The latest wave of new and emerging biologic companies in 2024 highlights a continued diversity of technology areas with a strong focus on precision medicine, and antibody-based therapies taking the lead, outpacing gene, cell, and RNA-based treatments. These companies are driving the next phase of innovation in biologics, tackling oncology, autoimmune diseases, and rare genetic disorders with advanced therapeutic platforms (FIG. 1).

FIG. 1. New/Emerging Biologic Companies in 2024.

1. Antibody-Based Therapies Take the Lead (16 Companies)

Antibody-based strategies dominate the biologics landscape, focusing on targeted drug delivery and immune system modulation through innovative platforms:

• Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) – 6 companiesSixPeaks Bio, Firefly Bio, InduPro, Adcytherix, Santa Ana Bio, and Disco Pharmaceuticals are refining ADC technology for precise, potent drug delivery in oncology and autoimmune diseases.

• Bispecific Antibodies – 5 companiesCandid Therapeutics, Uniquity Bio, Ottimo Pharma, Santa Ana Bio, and Disco Pharmaceuticals are advancing dual-targeting antibodies to enhance immune response and therapeutic efficacy.

• Other Antibody Therapies – 7 companiesMarea Therapeutics, Third Arc Bio, Ashibio, Clasp Therapeutics, Diagonal Therapeutics, Calluna Pharma, Passkey Therapeutics, and Valora Therapeutics are exploring new antibody mechanisms to improve efficacy, stability, and patient outcomes.

  
  

2. Gene Therapy (9 Companies)

Despite regulatory hurdles and high development costs, gene therapy remains a cornerstone of biological innovation. Companies like Exsilio Therapeutics, nChroma Bio, Latus Bio, Spur Therapeutics, Mirai Bio, Tern Therapeutics, PulseSight Therapeutics, TikkunLev Therapeutics, and Trogenix are leveraging CRISPR, base editing, and new vector systems to develop next-gen therapies for rare diseases and personalized medicine.

3. Cell Therapy (7 Companies)

Cell therapy remains a crucial modality for regenerative medicine, oncology, and immune disorders. Companies such as Kenai Therapeutics, Tr1X, GC Therapeutics, Tolerance Bio, OverT Bio, Absco Therapeutics, and Waypoint Bio are working on novel approaches—but face ongoing challenges related to scalability and manufacturing efficiency.

4. RNA-Based Therapeutics (6 Companies)

RNA-based therapies continue to redefine treatment paradigms, moving beyond vaccines into targeted therapies for rare diseases, oncology, and metabolic disorders. Companies like GondolaBio, City Therapeutics, Radar Therapeutics, Judo Bio, Aptadir Therapeutics, and RNAConnect represent the next wave of RNA-driven innovation.

5. Protein & Peptide Therapies (8 Companies)

As biologic engineering advances, therapeutic proteins and peptides are becoming increasingly viable for precision medicine.

• Protein Therapies – 4 companiesEnlaza Therapeutics, Prologue Medicines, ZipBio, and Fable Therapeutics are developing protein-based drugs with improved stability and bioavailability.

• Peptide Therapies – 4 companiesPep2Tango Therapeutics, Aizen Therapeutics, Insamo, and TwoStep Therapeutics highlight the growing interest in peptides for targeted therapy with reduced toxicity and enhanced efficacy.

  
  

6. The Stealth Players: What’s on the Horizon? (2 Companies)

Several companies—NILO Therapeutics and Mirador Therapeutics—have yet to disclose their specific therapeutic focus. Are they developing disruptive platforms behind the scenes? Focusing on highly competitive areas where they need to remain silent as long as possible?

The Big Picture: What This Means for Biologics in 2024

• Antibody-based therapies have been leading the charge, with growing investment in ADCs and bispecifics.

• Gene and cell therapies have remained critical players, but must address scalability and cost-effectiveness.

• RNA-based therapeutics continue to expand, showing promise in precision medicine applications.

• Protein and peptide therapies are regaining momentum, driven by improved stability and specificity.

  
  

The biologics industry has faced years of advancements but plenty of clinical failures as well. It will be exciting to monitor the success of the new & emerging biologic companies of 2024 in the coming years.

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Article History:

Maryam D., Danilo G., Manny V. (Published: 11 February 2025)

Not legal, investing, or tax advice.