Polyneuron wins third round of venture kick

When a person is affected by an infection, the body creates specialized immune cells and antibodies that attack foreign infectious agents. In the case of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease, there is an abnormal response of the body’s immune system towards self-tissues. This involves an overproduction of pathogenic auto-antibodies causing inflammation and tissue destruction. Current immunosuppressive drugs unselectively suppress the immune system, frequently leading to serious therapy side effects that are an intolerable burden to many patients.

The University of Basel spin-off Polyneuron Pharmaceuticals is developing a groundbreaking 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.

“Polyneuron strives to make Antibody-Catch a clinical reality and hopes to make a difference of people’s lives suffering from autoimmune diseases. With Venture Kick our startup can take an important step towards the realization of improved treatments for autoimmune diseases”, says CEO Dr. Ruben Herrendorff.