The pharmaceutical clinical trials industry in the US is crucial for developing new medicinal therapies and treatments. It includes research organizations, biotech firms, and large pharmaceutical companies working rigorously to bring drugs from conception to market. These entities conduct clinical trials, which are vital stages for testing drug safety and efficacy before public release. With the rise of personalized medicine and advances in technology, this industry is evolving rapidly. Insights show increasing investment in innovative trial designs and real-world evidence to streamline processes, making clinical research more efficient and effective in identifying new therapies.


Investors in the pharmaceutical clinical trials space come from varied backgrounds, including venture capital and corporate sectors. They mainly operate in major hubs like New York, Boston, and San Francisco, with firm sizes ranging from small teams to large organizations. These investors have been actively engaged in the industry, completing numerous deals in 2024, indicating a vibrant market. Companies like Frazier Healthcare Partners and New Enterprise Associates exemplify how these investors seek to support and advance the clinical trial process by funding transformative health solutions, showcasing a wide range of investment strategies and focus areas.


Top 16 Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials Investors in the US


1. OrbiMed

  • Website: orbimed.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: orbimed-advisors

OrbiMed is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in healthcare investments since its founding in 1989. With a focus on biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services, OrbiMed manages around $17 billion in assets globally. The firm has been involved in several notable transactions in the pharmaceutical sector, including significant investments in Acceleron Pharma, where they participated in multiple funding rounds (Series B, C, and a venture round) aimed at advancing innovative therapies. Their recent involvement in the $500 million post-IPO debt for Insmed also highlights their commitment to supporting companies that are likely engaged in clinical trials for new drug development. This track record positions OrbiMed as a key player in the pharmaceutical clinical trials landscape.


2. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has backed companies like H1.co, which focuses on healthcare data and analytics, and Asher Bio, a biotechnology company that raised $55 million in Series A funding in March 2021. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, indicating their potential relevance to pharmaceutical clinical trials.


3. Perceptive Advisors


Perceptive Advisors is a New York-based investment firm founded in 1999, specializing in the life sciences sector. The firm provides capital solutions and investment management services to both private and public healthcare companies, with a strong focus on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Their expertise in the healthcare industry enables them to support innovation and growth through strategic investments. Notably, Perceptive Advisors has been involved in several significant transactions in the pharmaceutical space, including a $42 million Series B investment in Cidara Therapeutics, which focuses on developing therapeutics for infectious diseases. They also participated in a $130 million equity financing round for Prometheus Biosciences, a company dedicated to developing precision medicine for gastrointestinal diseases. Additionally, they led a $125 million Series B financing for SpringWorks Therapeutics, which is advancing late-stage oncology programs. These transactions highlight Perceptive Advisors' active role in funding companies that are engaged in pharmaceutical clinical trials and drug development.


4. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

  • Website: nea.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. NEA specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. NEA has been actively involved in the pharmaceutical industry, with notable investments in companies such as Pharmion, which raised $40 million in a venture round, and Amplyx Pharmaceuticals, where NEA participated in multiple funding rounds, including a $40.5 million Series B and a $67 million Series C. Their investment in Seagen, a company focused on cancer therapies, further highlights their engagement in the pharmaceutical clinical trials sector. NEA's collaborative approach emphasizes long-term relationships with founders, making them a significant player in the healthcare investment landscape.


5. ARCH Venture Partners

  • Website: archventure.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: arch-venture-partners

ARCH Venture Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1986, based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in biotechnology investments. They provide funding and strategic support to innovative companies in the life sciences sector, particularly early-stage biotech firms aiming to develop groundbreaking medical solutions. Notably, ARCH has participated in significant funding rounds for companies such as Kura Oncology, which raised $60 million for the development of its biopharmaceutical pipeline, and CStone Pharmaceuticals, which closed a $260 million series B round to support further clinical development of its pipeline. Their investments reflect a strong commitment to advancing pharmaceutical innovations and navigating the complexities of bringing new technologies to market.


6. Pfizer

  • Website: pfizer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1849
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: pfizer

Pfizer Inc. is a leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology company founded in 1849, headquartered in New York, New York, USA. With over 10,000 employees, Pfizer develops and produces a wide range of medicines and vaccines aimed at improving patient health outcomes globally. The company has been actively involved in significant transactions in the pharmaceutical sector, including the acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals for $6.7 billion in December 2021, which focuses on innovative therapies for various diseases. Additionally, Pfizer acquired Amplyx Pharmaceuticals, a company dedicated to developing therapies for invasive fungal infections, further showcasing its commitment to addressing urgent health needs. Pfizer's acquisition of Array BioPharma for $11 billion in 2019 also highlights its strategic focus on enhancing its portfolio of specialized cancer drugs, which are critical areas for clinical trials. These activities underscore Pfizer's active role in the pharmaceutical clinical trials landscape, making it a relevant investor in this category.


7. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

Sosv is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. The firm provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed in various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, Sosv has been involved in several transactions relevant to the pharmaceutical industry, particularly with Pannex Therapeutics Inc., which has raised funds through multiple seed rounds and a convertible note from Sosv. This consistent investment in a therapeutics-focused company highlights Sosv's active role in the pharmaceutical sector, making it a significant player in supporting innovations that could lead to advancements in clinical trials and drug development.


8. Casdin Capital, LLC

  • Website: casdincapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: casdin-capital-llc

Casdin Capital, LLC is a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in the life sciences sector. The firm focuses on investing in healthcare, biotechnology, synthetic biology, and technology, providing funding and strategic partnerships to innovative companies. Casdin Capital has been involved in several notable transactions in the pharmaceutical space, including a $133 million investment in Alector, which is advancing immune-modulating drugs into clinical testing for neurodegenerative disorders, and a $100 million investment in Constellation Pharmaceuticals, which is engaged in drug development. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Blueprint Medicines, a company focused on genomically defined product candidates, further emphasizing their commitment to supporting companies that are likely to engage in clinical trials. Their clients primarily include businesses in the life sciences industry seeking to advance their research and development efforts.


9. Vivo Capital

  • Website: vivocapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: vivo-capital

Vivo Capital is an investment firm founded in 1996, based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in healthcare. The firm provides venture capital, private equity, and public equity investments to healthcare companies, facilitating innovation and growth in the sector. Vivo Capital has been involved in several notable transactions in the pharmaceutical industry, including a significant $105 million investment in Cidara Therapeutics in 2024, which is likely to support their clinical development efforts. Additionally, they participated in a $60 million Series E round for Apellis Pharmaceuticals in 2017, a company focused on developing therapies for serious diseases, and have also invested in Aclaris Therapeutics, contributing $80 million in 2024 and $40 million in 2015. These transactions highlight Vivo Capital's commitment to supporting companies that are actively engaged in pharmaceutical development and clinical trials.


10. Invus

  • Website: invus.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 35
  • LinkedIn: invus

Invus is an investment firm based in New York, specializing in equity investments and investment management since its founding in 1985. The firm partners with owner-managers across various industries to enhance business performance and create sustainable value. Invus has a global focus and leverages its expertise to navigate complex investment landscapes. Notably, Invus has been involved in several significant transactions within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, including a $107 million investment in Arcus Biosciences in 2017 and a $450 million investment in Moderna Therapeutics in 2015, which was the largest private fundraising round for any biotechnology company at that time. Additionally, they participated in a $225 million post-IPO equity round for SpringWorks Therapeutics in 2022 and a $250 million post-IPO equity round for Lexicon Pharmaceuticals in 2024. These transactions highlight Invus's commitment to investing in companies that are pivotal in the pharmaceutical clinical trials landscape.


11. Frazier Healthcare Partners


Frazier Healthcare Partners is a Seattle-based venture capital firm founded in 1991, specializing in healthcare and life sciences investments. The firm focuses on growth buyout investments in profitable healthcare businesses and innovative biopharmaceuticals. Notably, Frazier has participated in significant funding rounds for companies involved in pharmaceutical development, such as Cidara Therapeutics, which raised $42 million in Series B funding and $32 million in Series A funding to advance its immunotherapy platform into human clinical studies. Other relevant transactions include investments in Sierra Oncology and Sutro Biopharma, both of which are engaged in the development of new therapies that typically require clinical trials. Frazier's portfolio reflects a strong commitment to supporting the growth of companies that are pivotal in the pharmaceutical clinical trials landscape.


12. Janus Henderson Investors

  • Website: janushenderson.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 39
  • LinkedIn: janus-henderson-emea

Janus Henderson Investors is a private equity firm based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in asset management, offering a diverse range of investment products including ETFs, mutual funds, and managed accounts. With a global presence and a focus on disciplined investment strategies, Janus Henderson serves individual investors, financial professionals, and institutional clients. In the pharmaceutical sector, Janus Henderson has made notable investments, including a $105 million investment in CG Oncology in August 2023, which is focused on cancer therapies. They also participated in the Series D financing of Decibel Therapeutics, contributing to the advancement of clinical and preclinical studies for new therapies. Their involvement in MindMed, which raised $175 million in March 2024, further underscores their active role in supporting companies engaged in clinical development. These transactions highlight Janus Henderson's commitment to the pharmaceutical industry and its potential impact on clinical trials.


13. GV (Google Ventures)

  • Website: gv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: gv

GV (Google Ventures) is a venture capital firm founded in 2009, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with over $10 billion in assets under management. The firm focuses on various sectors, including life sciences and artificial intelligence, and partners with innovative technology startups. Notably, GV has invested in several companies within the pharmaceutical space, such as Arcus Biosciences, which raised significant funding in Series B and C rounds to support its oncology research. Additionally, GV participated in funding rounds for Forty Seven, a company developing immuno-oncology therapies, which explicitly mentioned the expansion of clinical trials. These transactions highlight GV's active role in supporting the development of pharmaceutical innovations and clinical research.


14. Redmile Group

  • Website: redmilegroup.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: redmile-group

Redmile Group is an investment management firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in providing asset management and investment strategies to high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. With a focus on the financial services sector, Redmile Group has made significant investments in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Notable transactions include participation in Replimune Group's $55M Series B funding, aimed at developing their lead product RP1, and a substantial investment in ADC Therapeutics, which raised $200M to advance its lead candidates through clinical trials. These investments demonstrate Redmile Group's active role in supporting companies that are engaged in clinical development, particularly in the oncology field, thereby reinforcing their relevance in the pharmaceutical clinical trials landscape.


15. Rock Springs Capital

  • Website: rockspringscapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: knectit

Rock Springs Capital is a venture capital investment firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investment management and related financial services, catering to clients seeking asset management solutions. Rock Springs Capital has been actively involved in the pharmaceutical sector, with notable transactions including an $80 million investment in Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2017 through post-IPO equity, and a $97 million investment in BeiGene during its Series B funding round in 2015. Additionally, they participated in a $42 million Series B funding for Cidara Therapeutics in 2015, and more recently, they invested $80 million in Aclaris Therapeutics in 2024 through post-IPO equity, as well as a $40 million Series C investment in the same company in 2015. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting pharmaceutical companies, particularly those involved in clinical trials and drug development.


16. F-Prime


F-Prime Capital is a venture capital firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 1946. The firm specializes in creating and investing in healthcare and technology companies, providing both venture capital investments and advisory services to entrepreneurs. F-Prime has a global presence and expertise that enables them to effectively support start-ups in developing innovative solutions. Notably, F-Prime has participated in several significant transactions in the pharmaceutical sector, including a $60 million Series E investment in Apellis Pharmaceuticals, which focuses on novel therapies, and multiple funding rounds for Aclaris Therapeutics, which is dedicated to developing dermatologic therapies. These investments highlight F-Prime's commitment to advancing healthcare solutions and their active role in the pharmaceutical clinical trials landscape.



Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
OrbiMedNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200198952
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Perceptive AdvisorsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50199945
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
ARCH Venture PartnersChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)11-50198632
PfizerNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+184910
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Casdin Capital, LLCNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020129
Vivo CapitalPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-200199619
InvusNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200198535
Frazier Healthcare PartnersSeattle, Washington, United States (USA)51-200199127
Janus Henderson InvestorsDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)1001-5000201739
GV (Google Ventures)San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States (USA)51-200200974
Redmile GroupSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50200715
Rock Springs CapitalBaltimore, Maryland, United States (USA)51-200201316
F-PrimeCambridge, Massachusetts, United States (USA)11-50194639


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