The latest cohort of MassBioDrive, an accelerator program designed to advance breakthrough science while providing opportunities to innovators from all parts of the life sciences ecosystem, was announced today by MassBio and features five emerging biotechs from four states.
The companies: Beginning this month and running through speed pitching and ecosystem networking on May 8, these five biotechs will learn from and connect with MassBio’s global life sciences network. This is who they are …
- Centron Bio (Melbourne, Australia/Cambridge, MA) is a cutting-edge biotechnology company pioneering next-generation genetic medicines for Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases. Centron Bio leverages world-class research and deep expertise in RNA-based therapeutics, peptide delivery, precision medicine, and translational neuroscience to develop breakthrough treatments for patients with high unmet medical needs.
- Interactome Biotherapeutics Inc (Grand Rapids, MI) is advancing its native nano platform, a next-generation, multi-targeted Secretome containing hundreds of biologically active proteins and other factors crucial for cellular regeneration, the modulation of inflammation, cell recovery, and turnover. This novel platform could hold significant clinical potential across a range of important underserved conditions in neurology and cardiology.
- Paralog Therapeutic Inc. (Watertown, MA) is a pre-clinical stage precision medicine company focused on the development of anti-cancer therapies. Paralog Therapeutics’ mission is to identify and leverage synthetic vulnerabilities in cancers that carry specific gene alterations.
- State 4 Therapeutics, Inc. (New Haven, CT) is developing oral small molecule therapies that synergize with nutrient-stimulated hormones for the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases.
- TMAB Therapeutics (Houston, TX) is engineering first-in-class multi-specific antibodies that simultaneously enhance immune activation and inhibit angiogenesis within the solid tumor microenvironment. TMAB Therapeutics’ approach combines targeting of CD5L and EGLF6 to overcome adaptive resistance to anti-VEGF and anti PD1 therapies in non-small cell lung cancer, microsatellite stable colorectal cancer, and high grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer.
What we’re saying: “MassBioDrive is the most powerful tool MassBio has to directly support the early-stage biotech community by reducing non-technical barriers, providing mentors and networks, and teaching the business of biotech. Massachusetts’s innovation ecosystem is second to none and we’ve intentionally made the MassBioDrive program location-agnostic to give the best science and founders a chance to access everything it can offer. This spring’s cohort is as exciting as any we’ve had before, and I can’t wait to see them benefit from MassBioDrive.” – MassBio CEO and President Kendalle Burlin O’Connell
The programming: MassBioDrive provides each company with a market-driven launchpad of training, resources, and networks in their growth trajectory to fully realize the potential of their science – at no cost and with no equity taken. During a high impact, eight-week hybrid program, these five startups selected through a rigorous vetting process will:
- Participate in business-focused curriculum modules taught by seasoned experts from Browne Consulting (Business Fundamentals), Thermo Fisher Scientific (Drug Development), Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (IP and Legal), Xontogeny (Fundraising), and other industry leaders (Pharma BD & Partnering);
- Partner with a dedicated group of industry mentors;
- Connect with MassBio’s global life sciences network through ecosystem-wide events and targeted 1:1 pitch opportunities; and
- Receive a stipend award from Bristol Myers Squibb and access to and/or resources from MassBioDrive partners including Evaluate and Google Cloud.
- Present at a Demo Day during the MassBio Align Summit in October.
Drive’s history: Launched in 2022, MassBioDrive’s mission is to advance breakthrough science while providing opportunities to innovators from all parts of the life sciences ecosystem. Over its first six cohorts, MassBioDrive accelerated 31 companies that have raised $41 million to date.