ThirdLaw Molecular has rebranded as Ladder Bio Inc., marking a pivotal step in its mission to pioneer Spiroligomer™ therapeutics, a novel class of ladder-shaped peptide-like molecules. The rebrand coincides with the closing of a $5.5 million Seed financing round led by Medical Excellence Capital (MEC), with participation from Hatch BioFund.
Alongside the financing, Ladder Bio announced the appointment of Eric Heil as Chief Executive Officer and the addition of two industry leaders, David Scheer and Dr. Brian Halak, to its Board of Directors.
Ladder Bio’s proprietary Spiroligomer platform enables the design of structurally preorganized, sequence-defined molecules that combine the potency and specificity of biologics with the stability, oral bioavailability, and cell penetration of small molecules. The company aims to unlock a new chemical space for high-value medicines targeting previously “undruggable” biological targets.
Seed funding will be used to scale the Spiroligomer platform, validate and optimize lead programs, perform initial in vitro screening, and expand the team across chemistry, biology, and development functions.
Eric Heil brings more than two decades of experience across company formation, venture investing, and executive leadership. He has held board positions at Nobias Therapeutics and GC Therapeutics and co-founded ProJenX, a clinical-stage CNS company. Previously, he co-founded RightCare, which was acquired by naviHealth, and served in leadership roles at Upward Health.
David Scheer, President of Scheer & Company, brings extensive biopharma operating and investment experience, having co-founded and chaired numerous successful ventures such as Achillion, Viropharma, and OraPharma. He currently sits on the boards of Adela, Apriligen, Refactor Health, BiologicsMD, and Kembi Therapeutics.
Dr. Brian Halak, Managing Partner at Medical Excellence Capital, brings more than 25 years of life sciences venture experience. He previously served as Partner at Domain Associates, where he invested in and helped build companies including Esprit Pharma, Dicerna Therapeutics, and Vanda Pharmaceuticals.
Ladder Bio, headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, integrates rational molecular design with advanced discovery to create new treatment options for diseases that remain beyond the reach of conventional modalities.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are thrilled to have Medical Excellence Capital lead this Seed round. Ladder Bio’s technology and scientific team align with MEC’s strategy to back differentiated AI-based drug design and development technologies with clear paths to the clinic.”
Eric Heil, Chief Executive Officer, Ladder Bio
“Rebranding as Ladder Bio signals our focus on translating our novel ladder-shaped chemistry platform into therapies that matter for patients. With fresh capital, seasoned leadership, and strong investor partners, we’re better positioned to advance our lead programs and expand our platform capabilities.”
Christian Schafmeister, Founder & Chief Technology Officer, Ladder Bio
“Ladder Bio’s Spiroligomer approach represents a compelling path to drugging challenging targets that have frustrated conventional modalities. I’m excited to support Eric, Christian, and this talented team as they move from platform validation into product development. Their operating experience, combined with Ladder Bio’s innovative chemistry, creates a powerful foundation for launching a category-leading company like Ladder Bio.”
David Scheer, Director, Ladder Bio
