b'MEKTOVI (binimetinib) therapies for treat- Theproceedswillfunddevelopmentof ment of certain BRAF-mutant reselectable orOnKures lead drug, OKI-179, a Class I HDAC metastatic melanoma. The drug combinationinhibitor that is now moving into Phase 2 also showed promise for treatment of otherstudies in targeted populations and a growing YOU HAVE TO TURN solid tumor diseases, including metastaticpipeline of earlier stage molecules.OVER A LOT OF ROCKS.colorectal cancer. OnKures original goal was to raise $30 EVERY COMPANY IS NOTThe history-making acquisition increased themillion, but after discussions with investors, ALWAYS A GOOD FITColorado life sciences communitys visibilitywe decided to take more money because as a hotbed for valuable companies. It alsothe investment group was enamored with FOR EVERY INVESTOR.cemented a blockbuster track record for Arraythe prospect of this team doing more drug SO, ONCE YOU FINDCo-Founders Tony Piscopio, Ph.D., and Kevindiscovery based on its prior successes, A LEAD INVESTORKoch, Ph.D., as they grew new companies.Piscopio says. The OnKure team is going back Piscopio is Co-Founder & CEO of OnKure Inc.,to our roots and starting programs, exciting THAT IS WILLING TOwhile Koch is Founder & CEO of Edgewiseprograms, all in oncology, to essentially INVEST, YOU WORKTherapeutics, Inc. augment the later-stage program.TOGETHER WITH THATOnKure Attracts Financing Indeed, the Piscopios background with Array, and the fact that some of its senior LEAD TO HELP BUILDFollowing his time at Array, Piscopio foundedmanagement is now at OnKurewas a big THE SYNDICATE. OnKure (Boulder) in 2011, and since thenfactor in closing the funding round. Its the company has grown into a successful,never easy to raise money, Piscopio notes. TONY PISCOPIO, PH.D.10-employee operation developing targetedYou have to turn over a lot of rocks. Every CO-FOUNDER & CEO small-molecule drugs.ONKURE, INC. company is not always a good fit for every That success continued in March 2021, wheninvestor. So, once you find a lead investor it closed a $55 million investment round. Breakthroughs Happen Here Every Day Visionary organizations choose Fitzsimons Innovation Communityfor our entrepreneurial environment, leading-edge facilities, and services. Together, we push boundaries and transform science into the future of health and care. Five innovativelySpecialized training and designed buildings withnetworking opportunities. customizable labs, office and collaboration space,125 acres for additional plus shared scientific anddevelopment. administrative equipment. Central Colorado Direct access to clinicians,location with easy accessUnite with us researchers, and talent atto Denver Internationalto advance health. the University of ColoradoAirport and beyond.720-859-4100Anschutz Medical Campus.info@fitzsimonsinnovation.com 28 BIOSCIENCECOLORADO 2021-2022'