Digest 6/6/23

Surveying great inventors and businesses

Axial: https://linktr.ee/axialxyz

Axial partners with great founders and inventors. We invest in early-stage life sciences companies such as Appia Bio, Seranova Bio, Delix Therapeutics, Simcha Therapeutics, among others often when they are no more than an idea. We are fanatical about helping the rare inventor who is compelled to build their own enduring business. If you or someone you know has a great idea or company in life sciences, Axial would be excited to get to know you and possibly invest in your vision and company . We are excited to be in business with you - email us at   info@axialvc.com

Chiron:

- One of the first biotech companies. Founded in 1981 by 3 academics: William Rutter, Pablo Valenzuela & Edward Penhoet

- To use genetic engineering for vaccines

- Developing Proleukin (IL-2) among others

- Merging with Cetus and acquired by Novartis in 2006 for $4.5B

RPL3L-containing ribosomes determine translation elongation dynamics required for cardiac function led by Chisa Shiraishi from the Keiichi Nakayama lab https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-37838-6

Scientist Stories: Rachel Green, Regulation of Protein Synthesis

Alkeus Pharmaceuticals:

- Founded in 2011 by Leonide Saad & Ilyas Washington to develop drugs for eye diseases

- Raised $150M led by Bain Capital

- Supporting the registration & launch of gildeuretinol (ALK-001), a potential treatment of Stargardt disease

“There is so much more to be done; the patients are waiting.”

- Paul Janssen, physician & founder of Janssen Pharmaceuticals