Volume 14 Issue 3, September 2020

Biotech company APO-T is developing bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs) that facilitate the attraction of immune effector cells exclusively to cancer sites by targeting cancer cell antigens known as melanoma-associated antigen A (MAGE-A) proteins.

GEMoaB’s three proprietary technology platforms have produced a deep pipeline of immunotherapy assets, three of which are currently being investigated in clinical studies, providing the basis for future growth.

3T Biosciences has developed an immune response-guided approach for identifying pharmacologically active T cell receptors and their targets in solid tumors. With a pipeline of therapeutics targeting novel tumor antigens, 3T is seeking partners to advance these programs.

IGY Life Sciences has optimized the sustainable generation of highly specific and efficacious egg-derived IgY antibodies for human and animal health. The company’s pipeline includes marketed immune and sports health products, and lead compounds against COVID-19 and African swine fever.

RubrYc Therapeutics has established an antibody discovery engine for the development of epitope-targeted biotherapeutics. Through machine learning, the platform helps reveal natural subdominant and alternative epitopes to target for optimized bio-superior design and as access points to traditionally ‘undruggable’ proteins.

Targeting oncology and autoimmune diseases, Byondis takes its pipeline of development programs to clinical proof-of-concept and then seeks partnerships for later-stage clinical development and commercialization.

Accelerating the drug discovery and development process, Bioelectronica has developed Hypercell, a digital biochemistry integrated single-cell identification and sorting system offering superior output.

Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. is developing a pipeline of fully human immunotherapies selected from its proprietary G-MAB library. Backed by a platform covering discovery, advanced clinical development, manufacturing and a proven track record of commercialization, it seeks to deliver life-changing therapies.

Optimization of CAR-T cell technology and application of other immune cell types such as NK cells are tackling the efficacy, cost and logistical challenges of cell therapies for cancer.

Oncology-focused company Idience enters phase 1b/2a clinical trials of IDX-1197 in multiple cancer types

Glycostem, a clinical-stage company, which in 2017 published a successful phase 1 trial with naked natural killer (NK) cells for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), is about to launch its first pivotal trial using an off-the-shelf NK cell therapy for patients with AML.

Life-threatening respiratory diseases remain a key therapeutic area of focus for multinational company Zambon. The company has two phase 3 development programs underway for the treatment of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB).

Owkin is building a federated research ecosystem that is fueling collaborative research around the world while preserving patient privacy and data security.

Using its MicroRx platform, 4D pharma is pioneering the development of an emerging class of therapeutics known as live biotherapeutic products to treat a range of indications from cancer and respiratory disease to neurodegeneration.

Genome engineering company Synthego pioneers agile genome ‘writing’ with a high-throughput CRISPR-based platform to provide innovative solutions for next-generation therapeutics.

By reprogramming the tumor microenvironment Kineta is developing an anti-VISTA immuno-oncology therapy for the treatment of a variety of cancers, including gastric, ovarian, lung and pancreatic cancers.

ExosomeDx harnesses biological information from exosomes for biomarker discovery and diagnostic development. The company’s pipeline of products includes the ExoDx Prostate test, the first exosome-based liquid biopsy on the market, and various discovery platforms to help solve biopharma’s biomarker-related needs.

With expertise, capabilities, and capacity in abundance, the Cellex Group is an experienced facility worldwide for allogeneic bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cell and other cellular blood components, and is now growing to become a complete service provider for cellular immunotherapy products.

Biotech company PsiVac is developing Ixovex-1, the first patented virus with a single base pair mutation able to replicate rapidly, opening potential new treatment options for solid tumors and beyond.

Elicio’s lymph node-targeting Amphiphile technology delivers potent T cell activation and boosts the effects of engineered cell therapies.

Karma Oncology combines an agile and adaptable business model with expertise in oncology clinical trials to provide bespoke contract clinical research services for biotechnology companies globally.

Combining the precision of antibody targeting with α-amanitin, a novel payload, Heidelberg Pharma has developed a powerful therapeutic platform, with the potential to treat a broad range of cancers.

Semi-virtual SELMA Diagnostics is harnessing its SELMA technology to identify changes in circulating DNA taken from blood samples to create diagnostic tests for early cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment.

Carisma Therapeutics is developing unique CAR macrophage therapies to treat solid tumors. The company’s lead CAR-M program, CT-0508, is ready to enter phase 1 testing.

Cancer Genetics, Inc., a global leader in technology-driven drug discovery and preclinical services, delivers custom solutions for biotech and pharma companies worldwide developing advanced therapies in precision medicine.

Rakuten Medical, a clinical-stage privately funded biotechnology company, is developing first-in-class targeted cancer therapies based on Illuminox, a new platform with the potential to treat many types of solid tumor, one of the leading causes of death globally.

The market for drugs to treat central nervous system disorders is set for growth, supported by the continued strength of therapies for multiple sclerosis.

Guided from the start by data from in vivo models, Gabather is discovering new ways to manipulate the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to more effectively treat patients with psychiatric and neurological disorders, without producing sedative side effects.

Vect-Horus’ versatile drug targeting technology uses receptor-mediated transport to deliver drugs or imaging agents to the brain and cancer tissues.

Using its SmartCube platform along with machine learning algorithms, PsychoGenics has a powerful tool for the discovery of novel neuropsychiatric compounds.

Precision NanoSystems is developing nanoparticle-delivered drugs through its NanoAssemblr technology, helping companies solve drug delivery challenges in cancer, rare diseases and infectious diseases.

GTX Medical is developing innovative neuromodulation therapies to reverse paralysis and improve functional recovery in individuals living with spinal cord injury.

InVivo Therapeutics is developing a resorbable biomaterial scaffold, the investigational Neuro-Spinal Scaffold,to treat patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The Neuro-Spinal Scaffold is in clinical trials for acute SCI, and InVivo is also searching for synergistic pipeline expansion opportunities.

DTx Pharma’s next-generation, fatty acid ligand-conjugated oligonucleotides enable efficient delivery of RNA-based therapeutics to cells and tissues throughout the body. With three disease franchises—ocular, neuromuscular and central nervous system (CNS), DTx is seeking partners to realize the potential of its platform.

Employing its deep understanding of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) the Beacon Discovery team has delivered more than 20 compounds into clinical development over the past two decades, and is now working with partners to unlock the therapeutic value of challenging receptors in this class.

Last year saw an uptick in medtech mergers and acquisitions values, whereas financing declined. This year is bringing new opportunities and challenges for the field as it responds to the demands of the coronavirus.

Privately held Creatv MicroTech has developed LifeTracDx tests to detect cancer at the earliest stages, and for providing diagnoses to guide cancer treatments, thereby saving and improving lives.

ENPICOM’s ImmunoGenomiX (IGX) Platform offers state-of-the-art immunomics data analysis, management and visualization for academic researchers, drug developers, and related service providers.

Cyclica’s drug discovery platform accelerates preclinical drug development by predicting the polypharmacological profile and medicinal properties of drug candidates.

ImmunityBio is applying its second-generation human adenovirus 5 vaccine platform, used as part of its orchestrated multi-modal treatment approach to advanced cancer, to prevent COVID-19.

Engine Biosciences has developed a multi-layered platform, NetMAPPR, which integrates machine learning and combinatorial CRISPR to decode biological networks, pinpoint crucial units, and design specific therapeutics.