Industry veterans David Scheer and Brian Halak join Board of Directors

PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ThirdLaw Molecular, Inc. today announced its new name change, Ladder Bio Inc., reflecting the company’s mission to pioneer Spiroligomer™ therapeutics (“ladder-shaped peptide-like molecules”), a novel therapeutic modality for new medicines. The company name change follows the closing of a $5.5 million Series Seed financing led by Medical Excellence Capital, with participation from Hatch BioFund. The company also announced the appointment of Eric Heil as Chief Executive Officer and the election of David Scheer and Brian Halak, PhD to its Board of Directors.

Ladder Bio’s proprietary Spiroligomer platform engineers structurally preorganized, sequence-defined “ladder-shaped” peptide-like molecules designed to combine the potency and specificity of biologics with the stability, oral availability, and cell penetration associated with small molecules. The platform aims to unlock a new chemical space and modality for high-value medicines targeting historically “undruggable” targets.

“We are thrilled to have Medical Excellence Capital lead this Seed round,” said Eric Heil, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer. “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.”

“Rebranding as Ladder Bio signals our focus on translating our novel ladder-shaped chemistry platform into therapies that matter for patients,” said Christian Schafmeister, Founder & CTO of Ladder Bio. “With fresh capital, seasoned leadership, and strong investor partners, we’re better positioned to advance our lead programs and expand our platform capabilities.”

“Ladder Bio’s Spiroligomer approach represents a compelling path to drugging challenging targets that have frustrated conventional modalities,” said David Scheer, newly elected director and industry veteran. “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.”

Use of Proceeds

Seed proceeds will support platform scale-up, lead program validation and optimization, initial in vitro screening, and key hires across chemistry, biology, and development.

Executive & Board Appointments

• Eric Heil, Chief Executive Officer and Director — Brings 20+ years of healthcare operating and investor experience across company formation, venture investing, and leadership roles. He currently holds board positions at Nobias Therapeutics, GC Therapeutics, and is the co-founder and board chair of ProJenX, a clinical stage CNS-focused company. In addition, he previously successfully cofounded RightCare (acquired by naviHealth) and Upward Health.
• David Scheer, Director — President of Scheer & Company, Inc., a life sciences venture builder and strategic advisory firm he founded in 1981. He has co-founded and chaired numerous successful biopharma companies, including his first four exits during his tenure as part of the health care team at Oak Investment Partners, Achillion, Viropharma, OraPharma, and the original Esperion Therapeutics. He has also led and/or participated in executing on a broad range of transactions in life sciences including licensing, collaboration/partnerships, and M&A. He is currently on the boards of and/or serving as chair of Adela, Apriligen, Refactor Health, BiologicsMD, and Kembi Therapeutics. David also serves on several nonprofit and academic boards, contributing to initiatives in rare disease, biomedical innovation, and global health.
• Brian Halak, PhD, Director — Managing Partner at Medical Excellence Capital, bringing over 25 years of life science venture experience. Formerly a Partner at Domain Associates, he invested in and helped build companies such as Esprit Pharma, Dicerna Therapeutics, Tobira Therapeutics, Alimera Sciences and Vanda Pharmaceuticals.

About Ladder Bio

Ladder Bio (formerly ThirdLaw Molecular) is a therapeutics company developing Spiroligomer™ ladder-shaped peptide-like molecules—sequence-defined, structurally preorganized molecules designed to be orally available, cell permeable, and engage challenging biological targets with high affinity and selectivity. Ladder Bio’s platform integrates rational design with modern discovery to create new treatment options for patients where conventional modalities fall short. Ladder Bio is headquartered in Blue Bell, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia.

Learn more: www.ladderbio.com

About Medical Excellence Capital

Medical Excellence Capital (MEC) is a venture capital firm investing in innovative early-stage life sciences companies. MEC partners with exceptional teams to launch and build enduring businesses across therapeutics and enabling precision medicine technologies.

Learn more: www.medexcelcap.com

About Hatch BioFund

Hatch BioFund invests in early-stage life sciences companies developing novel platforms and therapeutics. Hatch partners closely with founders to catalyze scientific breakthroughs into impactful medicines.

Learn more: www.hatchbiofund.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding Ladder Bio’s technology, development plans, and potential therapeutic benefits. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Ladder Bio undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Spiroligomer™ is a trademark of Ladder Bio (previously ThirdLaw Molecular, Inc). All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contacts

Media Contact
Ladder Bio — Communications
info@ladderbio.com | +1 (334) 352-9665

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