Since the inception in 2007, Sunstone Life Science Ventures (Sunstone) has co-created, supported and funded life science companies that have been the originator of 20 life-changing products approved for the treatment or diagnosis of patients with cardiovascular, respiratory and infectious diseases, as well as cancer, neurological diseases, and those requiring surgical intervention.
While striving to provide a return on investment for our LPs, we are indeed most proud when we make a difference to patients in need of new and better treatment options. At the end of the day, we cannot think of any higher pursuit than helping patients suffering from difficult-to-treat diseases.
We saw a perfect example earlier this year when Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A. announced that the FDA had approved Lamzede® for the treatment of non-central nervous system manifestations of alpha-mannosidosis. Alpha-mannosidosis is an ultra-rare, progressive lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in the enzyme α-mannosidase. Lamzede® was developed by Sunstone portfolio company Zymenex A/S, which was acquired by Chiesi when Lamzede® was in the middle of a phase 3 study. Our kudos to Chiesi Farmaceutici, to Giacomo Chiesi heading the acquisition, to the Zymenex team and to Zymenex CEO @Jens Fogh.
Here is a list of all 20 approved products developed by Sunstone funded life science companies:
Zealand Pharma A/S
- Lyxumia® (lixisenatide): A GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Zealand Pharma and marketed by Sanofi
- Zegalogue® (dasiglucagon): A glucagon receptor agonist for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in people with diabetes. Marketed by Novo Nordisk.
Zymenex A/S
- Lamzede®: A novel enzyme replacement for the treatment of non-central nervous system manifestations of alpha-mannosidosis. Marketed by Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.
Nordic Vaccine A/S
- Posintro™: A saponin based adjuvant technology now part of the Novavax Matrix-M™ technology and applied in the Novavax RSV and COVID-19 Vaccines
Arcoma AB
- OMNERA 500A®: A digital X-ray System with New Intelligent Automation Features. Marketed by Canon Medical Systems.
- Arcoma Precision i5®: A new high-end digital X-ray system.
- Arcoma Intuition®: A versatile digital radiography system that combines outstanding image quality with clinical flexibility for a wide range of digital radiography applications.
- Arcoma X-ray Cube®: A standalone self-supporting x-ray solution that enables quick installation of an X-ray system in, for example, a temporary hospital.
Acarix A/S
- CADScor®System: An AI-powered acoustic diagnostic aid to diagnose coronary artery disease.
Evolva AG
- Veri-te™ resveratrol: A compound that occurs naturally in red wine, grapes and other plants. Evolva’s resveratrol is a high-purity ingredient made via fermentation.
Euro Diagnostica A/S (now Svar Life Science AB):
- iLite®: A cell-based reporter gene system including among others an Fc Effector Activity Bioassays (ADCC, ADCP) and T-Cell Activation Bioassays
Asante Inc.
- Asante Snap™: An innovative insulin pump using standard insulin cartridges. Asante Snap™ is no longer marketed.
Chempaq A/S
- Chempaq XBC eXpress™: Blood Counter & Analyzer. Chempaq XBC eXpress™ is no longer marketed.
Vivostat A/S
- Vivostat® System: An operating room equipment that allows preparation of autologous Fibrin Sealant or Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)
- Vivostat® Fibrin Sealant
- Vivostat® PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin): second generation platelet product Vivostat® PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin)
JenaValve AG
- Trilogy Heart Valve System: Approved for commercial use in the European Union for patients with Severe Aortic Regurgitation and Stenosis
Atonomics A/S (Now Qlife Holding AB)
- The Egoo Device: A point of care device with the potential to measure several health-related parameters. Currently available for CRP
Egalet Inc (then Lyla, now Assertion)
- AXAYDO: an abuse-deterrent oxycodone formulation for pain management.