Aracari Biosciences

University of California, Irvine

(Update 4.2022 - Aracari has received a $314K NIH grant to further develop Aracari’s proprietary human bone marrow technology that models in vivo drug responses.) Aracari’s vascularized microphysiological systems are leading the way in preclinical drug testing. Aracari’s vascularized 3D Vascularized Micro-Organ (VMO) and Micro-Tumor (VMT) models incorporate perfused human vasculature for the physiologic delivery of nutrients, drugs and immune cells to multiple tissue and tumor types. These powerful next-generation tools are accelerating development of immuno-oncological and other therapeutics for more optimal patient outcomes. Aracari is seeking a Chief Business Development Officer as they expand their C-level team. (Crunchbase 2021: $1.2M Funding from NSF.)

cAPAcity Genomics

University of California, Irvine

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of noncoding variants associated with human traits and diseases. However, translating these variants into therapies continues to be a significant challenge. Alpaca Genomics has constructed a multi-tissue atlas of human 3′ UTR alternative polyadenylation (APA) quantitative trait loci (3′aQTLs), connecting thousands of noncoding GWAS variants with the APA of target genes, identified in 49 tissues isolated from 838 individuals (sourced from the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project). Alpaca Genomics is using 3’aQTLs to discover novel APA-linked susceptibility for many human diseases, such as diabetes, prostate cancer, coronary artery disease (CAD), Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Velox Biosystems

University of California, Irvine

Velox Biosystems plans to develop and launch a rapid diagnostic product for urinary tract infections (UTI), a problem that affects nearly 50 percent of the population at least once in their lifetime. This decision follows the startup’s completion of a recent clinical feasibility test that yielded impactful clinical data for the company to move forward with the next steps in development. Velox Biosystems has created an ultra sensitive rapid detection system that provides for no or minimal sample processing, high throughput scanning of large sample volumes, with single target sensitivity and unprecedented speeds. Utilizing a digital droplet molecular detection platform, we are developing a point of care diagnostic device to address critical unmet needs in the UTI, liquid biopsy, and sepsis spaces. Total available market of over $1 Billion.

Bone-Rad Therapeutics

University of California, Irvine

Bone-Rad Therapeutics, Inc. is a Delaware corporation whose objective is to develop and market Spine-Rad (TM) Brachytherapy Bone Cement as an innovative, improved, and cost-effective treatment paradigm for the management of cancer tumors in the spine which affect over 230,000 patients per year in the U.S. and a similar number in the E.U. Four patents covering this technology have been issued and exclusively licensed to Bone-Rad Therapeutics. An additional patent is pending. Developed at The University of California Irvine, Spine-Rad Cement delivers internally-targeted radiation therapy directly to the tumor as it simultaneously treats existing or impending vertebral fractures, restoring strength to the bone. Administered in a single procedure, Spine-Rad Cement will eliminate the 10-20 hospital visits typically needed for external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) as well as the significant side effects of EBRT.