Kakaako Research

Kaka'ako Research is a healthcare asset development firm that assists therapeutic and diagnostic programs with operational, organizational, and partnering transitions. Operating as a translational development group, the firm works alongside asset owners and partners to align scientific progress with regulatory, clinical, and commercial pathways. Their services focus on supporting programs through key value inflection points, aiming to reduce avoidable delays that can negatively impact long-term asset value. The company works with various healthcare focus areas, including small-molecule and biologic therapeutics, platform and asset-centric biotech programs, and AI-enabled diagnostic and decision-support tools.

Led by experienced drug development entrepreneurs, Kaka'ako Research provides expertise in licensing, business development, and the translation of early-stage research into partnered drug programs. The firm engages selectively and collaboratively with its stakeholders, supported by an advisory network with direct experience advancing programs from initial discovery through FDA approval. By tailoring its involvement to the specific needs of each program, the firm supports disciplined progression toward critical development and partnering milestones.