{"id":16990,"date":"2022-05-23T12:42:03","date_gmt":"2022-05-23T16:42:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emilysentourage.org\/?page_id=16990"},"modified":"2024-04-15T19:25:51","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T23:25:51","slug":"venture-philanthropy-investments","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.emilysentourage.org\/sv\/venture-philanthropy-investments\/","title":{"rendered":"Venture Philanthropy Investments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Emily\u2019s Entourage (EE) advances research and therapeutic development for people with <\/span>cystic fibrosis<\/span><\/a> (CF) through a number of funding mechanisms, including strategic investments made through a venture philanthropy model.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using this entrepreneurial approach, we provide early-stage funding to companies to expedite the development of promising therapies and a cure for people with CF who do not benefit from the currently available CFTR modulator therapies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fueling Progress<\/b><\/h4>\n

In 2016, EE provided seed funding to launch Spirovant Sciences (formerly Talee Bio), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing gene therapy for CF. In addition to the funds and impetus to launch the startup, we provided scientific connections \u2014 resulting in a unique partnership between the University of Iowa, Children\u2019s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Militia Hill Ventures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spirovant Sciences has since been acquired<\/a> twice, most recently by Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma of Japan, and is advancing two novel, mutation-agnostic gene therapy programs for CF using adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentivirus vectors. Its lead product candidate, SP-101 (AAV), has been granted Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease Designations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Available Opportunities<\/b><\/h4>\n

EE is committed to supporting high-impact research on gene-based therapy strategies aimed at addressing the needs of <\/span>the final 10% of the CF community that do not benefit from currently available CFTR modulators.<\/span><\/p>\n

Through our <\/span>Gene-based Therapy Initiative<\/b>, we provide venture capital funding to companies with rigorous research programs that have the potential to develop transformative therapies for individuals in the final 10% of the CF population that do not benefit from currently available CFTR modulators, <\/span>including those with rare and nonsense mutations.<\/span><\/p>\n

With innovative new funding structures, EE can expand and accelerate important research efforts while putting in place a path for developing this research into novel therapeutics. Our dual strategy includes looking within and outside of our current research portfolio for high-risk, high-reward opportunities. In particular, we are looking to fund early-stage biotech companies developing gene-based therapeutic technologies. We initially invest at the seed level and support our portfolio companies with strategic and operational resources as well as potential follow-on investment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you would like to learn more about our venture philanthropic investments, please contact us below.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to making strategic investments in companies, EE also provides companies with <\/span>CF-specific insights<\/span><\/a>, connections, and <\/span>resources<\/span><\/a> on a consultative basis, including identification of key opinion leaders, guidance on clinical development and the therapeutic landscape, patient perspectives, and insights on unmet clinical needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additional Information<\/b><\/h4>\n

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the potential of a collaboration, please contact us below.<\/span><\/p>\n