Ventures

XtRNA Bio is developing a pioneering gene therapy to treat Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disease type 2D, leveraging tRNA supplementation therapies. Their patented treatment targets mutations in tRNA synthetases, offering a new therapeutic modality with vast potential for various diseases. They are raising €5M to develop a clinical candidate for CMT2D and expand their pipeline. CMT, a hereditary and heterogeneous disease, affects 1 in 2500 people worldwide, causing progressive muscle wasting, loss of sensation, and chronic pain, with no current cure.

Aetherus tackles COPD, a debilitating lung disease, with their portable, non-invasive (pNIV) device. This device offers instant relief from breathlessness, improving patients' daily lives without adding to treatment regimens or causing side effects. By empowering patients to manage breathlessness anytime, anywhere, the pNIV device enhances COPD management and quality of life. This not only benefits patients but also alleviates the burden on healthcare systems, families, employers, and society at large.

Lumabs introduces a revolutionary diagnostic platform offering quick and precise biomolecule measurement right at the point of care. By eliminating the need for time-consuming laboratory processes, such as ELISA tests, Lumabs ensures patients receive vital diagnostic results immediately. This innovation is crucial in emergency and intensive care settings, where real-time information can guide rapid treatment decisions, potentially saving lives.

NLC's venture, Profionics, advances Cardiff University's sepsis research with a biomarker test combining AI, gene expression, and metabolic analysis for rapid, accurate diagnosis. This test, which works in under 30 minutes with a drop of blood, surpasses traditional methods by quickly identifying those needing antibiotics and reducing unnecessary use, thus combating antimicrobial resistance and saving lives. Particularly impactful in neonatal care, it ensures timely detection critical for newborn survival. Founded by NLC, Cardiff University, and CEO Darren Fergus, Profionics leverages extensive research and a blood sample BioBank, positioning itself as a leader in host response diagnostic testing.

Rheumasense combines LC-MS biomarker testing with advanced machine learning to provide real-time, objective insights into rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity. Our technology measures specific metabolites linked to RA progression, offering accurate, quantitative data for timely, personalized treatment adjustments. With a simple at-home blood collection kit and clinically validated testing at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, we deliver actionable results quickly and cost-effectively, improving patient outcomes and supporting proactive care.

Karla Therapeutics is exploring an approach, treating mental disorders by leveraging our immune system. Neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and OCD are increasingly prevalent, yet treatment options often have side effects and limited effectiveness. By bridging between the immune system and mental health, Karla aims to revolutionize treatment methods. Their research focuses on a specific protein identified by top-tier immunologists, showing promising results in early experiments for OCD, anxiety, and ADHD.

AIDO enhances precision control during endoscopic procedures with its drive unit. Physicians can now maintain control of the endoscope shaft while operating tools, saving time and improving efficiency. This platform technology streamlines the control of instruments inserted through the endoscope's working channel, offering automatic insertion and precise control, ultimately improving patient safety and procedural outcomes.

Neurolieve Biosciences, a pre-clinical stage company, is developing Fc2-13 GalR2, an innovative bioengineered protein (FC fusion protein) targeting neuropathic pain. Peripheral Neuropathy, a debilitating condition affecting millions, damages the peripheral nervous system, causing severe discomfort and lowering quality of life. The fusion protein reduces peripheral neuron excitability, providing pain relief. After successful in vitro and in vivo validations, the company is advancing towards GLP toxicology studies completion.