New and recently funded Medical Startups
1
Country: USA | Funding: $30M
Converge helps pharmaceutical and biotech companies accelerate drug development using generative AI trained on molecular data. The startup trains generative models on DNA, RNA, and protein sequences. The generative model generates new antibodies, then predictive models filter these antibodies based on their molecular properties. Finally, docking system, using physical model, simulates the 3D interactions between the antibody and its target. In addition to the antibody design system, the startup has also introduced models for optimizing protein yield and one for biomarker and target discovery.
Converge helps pharmaceutical and biotech companies accelerate drug development using generative AI trained on molecular data. The startup trains generative models on DNA, RNA, and protein sequences. The generative model generates new antibodies, then predictive models filter these antibodies based on their molecular properties. Finally, docking system, using physical model, simulates the 3D interactions between the antibody and its target. In addition to the antibody design system, the startup has also introduced models for optimizing protein yield and one for biomarker and target discovery.
2
Country: USA | Funding: $622M
Arcellx develops cell-based therapies for cancer treatment, based on immune cells that can be easily suppressed, activated and reprogrammed throughout the disease course. The company has developed D-domain - small, stable, fully synthetic binding protein with a hydrophobic core that serves as a chimeric antigen receptor, potentially enabling high transduction efficiency, leading to high cell surface expression of CAR T cells. Using this protein, Arcellx creates drugs (modified T cells) that bind to target cells and kill them with improved specificity and increased binding affinity. The company's lead drug, anitokabtagene autoleucel, is undergoing clinical trials for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia.
Arcellx develops cell-based therapies for cancer treatment, based on immune cells that can be easily suppressed, activated and reprogrammed throughout the disease course. The company has developed D-domain - small, stable, fully synthetic binding protein with a hydrophobic core that serves as a chimeric antigen receptor, potentially enabling high transduction efficiency, leading to high cell surface expression of CAR T cells. Using this protein, Arcellx creates drugs (modified T cells) that bind to target cells and kill them with improved specificity and increased binding affinity. The company's lead drug, anitokabtagene autoleucel, is undergoing clinical trials for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia.
3
Country: USA | Funding: $100M
Addition Therapeutics (University of California spinoff) develops RNA-only therapeutics using PRINT technology for genetic medicine. PRINT stands for Precise RNA-Mediated Insertion of Transgenes and involves the creation of all-RNA, non-viral lipid nanoparticles. In drugs created using PRINT technology, only the genetic sequence of the messenger RNA is altered, all other components remain unchanged. The company claims this enables the creation of safer, long-lasting, single-dose treatments that overcome the limitations of existing genetic medicine. One of the company's primary goals is the treatment of HIV. With a grant from the Gates Foundation, Addition is developing PRINT therapy to stimulate endogenous antibody production with a single dose for "lifelong protection against HIV."
Addition Therapeutics (University of California spinoff) develops RNA-only therapeutics using PRINT technology for genetic medicine. PRINT stands for Precise RNA-Mediated Insertion of Transgenes and involves the creation of all-RNA, non-viral lipid nanoparticles. In drugs created using PRINT technology, only the genetic sequence of the messenger RNA is altered, all other components remain unchanged. The company claims this enables the creation of safer, long-lasting, single-dose treatments that overcome the limitations of existing genetic medicine. One of the company's primary goals is the treatment of HIV. With a grant from the Gates Foundation, Addition is developing PRINT therapy to stimulate endogenous antibody production with a single dose for "lifelong protection against HIV."
4
Country: USA | Funding: $1.2B
Kura Oncology develops precision small-molecule drugs for treatment of solid tumors and blood cancers. The company discovers and tests new biomarkers of cancer signaling pathways. Kura's flagship drug, COMZIFTI, is approved for the treatment of adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) gene mutation whose AML has relapsed or failed to improve after previous treatment and who have no other satisfactory treatment options. The company's pipeline also includes clinical trials for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors, renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Kura Oncology develops precision small-molecule drugs for treatment of solid tumors and blood cancers. The company discovers and tests new biomarkers of cancer signaling pathways. Kura's flagship drug, COMZIFTI, is approved for the treatment of adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) gene mutation whose AML has relapsed or failed to improve after previous treatment and who have no other satisfactory treatment options. The company's pipeline also includes clinical trials for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors, renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
5
Country: USA | Funding: $31.3M
WearLinq produces wearable devices for health monitoring and diagnostics, in particular wireless 6-lead clinical ECG monitor and monitor eWave. It pairs with user's phone, transmitting real-time data and reports for up to 48 hours to doctors. The company claims the wireless monitor can last more than five days on a single charge. The device can help detect arrhythmias, but the company plans to expand its use in the future. WearLinq already received FDA clearance for the device to continuously monitor cardiac activity in individuals who may be asymptomatic or experience transient symptoms such as syncope, palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, weakness, fatigue or anxiety.
WearLinq produces wearable devices for health monitoring and diagnostics, in particular wireless 6-lead clinical ECG monitor and monitor eWave. It pairs with user's phone, transmitting real-time data and reports for up to 48 hours to doctors. The company claims the wireless monitor can last more than five days on a single charge. The device can help detect arrhythmias, but the company plans to expand its use in the future. WearLinq already received FDA clearance for the device to continuously monitor cardiac activity in individuals who may be asymptomatic or experience transient symptoms such as syncope, palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, weakness, fatigue or anxiety.
6
Country: USA | Funding: $200M
AirNexis has exclusive rights to develop AN01- drug for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outside of China from Haisco Pharmaceutical Group. AN01 is a dual PDE3/4 inhibitor that exerts synergistic effects through a dual mechanism of action (MOA) that promotes bronchodilation and reduces the release of inflammatory factors.
AirNexis has exclusive rights to develop AN01- drug for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outside of China from Haisco Pharmaceutical Group. AN01 is a dual PDE3/4 inhibitor that exerts synergistic effects through a dual mechanism of action (MOA) that promotes bronchodilation and reduces the release of inflammatory factors.
7
Country: USA | Funding: $3.4B
Genetix Biotherapeutics (formerly Bluebird Bio) develops gene therapies for rare genetic diseases using patient's own blood stem cells. The cells are harvested, modified outside the body to add working copies of the affected gene and then reintroduced into the patient, restoring the function of the affected gene. The company specializes in the treatment of sickle cell anemia, beta thalassemia and cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD). Its unique, single-dose treatments are FDA approved and address the underlying cause of the disease and can provide significant, long-term benefits to patients. Acquired by The Carlyle Group
Genetix Biotherapeutics (formerly Bluebird Bio) develops gene therapies for rare genetic diseases using patient's own blood stem cells. The cells are harvested, modified outside the body to add working copies of the affected gene and then reintroduced into the patient, restoring the function of the affected gene. The company specializes in the treatment of sickle cell anemia, beta thalassemia and cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD). Its unique, single-dose treatments are FDA approved and address the underlying cause of the disease and can provide significant, long-term benefits to patients. Acquired by The Carlyle Group
8
Country: USA | Funding: $179M
Pomelo Care is a virtual platform providing medical care to pregnant women and mothers caring for newborns. Its competence also includes child and women's health, reproductive health, hormonal balance and care during menopause and perimenopause. The company offers 24/7 virtual support through a multidisciplinary clinical team that allow to early identify risks, ensure continuous monitoring and fill the gaps of offline medical care. The company contracts with in-person physicians, as well as with employers and insurance companies for corporate social care.
Pomelo Care is a virtual platform providing medical care to pregnant women and mothers caring for newborns. Its competence also includes child and women's health, reproductive health, hormonal balance and care during menopause and perimenopause. The company offers 24/7 virtual support through a multidisciplinary clinical team that allow to early identify risks, ensure continuous monitoring and fill the gaps of offline medical care. The company contracts with in-person physicians, as well as with employers and insurance companies for corporate social care.
9
Country: USA | Funding: $331M
Aktis Oncology develops radiopharmaceutical treatments for solid tumors.
Aktis Oncology develops radiopharmaceutical treatments for solid tumors.
10
Country: USA | Funding: $5.5M
CranioSense is developing a non-invasive intracranial pressure monitoring system. It's used to diagnose neurological diseases and monitor patients with traumatic brain injury (which is important in sports and military medicine). The system consists of a forehead patch that attaches two near-infrared optical sensors to the scalp and a portable device (the size of a tablet) for transmitting and processing the information. Special algorithm allows intracranial pressure to be determined in seconds without drilling a hole in the skull or inserting a sensor into the brain.
CranioSense is developing a non-invasive intracranial pressure monitoring system. It's used to diagnose neurological diseases and monitor patients with traumatic brain injury (which is important in sports and military medicine). The system consists of a forehead patch that attaches two near-infrared optical sensors to the scalp and a portable device (the size of a tablet) for transmitting and processing the information. Special algorithm allows intracranial pressure to be determined in seconds without drilling a hole in the skull or inserting a sensor into the brain.
