News
BOSTON, Nov. 9, 2023 — Odyssey Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering next-generation precision immunomodulators and oncology medicines, will present data highlighting three of its immunology programs at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2023 meeting in San Diego, California, November 10-15, 2023.
Odyssey’s oral and poster presentations will unveil the first public data for three novel therapeutic approaches to treat large populations with underserved inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The receptor interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) scaffolding inhibitors, as well as tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (TNFR2) agonist for regulatory T (Treg) cell modulation, represent targets and approaches of high interest in the pharmaceutical industry, given their broad potential to treat inflammatory disease.
“Odyssey’s team of expert drug hunters are tirelessly working to pioneer groundbreaking therapeutic strategies for the management of autoimmune disease,” said Gary D. Glick, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Odyssey Therapeutics. “At ACR, we’ll give patients, researchers and investors the first look at our RIPK2 and IRAK4 scaffolding inhibitors, as well as TNFR2 agonist for Treg cell modulation. These therapies can offer transformative benefits for patients, and the findings shared at ACR reflect significant scientific progress and achievement by our team to understand and solve complex biology with small molecule and protein therapeutics.”
Oral Presentation
Title: Discovery of First-in-Class IRAK4 Scaffolding Inhibitors for the Treatment of Inflammatory Disorders
Abstract number: 2505
Session type: Abstract Session
Date and time: Tuesday, November 14, from 4-5:30 p.m. PST
Poster Presentations
Title: Discovery of a RIPK2 Scaffolding Inhibitor for the Treatment of Joint Autoimmune Diseases
Abstract number: 0061
Session type: Poster Session A
Date and time: Sunday, November 12, from 9-11 a.m. PST
Title:Anti-TNFR2 VHH Agonistic Antibodies Promote and Stabilize Treg Immunosuppressive Activity
Abstract number: 0068
Session type: Poster Session A
Date and time:Sunday, November 12, from 9-11 a.m. PST
About Odyssey Therapeutics
Odyssey Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing the next generation of immunomodulators and oncology medicines. Composed of an expert team of drug hunters, scientists and industry leaders in foundational biology, chemistry and data sciences, Odyssey is transforming drug discovery to accelerate and drive the creation and efficient delivery of life-enhancing precision medicines to patients. For more information, please visit odysseytx.com and follow Odyssey Therapeutics on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Michael Sullivan
503-799-7520
BOSTON, October 4, 2023 — Odyssey Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering next-generation precision immunomodulators and oncology medicines, today announced the appointment of Jeremy Sokolove, M.D., as chief medical officer. In this role, Dr. Sokolove will develop, lead and drive the development strategy and execution of all Odyssey’s clinical assets. Additionally, he will be responsible for selecting, prioritizing and accelerating the company’s entire drug development portfolio.
“As the newest member of our executive leadership team, Dr. Sokolove’s medical expertise and background in the biopharmaceutical industry will be critical to the success of our clinical development programs and achieving our corporate goals,” said Gary D. Glick, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Odyssey Therapeutics. “With his vision and leadership, we will continue to improve patient outcomes by delivering life-enhancing precision medicines to those living with inflammatory diseases and cancer.”
Previously, Dr. Sokolove served as senior vice president and head of Clinical Pharmacology and Experimental Medicine at GSK, overseeing all aspects of early and translational development for specialty pharma, as well as companywide clinical pharmacology and imaging. Prior to GSK, he was head of Immunology Translational Science at AbbVie, where he built a portfolio-wide translational medicine strategy and led several early-phase development programs, including the first novel-novel combination study in immunology. Dr. Sokolove also initiated and led phase 3 studies in rheumatoid arthritis and giant cell arteritis, and supported the first global filing of upadacitinib (Rinvoq). Additionally, he served as co-founder of two biotechnology companies, including Atreca, Inc., a publicly traded company in the vaccinology and immuno-oncology space.
Outside of his industry work, Dr. Sokolove was on the faculty in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University School of Medicine and a primary investigator at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. For more than 18 years, he has maintained a clinical practice in rheumatology, as well as internal and emergency medicine. In these roles, he has received numerous teaching awards for his contributions to student, resident and fellow education, and has authored numerous patents, abstracts, book chapters, and over 90 peer-reviewed publications.
Dr. Sokolove completed his fellowship and postdoctoral research training in rheumatology and immunology at Stanford Medical Center. He completed his residency and chief residency in internal medicine at Boston University Medical Center and earned his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine after receiving a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of New Hampshire.
“It’s an exciting time to join Odyssey as the organization transitions to a clinical-stage biotechnology company,” said Dr. Sokolove. “I look forward to working with a world-class scientific team to implement and execute successful clinical trials to create the next generation of transformative medicines for patients.”
About Odyssey Therapeutics
Odyssey Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing the next generation of immunomodulators and oncology medicines. Composed of an expert team of drug hunters, scientists and industry leaders in foundational biology, chemistry and data sciences, Odyssey is transforming drug discovery to accelerate and drive the creation and efficient delivery of life-enhancing precision medicines to patients. For more information, please visit odysseytx.com and follow Odyssey Therapeutics on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Michael Sullivan, Spectrum Science
BioSpace Editorial Staff
Odyssey Therapeutics Launched: December 2021 Location: Cambridge, MA Series A: $218M Series B: $168M
Notable: Odyssey is on a journey to discover and develop novel targets. The company has so far declared eight programs in immunology and oncology. Differentiator: Odyssey is rapidly expanding. Just ten months after securing $218 million in Series A funds, the company closed an oversubscribed Series B worth $168 million. As of October 2022, Odyssey counted more than 160 team members.
Leadership: Odyssey is helmed by serial biotech entrepreneur Gary Glick, Ph.D., who has founded several companies including IFM Therapeutics, Scorpion Therapeutics and First Wave Bio.
Jeff Hermes, Ph.D., former Kallyope, Roche, and Merck R&D leader, joins as Executive Vice President of Enabling Sciences
Natalie Dales, Ph.D., promoted to Chief of Research Operations and Portfolio Strategy
Boston, Mass., November 9, 2022 — Odyssey Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering next generation precision immunomodulators and oncology medicines, today announced the appointment of Jeff Hermes, Ph.D., as Executive Vice President of Enabling Sciences and promotion of Natalie Dales, Ph.D., to the newly created position of Chief of Research Operations and Portfolio Strategy. In these roles, Dr. Hermes will oversee capability development and implementation for Odyssey’s platform approaches and technologies, and Dr. Dales will drive scientific strategy and facilitate collaboration across the organization.
“I am pleased to welcome Jeff and Natalie into their new positions as I believe they will contribute greatly to the company during this period of rapid growth,” said Gary D. Glick, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Odyssey Therapeutics. “Jeff’s leadership in screening, pharmacology, and translational sciences, as well as his experience across the drug discovery process, will be invaluable as we continue to create the next generation of transformative medicines for patients suffering from severe immunology and oncology diseases. Additionally, Natalie has played a critical role in helping shape Odyssey’s research programs and strategy during her time here, and she will continue to deliver upon our portfolio strategy and streamline efforts across the company.”
Dr. Hermes will be responsible for advancing the company’s proteomics, small molecule hit-finding platforms, and transcription factor capabilities to discover next generation medicines. Dr. Dales will drive scientific strategy and decision making to advance the pipeline through clinical entry, create connectivity and cohesion between programs and capabilities, and oversee resource utilization to drive efficiency and synergies across the organization.
Jeff Hermes, Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Enabling Sciences
Dr. Hermes is a seasoned professional with more than 30 years’ experience in biochemistry, pharmacology, and in vitro sciences in the biopharmaceutical industry. Most recently, Dr. Hermes served as the Vice President of In Vitro Pharmacology at Kallyope, where he led in vitro pharmacology, screening, and enzymology efforts to create transformational small molecule therapeutics that act on the gut-brain axis. Previously, he was Head of Screening and Translational Enzymology at Roche where he was responsible for guiding early-stage efforts from discovery through development candidate nomination. Prior to Roche, Dr. Hermes spent over 25 years at Merck and ultimately served as Executive Director and Head of Screening and Protein Sciences, where he oversaw hit-finding, lead identification, and translational science efforts across diverse therapeutic areas. He received his Ph.D. degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed postdoctoral training at Harvard University.
Natalie Dales, Ph.D., Chief of Research Operations and Portfolio Strategy
Dr. Dales brings over 20 years of experience leading small molecule drug discovery in pharmaceuticals and biotech. Dr. Dales most recently served as Odyssey’s Executive Vice President of Enabling Sciences. Previously, she spent over 15 years at Novartis, where she held roles of increasing responsibility including Executive Director and Head of Portfolio and Strategy for Global Discovery Chemistry. Prior to this role, she led small molecule drug discovery efforts focused on liver, kidney, hematology, oncology and rare diseases. She was also a senior advisor for the Novartis Genesis Labs, an internal innovation incubator which fostered and funded disruptive concepts to accelerate drug discovery.
About Odyssey Therapeutics
Odyssey Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing the next generation of immunomodulators and oncology medicines. Composed of an expert team of drug hunters, scientists and industry leaders in foundational biology, chemistry, and data sciences, Odyssey is transforming drug discovery to accelerate and drive the creation and efficient delivery of life-enhancing precision medicines to patients. For more information, please visit https://www.odysseytx.com and follow Odyssey Therapeutics on Twitter (@Odyssey_Tx) and LinkedIn.
Media Contact
— Financing led by General Catalyst, with participation from all existing investors and new leading institutional investors and mutual funds —
— Proceeds to advance Odyssey’s broad portfolio of precision immunomodulators and oncology medicines —
Boston, Mass., October 13, 2022 — Odyssey Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering next generation precision immunomodulators and oncology medicines, today announced a $168 million Series B financing. This funding, which follows Odyssey’s $218 million Series A announced in December 2021, brings the total capital raised to $386 million. The proceeds will enable Odyssey to advance its portfolio of precision immunomodulators and oncology medicines in support of its mission of developing innovative medicines to treat serious human diseases.
The Series B was led by General Catalyst, a leading global venture capital firm and active investor in the healthcare sector. Other new investors participating in the Series B financing include funds and accounts advised by Fidelity Management & Research Company, funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., GreatPoint Ventures, Catalio Capital Management, Walleye Capital, Alexandria Venture Investments, The Healthcare Innovation Investment Fund LLC, an investment fund associated with SVB Securities LLC, and other institutional investors. The financing also includes participation from all Series A investors including OrbiMed, SR One, Foresite Capital, Logos Capital, Woodline Partners LP, HBM Healthcare Investments, Colt Ventures and Creacion Ventures.
“Odyssey is pioneering next generation therapeutics by marrying a powerful drug discovery engine integrating machine learning, biology, and medicinal and structural chemistry with an exceptional leadership team of proven drug developers. We are pleased to partner with General Catalyst and our world-class syndicate of investors and believe the interest in our immunology and oncology pipeline and capabilities further validates our approach to therapeutic development,” said Gary D. Glick, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Odyssey Therapeutics. “We have made tremendous strides since our launch in 2021, and we value the support as we advance multiple candidates into IND-enabling studies in 2023.”
“At General Catalyst, we are committed to investing in companies driving powerful, positive and enduring change, and Odyssey’s unyielding commitment to improving the lives of patients by targeting the underlying causes of serious inflammatory diseases and cancer aligns with our mission,” said Elena Viboch, Partner at General Catalyst. “We are confident in Odyssey’s vision, proven leadership and ability to pioneer and develop next generation therapeutics through their integrated platform approach, and we look forward to seeing Odyssey work toward achieving their mission of delivering life-enhancing medicines to patients in need.”
“I am delighted to welcome our new Series B investors,” said Jeff Leiden, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman of the Odyssey Board. “Their investment along with Odyssey’s unique combination of experienced and talented drug hunters, new technologies and a broad and deep pipeline of novel targets will accelerate our discovery and development of life-enhancing medicines for patients in need.”
Odyssey’s immunology and oncology portfolio encompasses eight declared programs initially focused on small molecule and protein therapeutics. In addition, Odyssey is building an industry leading discovery engine that integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning for molecular design; a chemistry platform encompassing proprietary covalent libraries targeting multiple amino acids, molecular glues and natural products; and a functional genomics platform for novel target discovery.
About Odyssey Therapeutics
Odyssey Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing the next generation of immunomodulators and oncology medicines. Composed of an expert team of drug hunters, scientists and industry leaders in foundational biology, chemistry, and data sciences, Odyssey is transforming drug discovery to accelerate and drive the creation and efficient delivery of life-enhancing precision medicines to patients. For more information, please visit www.odysseytx.com and follow Odyssey Therapeutics on Twitter (@Odyssey_Tx) and LinkedIn.
About General Catalyst
General Catalyst is a venture capital firm that invests in powerful, positive change that endures — for our entrepreneurs, our investors, our people, and society. We support founders with a long-term view who challenge the status quo, partnering with them from seed to growth stage and beyond to build companies that withstand the test of time. With offices in San Francisco, Palo Alto, New York City, London, and Boston, the firm has helped support the growth of businesses such as: Airbnb, Deliveroo, Guild, Gusto, Hubspot, Illumio, Lemonade, Livongo, Oscar, Samsara, Snap, Stripe, and Warby Parker. For more: www.generalcatalyst.com.
Media Contact
Boston, Mass., September 22, 2022 — Odyssey Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering next generation precision immunomodulators and oncology medicines, today announced that it is has been named by Endpoints News as one of the Endpoints 11 companies of 2022. This honor is awarded to the most promising private biotechnology companies in the industry breaking new ground in drug development.
Odyssey’s highly integrated drug hunting engine fuses both established and newly-emerging drug discovery technologies to tackle immunology and oncology targets with the highest clinical and commercial potential, including those previously considered “undruggable.” The company’s platform approach aims to transform drug discovery to accelerate and drive the creation and efficient delivery of life-enhancing precision medicines to patients.
“We are honored to be recognized as an Endpoints 11 company for our suite of cutting-edge technology platforms and portfolio of innovative product candidates to deliver differentiated patient benefits with an eye to transforming standards of care,” said Gary D. Glick, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Odyssey Therapeutics. “This recognition serves as a testament to the tireless work and dedication of our team in delivering on our mission to provide life-changing solutions for patients, and continues to fuel our urgency to go beyond the current limitations of treatment and make the future of precision medicine a reality.”
About Odyssey Therapeutics
Odyssey Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing immunomodulators and oncology medicines that aim to transform drug discovery to accelerate and drive the creation and efficient delivery of life-enhancing precision medicines to patients. Built from the ground-up by an expert team of drug hunters, scientists and industry leaders, Odyssey is focused on being first to market with programs that act on targets with the highest clinical and commercial potential. For more information, please visit www.odysseytx.com and follow Odyssey Therapeutics on Twitter (@Odyssey_Tx) and LinkedIn.
Media Contact
BioSpace Editorial Staff
Odyssey Therapeutics Launched: December 2021 Location: Cambridge, MA
Series A: $218M Series B: $168M
Notable: Odyssey is on a journey to discover and develop novel targets. The company has so far declared eight programs in immunology and oncology. Differentiator: Odyssey is rapidly expanding. Just ten months after securing $218 million in Series A funds, the company closed an oversubscribed Series B worth $168 million. As of October 2022, Odyssey counted more than 160 team members.
Leadership: Odyssey is helmed by serial biotech entrepreneur Gary Glick, Ph.D., who has founded several companies including IFM Therapeutics, Scorpion Therapeutics and First Wave Bio.
Nick Paul Taylor
The Odyssey Therapeutics story is progressing quickly. Ten months after disclosing a $218 million series A, the Gary Glick-helmed biotech is back with another mega round as it prepares to push candidates into clinic-enabling studies next year.
Glick, Ph.D., who made his name setting up and running biotechs such as Lycera, IFM Therapeutics and Scorpion Therapeutics, founded Odyssey in 2021 and rounded up a deep-pocketed syndicate of investors to support his plans. By the time Glick publicly unveiled Odyssey late last year, the biotech had raised $218 million and built a 100-person team to advance seven candidates toward the clinic.
John Carroll
If there’s one thing Gary Glick excels at, it’s raising money for his startups. Even in this soured financial environment.
No sooner had he closed his whopping big launch round for Odyssey Therapeutics — announcing it late last year with $218 million brimming in his coffers — than he was off and running on the Series B. And today he’s taking the wraps off of the added cash — all $168 million.
Cormac Sheridan
Odyssey Therapeutics Inc. closed a hefty $168 million series B round to progress multiple small-molecule and protein-based drug discovery and development programs in autoimmune disease and cancer.
The Boston-based company landed with a splash last year, raising $218 million in a series A round and setting out ambitions to unleash next-generation chemistry, structural biology and computational approaches on a broad range of undrugged targets, typically upstream signaling nodes that control pathways considered to be important disease drivers.
Staff
Located in Massachusetts, Odyssey Therapeutics aims to create next-generation precision medicine for patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases. The Odyssey team can quickly identify relevant targets and optimize therapeutic assets for clinical development using their in-house intellectual capital.
Sam Mintz
Odyssey Therapeutics, launched early in 2021 by serial biotech entrepreneur Gary Glick, has brought in a big Series A round and is differentiating itself with what Glick calls “intellectual capital.” The company is working on a broad array of ailments, developing protein therapeutics and small molecules to modulate the immune system, with the goal of tackling inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases and oncology. It’s got a star-studded team of senior leaders and scientists, many of them pulled from big pharma.
