Visterra

Visterra is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that leverages its proprietary Hierotope® platform to design and engineer precision antibody-based therapies for patients with kidney diseases, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. The company's platform uses advanced computational and experimental tools to identify unique disease targets (Hierotopes) that are not adequately addressed by traditional antibody approaches, enabling the development of highly specific monoclonal antibodies, bispecifics, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Founded on research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Visterra was acquired by Otsuka Pharmaceutical in 2018 for $430 million. Since the acquisition, it has operated as a wholly owned subsidiary, serving as a key engine for Otsuka's global nephrology and immunology pipeline. The company is currently advancing several high-potential assets, most notably sibeprenlimab, which has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the treatment of IgA nephropathy.