News
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
Boston, Mass., May 24, 2022 — Odyssey Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering next generation precision immunomodulators and oncology medicines, today announced the appointment of Darryl Patrick, D.V.M., Ph.D., as Executive Vice President of Non-Clinical Development. Dr. Patrick is a seasoned professional with more than 30 years’ experience in non-clinical development, including senior leadership roles at Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Merck Research Laboratories. In this role, Dr. Patrick will be responsible for advancing the company’s early-stage product pipeline, including assessment of drug candidates and progression into clinical development. Dr. Patrick joins Odyssey from LionsKeep Associates LLC, where he served as partner and acted as a non-clinical development consultant for numerous companies globally across a range of therapeutic categories including antibodies, fusion proteins, as well as small molecules for the treatment of cancer, anti-inflammatory therapies, and autoimmune disease.
“Darryl’s leadership in non-clinical development and experience bringing dozens of development candidates, including small molecules, proteins, along with gene therapies through the preclinical process will prove invaluable to Odyssey as we advance our portfolio of immunology and oncology medicines into clinical studies,” said Gary D. Glick, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Odyssey Therapeutics. “I’m excited to welcome Darryl to accelerate the development pathway for transformative medicines and provide hope for patients in need.”
In his prior role at LionsKeep Associates, Dr. Patrick developed drug candidate selection strategies, prepared and reviewed regulatory submissions in both the U.S. and EU, and served as acting Head of Non-Clinical Development and Chair of multiple Scientific Advisory Boards. Previously, Dr. Patrick held leadership roles at Vertex as Vice President, Non-Clinical Development, and Vice President, Exploratory Development, where he oversaw development candidates from discovery to approval and led global efforts spanning toxicology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, and clinical pharmacology. Prior to Vertex, Dr. Patrick spent nearly 20 years at Merck Research Laboratories in various roles of increasing responsibility, culminating in his position as Vice President, Safety Assessment, where he was responsible for toxicology and preclinical safety evaluation of all development programs and served on the Merck Research Laboratories management committees. Dr. Patrick has been an instrumental part of several teams responsible for the approvals of key blockbuster drugs including SINGULAIR® (montelukast), CRIXIVAN® (indinavir), FOSAMAX® (alendronic acid), and INCIVEK® (telaprevir). Dr. Patrick began his career in Veterinary Medicine with the U.S. Air Force, becoming Chief of Diagnostic and Comparative Medicine for the Uniformed Services, University of Health Sciences.
“Odyssey has assembled an exceptional team and is positioned to be a leader in precision medicines for inflammation and cancer,” said Darryl Patrick, D.V.M., Ph.D., about his new role as Executive Vice President, Non-Clinical Development at Odyssey Therapeutics. “The company’s integrated drug discovery engine has the potential to address complex human disease and create medicines for targets previously considered undruggable, and I look forward to working with Odyssey colleagues to accomplish our goal to bring transformative and disease modifying therapies to patients.”
Dr. Patrick earned his D.V.M. in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University and his Ph.D. in Veterinary Pathology from Iowa State University, and is also a Diplomate at the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. He is a member of Sigma XI, a scientific research society, was named a Who’s Who in Frontiers of Science and Technology, and recognized as a Key Innovator as part of the Merck Research Program. Dr. Patrick has also earned a prestigious Prix Galien in 2000 as a member of the SINGULAIR® team.
About Odyssey Therapeutics
Odyssey Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing the next generation of immunomodulators and oncology medicines. Comprised 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.
Media Contact
Boston, Mass., May 19, 2022 — Odyssey Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering next generation precision immunomodulators and oncology medicines, today announced the appointment of industry veteran Jeffrey M. Leiden, M.D., Ph.D., as Chairman of the Board. With more than 40 years’ experience in the biopharma industry, Dr. Leiden has dedicated his career to improving the lives of people with serious diseases, including his most recent tenure as the Executive Chairman and former CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
“I am thrilled to welcome Jeff to the board of Odyssey as a longtime collaborator and trusted colleague with decades of experience in developing life-changing medicines and building transformative companies,” said Gary D. Glick, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Odyssey Therapeutics. “As a physician scientist and industry executive, Jeff has had unparalleled success in discovering and developing innovative therapeutics and building blockbuster commercial franchises. I have great confidence that Jeff’s leadership and counsel as Board Chair will be invaluable to Odyssey as we deliver on our goal of treating serious human diseases to improve patients’ lives.”
As one of the most admired and accomplished leaders in the biopharmaceutical industry, Dr. Leiden has discovered, developed, and commercialized some of the most transformative and life-changing medicines of the last two decades. As CEO and Executive Chairman of Vertex, Dr. Leiden was instrumental in building Vertex into one of the largest, most profitable biotechnology companies in the world, steering the company towards significant, sustainable growth throughout his tenure. With Dr. Leiden at the helm, Vertex developed and commercialized several breakthrough medicines for cystic fibrosis, a condition where no other therapies previously existed, including KALYDECO® (ivacaftor), ORKAMBI® (lumacaftor/ivacaftor), SYMDEKO® (tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor), and TRIKAFTA® (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor). At the same time, Dr. Leiden also built a robust pipeline of drug candidates in specialty markets, including pain sickle cell disease and type I diabetes, with a particular focus on therapies that cure or modify the course of disease. Prior to Vertex, Dr. Leiden served as a managing director of Clarus Ventures from 2006 to 2011 and as President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Scientific Officer at Abbott Laboratories where he led the development and launch of multiple breakthrough medicines, including the blockbuster, HUMIRA® (adalimumab). In addition, while at Clarus, Dr. Leiden served as Chairman of the Board of Lycera Corp., the first company founded by Dr. Glick that successfully launched multiple clinical programs along with several high profile partnerships.
“Odyssey has created one of the most exciting new drug discovery and development platforms in recent years by integrating next generation capabilities with an exceptional team responsible for developing dozens of transformational oncology and immunology therapeutics,” said Dr. Leiden. “Having worked closely with Gary in previous ventures, I am eager to collaborate again in the years ahead to support Odyssey’s development into a sustainable, fully integrated biotechnology company and to deliver on our shared vision of developing more effective medicines by targeting the underlying causes of human disease.”
Dr. Leiden began his career in academia as a molecular biologist and practicing cardiologist, earning a B.A. in Biological Sciences, a Ph.D. with honors in Virology, and a M.D. from the University of Chicago. Dr. Leiden held several academic and hospital appointments, including roles as Chief of Cardiology, the Rawson Professor of Medicine and Pathology, and an attending physician at the University of Chicago; the Elkan R. Blout Professor of Biological Sciences at the Harvard School of Public Health; and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He was also involved in founding several biotechnology companies including Vical and Cardiogene and is the author of numerous patents. Dr. Leiden serves on the board of fellows at Harvard Medical School, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine.
Dr. Leiden’s impact on the field reaches beyond the companies he has led. He is also the recipient of many awards and honors for his contributions to the biomedical innovation ecosystem, most recently being recognized for a Lifetime Achievement in Biopharma by Forbes in 2020. Among several honors, he’s also been named one of Forbes’ America’s Most Innovative Leaders in 2019, a Power 50 Honoree for several years by the Boston Business Journal, and the 100 Most Influential People in Boston by Boston Magazine.
About Odyssey Therapeutics
Odyssey Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing the next generation of immunomodulators and oncology medicines. Comprised 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.
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.
