Tenvie Therapeutics Launches with $200M for Breakthrough Therapies

Tenvie Therapeutics, a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, has officially launched with the objective of revolutionizing the treatment of neurological disorders. With a robust and varied portfolio of small molecule assets, Tenvie is set to make significant strides in the medical field by focusing on neurological, cardiometabolic, and ophthalmic diseases. The company’s strategic direction is supported by a $200 million investment spearheaded by ARCH Venture Partners, F-Prime Capital, and Mubadala Capital, along with other distinguished investors.

The leadership at Tenvie, which includes experienced research and development professionals, is focused on developing innovative therapies for central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral diseases. The company has acquired several programs from Denali Therapeutics Inc., expanding its portfolio of small molecule assets. These assets are aimed at addressing critical disease pathways by resolving inflammation, rescuing metabolic dysfunction, and restoring lysosomal function.

Tenvie’s most advanced therapeutic candidates, an NLRP3 inhibitor and an allosteric SARM1 inhibitor, are currently in the IND-enabling phase. The company is also advancing other programs that target neuroprotective pathways, such as TRPML1 and TMEM175. By leveraging these programs, Tenvie aims to provide durable therapeutic solutions for neurological diseases, which are often characterized by a lack of effective treatment options.

Tony Estrada, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer at Tenvie, emphasizes the company’s commitment to altering the treatment landscape for neurological diseases. He highlights Tenvie’s unique approach, which allows for brain access and the parallel development of precision-designed small molecules that are restricted to peripheral sites. This strategy is designed to tackle a wide range of diseases with precision and efficacy.

The company’s leadership team comprises experts in various fields, including neurology, CNS drug development, small molecule chemistry, and translational medicine. Key members of the team include Tony Estrada, Ph.D., Brian Cuneo, J.D., Tanya Fischer, M.D., Ph.D., and Paul L. Berns, among others. Their combined expertise is expected to drive the development of Tenvie’s therapeutic pipeline from discovery through clinical validation.

Paul L. Berns, Managing Director at ARCH Venture Partners and Executive Chair of Tenvie, commented on the company’s mission to apply deep biological and chemical insights to tackle critical disease pathways. He expressed confidence in Tenvie’s potential to harness the therapeutic value of small molecules to address key drivers of both central and peripheral diseases.

Stacie Weninger, Venture Partner at F-Prime Capital, also underscored the urgent need for neurological treatments that can offer durable therapeutic benefits. She noted that Tenvie is well-positioned to lead the next generation of neurology treatments, thanks to its team’s proven track record in advancing molecules from the discovery phase to clinical validation.

In summary, Tenvie Therapeutics is poised to make a significant impact in the treatment of neurological diseases by advancing a diverse pipeline of therapeutics. With a focus on innovative small molecule engineering and a strategic approach to drug development, the company aims to deliver multiple clinical assets that address some of the most critical drivers of disease.