In from of a concrete wall, Ned David stands on the right with his arms crossed and Ned Sharpless stands on the left with hands in his pockets -- coverage from STAT
Norman Sharpless, left, and Nathaniel David, now better known as “the Neds.”Courtesy Jupiter Bioventures

A former director of the National Cancer Institute and a serial biotech entrepreneur — both, incidentally, nicknamed Ned — have formed a company, Jupiter Bioventures, that aims to start early stage biotech companies and either sell them off or, more likely, kill them.

Jupiter has raised $70 million from investors including Mission BioCapital and the Mayo Clinic to start small biotechs that might eventually be sold off at much higher valuations.

advertisement

The founders are Norman “Ned” Sharpless, the former NCI director, who also served as acting commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration during the first Trump administration, and Nathaniel “Ned” David, a serial biotech entrepreneur who founded companies including Syrrx, Achaogen, Kythera and Unity Biotechnology.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

STAT+

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+.

Already have an account? Log in

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$20

for 3 months, then $399/year

$20 for 3 months Get Started

Then $399/year

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.

Subscribe