Let us introduce the participants of the pitch session, which is another essential part of the Prague.bio conference programme.
PITCH SESSION #1
Celeris Therapeutics is the pioneer in AI-driven PIC (proximity-inducing compounds) design using an innovative closed-loop engine (CelerisTx One™ platform) to develop new chemical entities that degrade proteins by establishing proximity to endogenous cellular mechanisms. Our pipeline is focused on oncology and CNS. We also co-develop therapeutics with large pharma partners. We have attracted a total of EUR 18 million in committed capital from numerous VC funds.
Intelliseq develops bioinformatics tools for genotype-based diagnostics, therapy, and prevention. We will introduce our IFlow Rocket EngineTM for automated analysis of raw genomic data in different fields of genome-based medicine, including somatic cancer, inherited diseases, pharmacogenomics and more. Our comprehensive system drives lab efficiency through streamlined raw DNA data-to-reporting workflows. We will present applications for molecular diagnostics labs, CROs, and integrated healthcare systems.
AI|ffinity’s platform combines nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) with artificial intelligence (AI) to expedite the 3 early drug discovery stages: hit discovery, lead optimization, structure determination. With a highly sensitive and rapid 1D NMR screening method backed by AI drug design algorithms, and a 4D NMR structure determination method with market leading speed and cost, the NMR-AI platform is uniquely suited for intrinsically disordered (>30% of proteome) and aggregating protein targets.
Mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the main analytical techniques across industries, with a market size of $6B in 2022. MS is a rapidly changing field with regular technology leaps from numerous instrument vendors. Currently, users need to master a wild mix of different MS technologies, accompanied by expensive vendor software to handle instrument-specific data. We provide MZminePRO, a software solution to unify data from all MS technologies and vendors, relevant for industrial MS applications.
CasInvent Pharma develops new therapeutic options for treatment-resistant cancers. The company’s know-how is based on best-in-class Casein Kinase 1 inhibitors aimed at the following indications:
• Venetoclax-resistant acute myeloid leukemia
• BRAF inhibitor-resistant melanoma
• Ribociclib-resistant triple-negative breast cancer
• Gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer
We will be presenting the PoC data for the above indications and our plans to initiate the IND-enabling studies in 2024.
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a new therapeutic modality with a great potential to combat devastating diseases such as cancer. To establish ADCs as effective therapeutics, new approaches for site-selective and stable conjugation are highly demanded. In the pitch, we will describe our CF LINK™ technology for site-selective bioconjugation of tryptophans by use of proprietary hypervalent iodine-fluoroalkyl reagents (so called Togni reagents) and our strategy to create antibody-drug conjugates.
PITCH SESSION #2
Reactivation of latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major cause of transplant failure and disabilities in babies through congenital infection. To prevent viral reactivation, specific T cells play a crucial role. Our novel platform technology, utilizing self-adjuvant, self-aggregating synthetic long peptides, induces robust and specific cellular immune responses. With our approach, we aim to protect vulnerable patients from CMV reactivation.
We developed a DNA enzyme that generates a chemiluminescent signal. Engineered variants only generate light in the presence of specific inputs. Reactions can be set up rapidly, do not require wash steps, and can be easily followed using a plate reader. We anticipate that our DNAzyme will be useful for applications such as diagnostics and high-throughput screening.
RIANA Therapeutics aims to create safe and effective small molecules that inhibit protein-protein interactions for cancer therapy. We currently focus on disrupting oncogenic transcription factors with the primary drug discovery program: STAT5 oligomerization inhibitors for blood cancers. The transcription factor STAT5 is a key driver of blood cancer. We have shown that oligomerization of STAT5 occurs in leukemic cells but not in healthy cells. We aim to develop new inhibitors for STAT5 oligomerization to treat hematopoietic cancers, with acute myeloid leukemia as our main target.
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are acknowledged as pivotal components in the advancement of genomic medicines, for which efficient delivery and safety is a key challenge. Although the current generation of LNPs are clinically proven and widely used as mRNA vaccines, they are limited in efficacy, immunogenicity and shelf life. Thus, it becomes imperative to develop the next generation of LNPs that not only rectify these constraints, but also exhibit the capability to target other organs beyond the liver. We have discovered a new LNPs called XMANs that offer advantages over earlier LNPs.
Current treatments for complement hyperactivations mainly rely on antibodies. These therapies broadly compromise the immune system, causing increased vulnerability to infections. Precisely targeting a specific immune pathway while sparing others remains a challenge. To this end, we have developed a protein inhibitor that selectively targets the C5 convertase in the alternative complement pathway, leaving the other two pathways and the amplification loop unaffected. This breakthrough may offer a safer and more effective approach for treating complement-mediated diseases.
Introducing Duofag: a promising therapy against antimicrobial resistance. Utilizing bacteriophages, Duofag targets and combats resistant bacteria effectively. Ongoing Phase 1 and 2 evaluations aim to confirm its potential. Collaboration opportunities available for advancing this innovative solution.