Company Overview

Raven biotechnologies, inc. is focused on the discovery of new drug targets for life-threatening conditions and the development of antibody

 
Antibody
A protein
 
Protein
One of a group of large, complex molecules consisting of chains of amino acids linked together that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and often sulfur.
produced and secreted by immune system B cells in response to invasion by foreign agents such as viruses, bacteria, or cancer
 
Cancer
A general term used to describe more than 100 different disorders in which cells divide uncontrollably; and may invade nearby tissues and spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
cells. Antibodies work by binding to a specific target
 
Target
Molecules, parts of molecules, molecular processes, and constituents of molecular processes that can be affected by a drug. The best targets tend to have the greatest degree of specificity.
molecule called an antigen.
 
Antigen
Any substance that can be recognized by the immune system and induce the production of antibodies. Antigens include proteins and other molecules on the surface of bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and other foreign tissues and are the targets to which antibodies bind.
therapeutic
 
Therapeutic
An agent used for treating a disease or condition, as opposed to use as a diagnostic or for research.
products to treat them.

The Raven approach is based on a proprietary technology platform that enables us to rapidly discover unique cell-surface target antigens, including those that are inaccessible using genomics- or proteomics-based approaches. Raven has developed an extensive portfolio of tissue stem cells

 
Stem Cells
Undifferentiated or partially differentiated cells with the capacity to be both self-renewing and to differentiate into multiple cell types.
and cancer stem cells. These cells are placed in a proprietary immunization
 
Immunization
The process of administering a compound (antigen) to a laboratory animal to prompt the animal to mount an immune (antibody) response directed to the injected antigen.
protocol that focuses the immune attack on the membranes of living stem cells. By focusing on the cell surface—the primary docking point for drugs and diseases—our platform enables rapid identification of disease-specific antigens and corresponding therapeutic antibody candidates. This novel technology platform creates the optimal starting point for developing new drugs by decreasing the time needed to generate drug leads and increasing the probability of clinical success.

Our initial product development focus is on antibody-based therapeutics targeting lung, colon, pancreatic, prostate, breast, brain, and ovarian cancer. Raven has initiated phase 2 studies for RAV12, our first drug candidate, and has more than a dozen other cancer drug candidates under evaluation. The Raven technology platform has been validated through a number of development partnerships established with industry-leading companies.

To drive the discovery, development and commercialization of our products, Raven has assembled a world-class team with exceptionally rich industry experience in research, clinical development, and regulatory affairs. Our scientific expertise extends to the fields of cell biology, protein chemistry, animal disease models, antibody generation, and establishment of unique human cell lines. In addition, we have extensive knowledge and capability in preclinical and clinical drug development, protein purification, and tumor

 
Tumor
Abnormal mass of tissue resulting from uncontrolled cell division. Tumors may be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
pathology. Raven also has deep expertise in protein therapeutic production and manufacturing antibodies for clinical development as well as capabilities for scale-up of biopharmaceutical manufacturing of drug for clinical trials.

Raven has raised $115 million in private equity financing and is located in South San Francisco, California.