Biotech startups receive the CTI startup label

Upon completion of the third phase of the coaching process, successful startups are awarded the CTI startup label. The Label is a recognized seal of quality, achievement, credibility, and readiness for sustainable business growth. Lately two Biotech startups received the label.

These include:

Dorphan SA, Ecublens (VD)
Dorphan SA. is focusing on developing treatments (DO-1) for rare and orphan genetic diseases, in particular those severely affecting children. The startup is focusing on the development of innovative therapeutic approaches for lysosomal storage diseases. Lysosomal storage diseases are a group of inherited metabolic disorders caused by the deficiency of lysosomal functions, in most cases due to genetic defects in the lysosomal enzymes responsible for the elimination of cellular constituents. In patients affected by lysosomal storage diseases the accumulation over time of a variety of substrates in multiple tissues and organs causes irreversible damages.

The startup is currently conducting four pre-clinical programs for their drugs including the DO-1, a preclinical chaperone drug candidate for the treatment of GM1-gangliosidosis and mucopolysaccharidosis type IVB, both of which are orphan indications where the beta-galactosidase enzyme is mutated. The company has ongoing collaborative activities with academic institutions, private service providers and pharmaceutical companies to sustain the development of their treatments.

Polyneuron Pharmaceuticals AG, Basel
Established as a spinoff from the University of Bern, Polyneuron Pharmaceuticals is developing a ground-breaking drug class for the treatment of autoimmune disorders. Their technology platform “Antibody-Catch” enables the design of drugs that selectively inactivate disease-causing autoantibodies, while leaving the immune system intact. This pioneering therapeutic approach holds great potential for effective and safe treatments for antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases.

Last year the Polyneuron raised CHF 3 million in a financing round to progress the further development of its drug and the preclinical development of its lead candidate PN-1007, targeted to treat anti-MAG neuropathy, a devastating autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system.