LIGHT HORSE THERAPEUTICS
Precision Gene Editing Applied to Small Molecule Drug Discovery
Light Horse is leading the way in precision gene editing applied to small molecule drug discovery, pioneering approaches to target the root causes of disabling and life-threatening diseases. Its advanced platform identifies cryptic chemically accessible functional domains within targets that play critical roles in disease biology. Our initial focus addresses high-value, historically challenging oncology targets with the opportunity to apply the technology to other therapeutic areas in the future.
First-in-class Drug Discovery
Light-Horse’s high-throughput discovery platform systematically interrogates complex signaling pathways to uncover unique sites of vulnerability. We interrogate these targets in their native, cellular context to best ensure that discoveries in the lab translate into the clinic.
Press Releases
Light Horse Therapeutics Debuts With $62 Million Series A Financing
SAN DIEGO, CA — January 9, 2025
- Function-first small molecule discovery company launched by Versant Ventures’ Inception Discovery Engine
- High-throughput platform identifies hidden functional chemically accessible sites on high value protein targets
Light Horse Therapeutics Inc., a developer of first-in-class small molecule therapeutics, today announced a $62 million Series A financing. The financing was led by founding investor Versant Ventures and included Mubadala Capital as well as three strategic investors: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co, Taiho Ventures, and AbbVie. Light Horse is the latest company started by Versant’s Inception Discovery Engine.
Light Horse Therapeutics Enters into Strategic Collaboration With Novartis
SAN DIEGO, CA — January 9, 2025
Light Horse Therapeutics Inc., a developer of first-in-class small molecule therapeutics, announced a multi-target collaboration with Novartis to identify and develop potentially first-in-class therapeutics using the biotech’s platform. Under the terms of the agreement, Light Horse will receive a $25 million upfront payment. The company is also eligible for $1 billion in further research, development and sales milestones, in addition to royalties on licensed therapeutics. Further details are undisclosed.
Strong Academic Founders and Experienced Leadership Team
Light Horse integrated distinct approaches from scientific co-founders Brian Liau, PhD, Ben Cravatt, PhD, and Nathanael Gray, PhD, to build its proprietary precision editing-based platform that interrogates proteins in their native environment. The company is led by scientists and executives with a proven track record of building successful biopharmaceutical companies and developing and commercializing innovative practice-changing cancer treatments.
Founders
Brian Liau, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harvard University
Harvard University
2020 Damon Runyon-Rachleff Award
Ben Cravatt, Ph.D.
Professor, The Scripps Research Institute
Scripps Research
National Academy of Sciences, Wolf Prize
Nathaniel Gray, Ph.D.
Professor, Stanford University
Stanford University
Eli Lilly Award, Paul Marks Prize
Leadership
Tom Daniel, M.D.
Chairman of the Board
Vividion, Celgene, Amgen
Markus Renschler, M.D.
CEO
Cyteir, Celgene, Pharmacyclics
Laure Escoubet, Ph.D.
CSO
Zentalis, BMS, Celgene
Mark Gallop, Ph.D.
Strategic Advisor
Nurix, XenoPort, Affymax
Trusted by Leading Investors
We are proud to be funded by Versant Ventures, Mubadala Capital, and three strategic co-investors, Bristol Myers Squibb, Taiho Ventures, and AbbVie, underscoring our commitment to transforming drug discovery and advancing healthcare.
