approach to company building. Since the firm’s founding in 1999, more than 65 Versant companies have achieved successful acquisitions or IPOs.
WAVE Life Sciences is a biotechnology company focused on delivering transformational therapies for patients with serious, genetically-defined diseases. Its chemistry platform enables the creation of highly specific, well characterized oligonucleotides designed to deliver superior efficacy and safety across multiple therapeutic modalities. The company’s pipeline is initially focused on neurological disorders and extends across several other therapeutic areas. For more information, please visit www.wavelifesci.com.