Orio Therapeutics receives CHF 150’000 from Venture Kick
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Orio Therapeutics obtains the CHF 150,000 Kick to redefine regenerative medicine through protein engineering.
Orio Therapeutics modifies therapeutic proteins using a patented technology. This modification improves drug delivery by controlling the localisation of the protein after injection. Its approach ensures enhanced efficacy and reduced dosage, addressing the limitations of uncontrolled drug delivery in protein-based therapeutics. The startup received the CHF 150,000 investment from Venture Kick.
The limited clinical success of many protein-based therapeutics is often due to poor delivery systems. The injected molecule diffuses quickly away from the injection site, which represents a significant challenge, especially in regenerative medicine where local action is crucial for tissue regeneration and repair.
Orio Therapeutics addresses the issue by allowing precise control over medication delivery. By modifying therapeutic proteins to incorporate a built-in delivery system, the method ensures they remain at the targeted injection site.
Orio Therapeutics’ first product is a cardioprotective drug for post-heart attack care which aims to prevent damage by controlling inflammation, improving survival and quality of life, and speeding up recovery. The myocardial infarction market currently exceeds USD 20 billion and is projected to grow over the next 10 years.
Orio will invest the CHF 150’000 from Venture Kick in preclinical development, notably with a crucial efficacy study scheduled for late 2024.
The team comprises EPFL alumni CEO Ziad Julier and CSO Mikaël Martino who developed the technology at Monash University’s Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and incorporated the company at the BioArk Technological Site in Monthey in early 2023.
Source: Venture Kick