United Statesunnaturalproducts.com
Unnatural Products, Inc. (UNP) is a Santa Cruz, California-based biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing orally deliverable macrocyclic peptides for targets traditionally considered undruggable by conventional small molecules or biologics.
The company operates a proprietary AI-enhanced discovery platform that combines computational design, massively parallel synthesis, and direct-to-biology screening to engineer synthetic macrocycles with high potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties, including oral bioavailability and the ability to engage intracellular targets.
Founded in 2017 by Cameron Pye, Ph.D., and Joshua Schwochert, Ph.D., following their graduate research at the University of California, Santa Cruz, UNP has expanded to more than 50 employees and established multiple partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies, including argenx, Merck, BridgeBio, and Novartis, spanning immunology, oncology, cardiovascular, and rare disease areas.
The firm maintains an internal pipeline while advancing collaborative programs and has secured significant venture funding, including a $45 million Series B in 2026. It positions itself as a leader in the emerging synthetic macrocyclic peptide modality, bridging the gap between small-molecule convenience and biologic precision.
In November 2026, argenx announced an agreement to acquire UNP for up to approximately $1.15 billion, with the Santa Cruz team and platform expected to continue as argenx's dedicated macrocyclic peptide discovery hub upon closing.
Also known as UNP.
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Adds macrocyclic peptide platform to broaden immunology toolbox, enabling oral and long‑acting drug development; deal up to $1.15 billion.
