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Maze Therapeutics
Maze Therapeutics was founded in 2019 in South San Francisco by Third Rock Ventures and ARCH Venture Partners, with Jason Coloma as CEO.
Maze Therapeutics
Maze Therapeutics was founded in 2019 in South San Francisco by Third Rock Ventures and ARCH Venture Partners, with Jason Coloma as CEO. The firm emerged from the observation that some individuals carry genetic mutations that protect them from severe disease — these natural human knockouts provide a blueprint for drug development. Maze built a proprietary platform called Compass to systematically identify modifier genes across large population datasets, then validate those targets for therapeutic intervention. The firm's strategy concentrates on translating genetic modifier insights into small-molecule and biologic therapies. Maze prioritizes diseases with clear genetic architecture in nephrology, metabolic disorders, and neurology. Its lead program targets APOL1-mediated kidney disease, a condition disproportionately affecting people of African ancestry. The firm has also advanced programs in Pompe disease, where a modifier gene influences disease severity, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Maze operates with a biotech model — advancing assets through preclinical and early clinical development before partnering or building commercialization capabilities internally. Maze has raised capital through private venture rounds. Its initial Series A closed at $191 million, and the firm subsequently added Sanofi Ventures and other life-science investors in later rounds. In January 2022, Maze announced a $190 million financing that included Matrix Capital Management and General Catalyst, bringing total disclosed funding above $380 million (per the firm, January 2022). The firm announced a collaboration with Sanofi in March 2024 focused on genetically validated cardiometabolic targets. Maze's structural differentiator is the depth of its genetic evidence. While many biotechs pursue genetically validated targets, Maze systematically maps the entire modifier landscape for a disease — not just one gene — and uses that map to select the most tractable intervention point. The firm's focus on natural protective mutations, rather than disease-causing mutations, creates a discovery funnel that mirrors how human biology itself solves disease.
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
2019
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
South San Francisco
Corporate office
South San Francisco, CA, United States
Principals
Jason Coloma
Chief Executive Officer
Charles Homcy
Chairman
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
What is Maze Therapeutics' core drug discovery approach?
Maze identifies genetic modifiers — naturally occurring variants that alter disease severity — and translates them into therapeutic targets. The firm's Compass platform scans large genomic datasets to find individuals who carry disease-causing mutations yet remain healthy, then identifies the protective genes responsible. This approach is built on the premise that human genetics can de-risk target selection more effectively than traditional preclinical models.
Which disease areas does Maze prioritize?
Maze focuses on nephrology, metabolic disease, and neurology. Its lead program targets APOL1-mediated kidney disease, a genetically driven condition. Other disclosed areas include Pompe disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and cardiometabolic indications, with the firm selecting diseases where modifier genetics are well-characterized and druggable.
Who are Maze's key venture backers and partners?
Third Rock Ventures and ARCH Venture Partners co-founded the company in 2019 with $191 million in Series A financing. Later investors include Matrix Capital Management, General Catalyst, and Sanofi Ventures. The firm entered a research collaboration with Sanofi in 2024 focused on cardiometabolic targets (per the firm, March 2024).
What is Maze's clinical-stage pipeline?
Maze has advanced programs across preclinical and early clinical development. Its APOL1 program targets a highly validated genetic driver of kidney disease. The Pompe disease program addresses an enzyme deficiency for which modifier genes influence residual enzyme activity. Additional undisclosed programs are in earlier stages across metabolic and neurological indications.
How does Maze's Compass platform differ from other genomics-based discovery efforts?
Compass systematically searches for modifier genes across the entire genome rather than focusing on a single gene of interest. The platform integrates population-scale sequencing data with phenotypic records to identify protective variants. Maze then validates these targets functionally before launching drug discovery programs, aiming to reduce the high attrition rate typical of genetically validated targets.
Is Maze Therapeutics structured as a traditional biotech or does it follow a different model?
Maze operates as a platform-enabled biotech. It uses Compass to generate a pipeline of genetically validated targets, advancing selected programs internally while seeking partnerships for others. The firm has not described itself as a single-family office or asset manager — it is a biopharmaceutical company that raises venture capital and, as of its January 2024 SEC filing, planned to access public markets.
What is Maze's posture on partnering versus building internal commercialization?
Maze has demonstrated willingness to partner on large indications while retaining certain programs for internal development. Its March 2024 Sanofi collaboration on cardiometabolic targets shows a partner-ready posture for areas requiring large-scale commercialization. The firm's IPO filing suggests it intends to build internal capabilities for its lead nephrology programs.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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