Melbourne-based Alkira Bio, a novel drug discovery platform company, announces seed investment from Curie.Bio.
Alkira Bio uses its proprietary LASEREDD® technology platform to discover therapeutic antibodies directed against previously out of reach targets, pioneering new possibilities for drug discovery.
The seed financing from Curie.Bio recognises Alkira Bio's advanced understanding in targeting complex membrane proteins called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and the unique capability and potential of the platform.
Florey researcher turned Alkira Bio's Chief Executive Officer, Associate Professor Daniel Scott, has studied GPCRs for over two decades to understand how they can be better targeted for drug discovery.
"Developing therapeutic antibodies that target specific GPCRs has huge potential for creating safe, effective therapeutics to treat conditions with a high unmet medical need," said Associate Professor Scott.
"We're excited to be partnering with Curie.Bio, who recognise the potential of our technology to deliver new therapeutics unlike any existing drug."
Curie.Bio's team of drug hunters and drug makers will co-pilot the drug discovery program, with their model designed to help founders reach value-creating milestones in a rapid and capital efficient manner so that founders retain the economic upside in their companies.
Florey researcher and Alkira Bio's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Chris Draper-Joyce, welcomes the seed investment and partnership.
"The investment from Curie.Bio will enable us to leverage our antibody discovery platform to tackle important diseases," said Dr Draper-Joyce.
"Our ultimate goal is to discover medications that have the potential to transform patient lives, and the Curie.Bio team is the right partner to co-pilot this drug discovery journey."
Director of The Florey, Professor Trevor Kilpatrick, added that this was a watershed moment for spin-outs at The Florey.
"A vital part of bringing important research to global markets is looking at how we commercialise it, and to do that researchers have to think like founders. It's not always easy, but The Florey has looked to support Alkira Bio at every step to do that," said Prof Kilpatrick.
"Now we can look forward to seeing our science having a positive impact on patients in need of new, improved treatments."
Key Facts:
An innovative drug discovery platform invented by Florey researchers has attracted seed investment from US venture capital.
In partnership with Curie.Bio, Alkira Bio aims to identify antibodies with therapeutic potential.
Professor Trevor Kilpatrick said this was a 'watershed moment' for spin-outs at The Florey.
The Florey is Australia's leading brain research institute with a focus on improving the lives of people with neurological and psychiatric conditions. The Florey's research missions are centred around dementia, epilepsy, mental health and developing ways to protect and repair the brain. These missions are strengthened by The Florey's expertise in neurotherapeutics, neuroimaging, synaptic biology and systems neuroscience. With 600 researchers, The Florey is the largest research centre of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
