Violet Therapeutics

The core of Violet's strategy is its proprietary "C-to-C Engine," a platform designed to identify, map, and analyze cell-to-cell communication on a large scale. This engine utilizes technologies like RABID-Seq, which employs barcoded viral tracing to gain insights into cellular interactions at a single-cell resolution. The scientific foundation for this approach was detailed in a 2021 article in the journal *Science* by Dr. Quintana and his co-authors. By decoding the complex interactions between cells, which are often central to disease pathology, Violet aims to uncover novel drug targets that are not dependent on genetic mutations. The platform can be applied to various tissues, including the brain, spinal cord, lung, liver, and tumors.

As a pre-clinical entity, Violet's business model is centered on research and development, funded by venture capital. In May 2023, the company announced a significant milestone: the closing of a $10.6 million seed funding round. This financing was led by the Dementia Discovery Fund and co-led by UTEC (University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners) and founding investor Mass General Brigham Ventures, with participation from Ono Venture Investment. These funds are intended to support the expansion of operations and further development efforts. The company's lead program is focused on developing a small molecule inhibitor of EphB3, a receptor tyrosine kinase identified by its platform as a key mediator of neuroinflammation in the interactions between microglia and astrocytes. This program is being investigated for its potential in treating multiple neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease.