PHILADELPHIA, PA — ThirdLaw Molecular, Inc. has rebranded as Ladder Bio Inc., a move the company says better reflects its focus on developing a new class of therapeutics based on its Spiroligomer™ platform—“ladder-shaped,” peptide-like molecules designed to address disease targets long considered out of reach for traditional drug modalities.
The announcement follows the close of a $5.5 million Series Seed round led by Medical Excellence Capital, with additional participation from Hatch BioFund. Ladder Bio also named veteran healthcare operator Eric Heil as chief executive officer and added industry leaders David Scheer and Brian Halak, PhD, to its board of directors.
Ladder Bio’s Spiroligomer technology aims to occupy a chemical space that blends key advantages of both biologics and small molecules. The platform produces sequence-defined, structurally rigid molecules designed to deliver the potency and precision of biologics along with the stability and oral dosing potential associated with small-molecule drugs. The company believes the approach could open new therapeutic pathways for conditions where current technologies have repeatedly fallen short.
Heil, who now leads the company, said the fresh investment aligns with the firm’s strategy to advance differentiated, AI-enabled drug-design technologies toward clinical development. Founder and CTO Christian Schafmeister said the new brand emphasizes the company’s commitment to turning its ladder-shaped chemistry into meaningful therapies.
New director David Scheer described the Spiroligomer platform as a promising route for tackling historically resistant disease targets, adding that the combination of technology, leadership, and investor support positions Ladder Bio to evolve from platform validation into product development.
According to the company, proceeds from the seed financing will go toward scaling the platform, validating lead programs, initiating early in vitro studies, and expanding its scientific and development teams.
The leadership additions reflect decades of experience across biopharma company building, venture investing, and operational strategy—expertise the company expects will help guide its growth as it moves into the next stage of development.
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