Therabene is developing a series of small molecules, called PROTACs, that target certain specific proteins for degradation. Compared to the existing technologies, this approach is expected to reduce the off-target effects that are common to small molecule drugs. Therabene’s lead compound is a first-in-class degrader targeting CDK9, a kinase that phosphorylates RNA Polymerase II, which is required for a high-level transcription of MYC, a key driver of tumorigenesis. MYC addiction is known to be critical to several types of malignant disease, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), representing 15% of the breast tumors, with no treatment currently available. Based on In-vitro data, Therabene’s lead product has demonstrated strong decrease in cell viability; while in-vivo, the drug has shown good efficacy by causing a 50% reduction in tumor burden in a TNBC mouse xenograft model, with excellent tolerability and no loss in body weight. The results suggest an excellent therapeutic window and, likely, a stronger anti-tumor efficacy with more optimal dosing. “Mansfield Bio-Incubator has been extremely supportive of our efforts by providing a personalized attention and great, affordable facilities. Their support has allowed me to find excellent partners and incubate two more companies onsite”, said Dr. Mario DiPaola, Therabene’s co-founder and CEO and a successful serial entrepreneur. “I live in the South Shore, and I am extremely happy to avoid those grueling commutes into Cambridge. Talent lives across the state, including Southeastern Massachusetts; therefore, I am confident to be able to recruit top-notch scientists of all levels to advance my projects.”
Therabene is currently raising Seed Funds, up to $2M, to advance the development of the lead PROTAC candidate for TNBC, and other indications including ovarian and pancreatic cancers, and to expand the CDK9 degrader pipeline, by using AI-based molecular docking to discover novel degraders for oncology and autoimmune targets. For more information and to learn more about the investment opportunity, please contact mdipaola@therabene.com.