Entact Bio
Overview
Entact Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision medicines that enhance protein function. Founded in 2019, Entact Bio is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts. The company was established by a group of experts in deubiquitylase biochemistry and drug development, including Ulrich Nachbur Ph.D, David Komander, David Sheppard, Jarrod Marto Ph.D, Michael Clague, Sara Buhrlage Ph.D, and Sylvie Urbe. Entact Bio has raised over $121 million as of 2024, with significant funding rounds, including an $81 million Series A, co-led by Qiming Venture Partners USA and venBio Partners.
Recent Developments
- September 2024: Ruben Tommasi, Ph.D., joined Entact Bio as the Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Tommasi brings extensive experience in drug discovery, having held leadership positions at Dunad Therapeutics and Entasis Therapeutics, where he advanced multiple compounds through clinical development and regulatory approval stages. 4
- May 2024: Michael Gutch, Ph.D., was appointed as Chief Operating Officer to further Entact Bio's operational and strategic efforts in advancing their precision medicines. 4
- January 2024: Entact Bio was included in BioSpace’s NextGen Bio Class of 2024, marking it as one of the promising life sciences companies. This accolade highlights its impact on the industry with its innovative approach to enhancing beneficial proteins. 13
- December 2023: Entact Bio successfully closed an $81 million Series A funding round. Co-led by Qiming Venture Partners USA and venBio Partners, this funding supports the development of their proprietary Encompass platform, which is designed to optimize the creation of enhancement-targeting chimeric (ENTAC™) molecules. 19
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Watertown, Massachusetts |
| Founders | Ulrich Nachbur Ph.D, David Komander, David Sheppard, Jarrod Marto Ph.D, Michael Clague, Sara Buhrlage Ph.D, Sylvie Urbe |
| Revenue | N/A |
| Profits | N/A |
| Key Investors | Qiming Venture Partners USA, venBio Partners, Abingworth, Brandon Capital |
| Industry | Biotechnology |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 39 |
Early History
Entact Bio was founded in 2019 by a team of leading scientists in the fields of deubiquitylase biochemistry and molecular drug development. The establishment of Entact Bio aimed to harness the untapped potential of enhancing beneficial protein functions using a unique approach centered around deubiquitinases (DUBs). Through their scientific expertise, the founders leveraged DUBs' natural ability to regulate proteins, paving the way for the development of their innovative Encompass platform. This platform integrates biological, chemical, and computational tools, allowing the precise design and optimization of ENTACs, a new class of medicines promising to treat previously undruggable diseases.
Company Profile and Achievements
Entact Bio is primarily focused on the biotechnology sector, developing novel precision medicines to enhance the function of beneficial proteins. The company's flagship Encompass platform allows for the creation of ENTACs (Enhancement-targeting Chimeras), which work by leveraging DUBs to alter protein function positively. These ENTACs act as molecular matchmakers that enhance or restore proper protein function.
- **Major Achievements: **
- Launch of the Encompass platform, providing an innovative approach to enhancing protein function.
- Successful completion of over $121 million in funding, underscoring investor confidence in their approach.
- Being recognized as a notable startup in the BioSpace NextGen Bio Class of 2024 for its innovation and potential in the biotechnology field.
- Core Business Model:
- The company focuses on R&D to expand the universe of treatable diseases through its proprietary drug development platform.
- Entact Bio actively collaborates with various stakeholders to address hard-to-treat genetic disorders and complex diseases.
Current Operations and Market Position
Entact Bio's current operations revolve around developing their ENTACs, small-molecule drugs that enhance protein functionality. This novel therapeutic approach targets diseases with unmet clinical needs, aiming to expand treatable indications within the druggable space. The company utilizes its Encompass platform to efficiently create customized ENTAC molecules for specific disease targets. It is positioned as a pioneering entity in protein enhancement, holding a competitive edge against traditional protein inhibition therapies. This strategic positioning has attracted significant investment and a reputation as a forward-thinking biotech startup within the industry.
Conclusion
Entact Bio stands at the forefront of biotechnology advancements, offering innovative solutions that redefine the treatment of diseases through protein function enhancement. Their commitment to leveraging DUBs through their Encompass platform marks a significant shift in therapeutic development, potentially addressing a wide spectrum of genetic and complex diseases. With substantial funding backing and an experienced leadership team, Entact Bio is poised to make a transformative impact within the biotech industry, expanding treatment options for numerous conditions and offering novel therapeutic pathways where traditional methods fall short.