COMPANY BIOS FOR THE 2011 SUMMIT
Presenting Companies
Algeta »
Aura Biosciences
IMMUNE Pharmaceuticals
Kancera »
PledPharma »
Recopharma »
Topotarget »
Viropro »
XDx
Rising Stars
AddBIO »
KalVista Pharmaceuticals »
NoseLabs »
PCAsso Diagnostics »
Pink Army Cooperative »
Xbrane Bioscience »
Download Company Bios for the 2011 Summit (pdf, 320Kb) »
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Algeta
Algeta is a company focused on developing novel targeted therapies
for patients with cancer based on its alpha-pharmaceutical platform.
These alpha-pharmaceuticals harness the unique characteristics of
alpha-particle emitters and offer the potential to deliver potent and
localized destruction of cancer cells with minimal effect on
surrounding normal cells and a favorable side-effect profile. Algeta’s
initial focus is on treating bone metastases, a serious clinical
development of advanced cancer for which few specific treatments exist,
and which represents an area of significant commercial potential. The
Company’s lead product, Alpharadin® (radium-223 chloride), is a
first-in-class alpha-pharmaceutical that is being developed under a
development and commercialization agreement with Bayer HealthCare
Pharmaceuticals AG. In June 2011, a global phase III clinical trial
(ALSYMPCA) of Alpharadin to treat bone metastases in patients with
castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) was stopped early after
meeting its primary endpoint of significantly improving overall
survival. Alpharadin is also in clinical trials as a potential new
treatment for bone metastases in endocrine-refractory breast cancer
patients, and in combination with docetaxel chemotherapy for bone
metastases in CRPC patients. Algeta is also exploring the potential of
Targeted Thorium Conjugates (TTCs), which are based on conjugating the
alpha-emitter thorium-227 to tumor-targeting molecules, as a basis of
future targeted alpha-pharmaceutical candidates. The Company was
founded in 1997 and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange in 2007 (Ticker:
ALGETA).
For further information visit www.algeta.com
or contact Andrew Kay, CEO at andrew.kay@algeta.com
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Aura Biosciences
Aura Biosciences is applying nanotechnology to the fight against
cancer. It has developed the proprietary NanoSmart™ technology
platform to enable earlier detection of, and precise treatment of,
cancers and distant metastasis. Nanosmart is based on NanoSphere
Particles (NSPs) that have a selective tropism for epithelial-derived
tumor cells. Aura’s unique approach first encapsulates
FDA-approved fluorophores into NSPs, a nano-particle that is optimally
sized to efficiently move into the diseased tissue, penetrate tumor
cells and release the fluorescent cargo in the cytoplasm to enable the
real time visualization of tumors and metastasis. In a second step, the
same nanoparticle can be used to deliver a chemotherapeutic drug
directly to the tumor increasing its efficacy, greatly reducing the
overall toxicity and ultimately impacting survival rates. Aura
Biosciences is privately held and based in Cambridge,
Massachusetts. The company was recognized by the World Economic
Forum as a Technology Pioneer; and its Founder and CEO Elisabet de los
Pinos was selected by TIME Magazine as one of ten entrepreneurs “that
will change your life.”
For furhter infotmation visit www.aurabiosciences.com
or contant Elisabet de los Pinos, CEO at epinos@aurabiosciences.com
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IMMUNE Pharmaceuticals
IMMUNE Pharmaceuticals is a Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) Development
Stage Company based in Israel and in the US. IMMUNE focuses on
Inflammation and Cancer with a portfolio of clinical and pre-clinical
projects. Our lead mAb, Bertilimumab, was licensed by IMMUNE for all
systemic indications from iCo Therapeutics (TSX:ICO) which retains
rights for the ophthalmic indications. Bertilimumab, a first-in-class
fully human mAb targeting eotaxin-1, was originally developed by
Cambridge Antibody Therapeutics, now part of MedImmune, the Biologics
Division of AstraZeneca. Bertilimumab has successfully completed
phase I/IIa in allergy and will be initially further developed by
IMMUNE for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and then for other
relevant indications including Severe Asthma. IMMUNE research
laboratories are located in Ness-Ziona, Israel and we have established
close collaborations with the Weizmann Institute and the Hebrew
University of Jerusalem. Our NanoMAbs technology is an alternative to
Antibody Drug Conjugates. NanoMabs allow the delivering of micro-doses
of cytotoxics to tumor cells and generates a therapeutic response in
non responder Antigen expressing patients.
For further information visit www.immunepharmaceuticals.com
or contact Daniel Teper, CEO at d.teper@immunepharma.com
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Kancera
Kancera AB is a biotechnology company, with roots in Pharmacia and
the Karolinska Institute, which focuses on the development and sale of
drug candidates that have the potential to cure or to stop the
progression of cancer. Kancera is currently running two projects, one
to develop a treatment for leukemia and one project targeting solid
tumor’s ability to generate energy in order to survive. At Kancera, we
also develop cancer models and stem cell-based techniques that make it
possible to study the effect of drug candidates on human tumors, long
before start of clinical trials. Our strengths include an experienced
Board of Directors, management and organization, two drug candidates
with great potential under development, a union of industrial and
clinical expertise and access to an internationally validated product
development capacity which makes the risky pharmaceutical development
more precise. Kancera’s operations, including 20 drug discovery and
development professionals, are as of September 1st run at the
Karolinska Science Park in Solna, Sweden.
For further information visit www.kancera.com
or contact Thomas Olin, CEO at thomas.olin@kancera.com
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PledPharma
PledPharma is a Swedish based specialty pharma company focused on
developing improved treatments of life-threatening diseases such as
cancer and heart disease. In two ongoing clinical phase II programs the
company addresses the ability of PLED-derivatives to: 1) protect
patients with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy against dose
limiting toxicities, and 2) reduce reperfusion injury in patients with
acute myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary
intervention. The company’s proprietary PLED-derivative technology has
previously demonstrated protective effects on oxidative stress in
preclinical models and in cancer patients. PledPharma’s vision is to be
the leading specialty pharma company, which develops medicines that
prevent normal cells from oxidative stress damage in connection with
treatment of life threatening diseases. The company’s business model is
to develop pharmaceuticals, in areas of large medical need, based on
our proprietary technology. The aim is to take the clinical projects
through phase IIb and then out-license projects to partners with
resources to take them through regulatory approval and to commercial
success. PledPharma (STO: PLED) is listed on First North.
For further information visit www.pledpharma.se
or contact Jacques Näsström, CEO at jacques.nasstrom@pledpharma.se
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Recopharma
Recopharma has developed a unique technology that uses mucins -
naturally occurring, heavily glycosylated proteins produced by
epithelial tissues. The Company is focused on R&D of ophthalmic
products. The Company’s products will provide a natural alternative to
the currently available ocular lubricants and tear substitutes, and
will be used as a prophylactic against, and treatment for, viral
conjunctivitis. Mucins are carriers of carbohydrate receptors for
viruses and bacteria binding to host cells during infection. In the
eye, mucins form an integral part of the eye’s defense against
infections, providing a physical barrier to infection as well as
molecular decoys for microbes. They can therefore be used as a topical
treatment for viral conjunctivitis, for which no curative treatment is
currently available. The global market for dry eye products is
estimated at c. $1.7 billion (2009) and for ophthalmic anti-infectives
to treat conjunctivitis at c. $1.1 billion. Recopharma’s technology has
many other potential future applications including as vaccine adjuvant.
Recopharma’s 300 m2 research facilities are located in the Novum
Research Park south of Stockholm close to the southern campus of the
Karolinska Institute/Karolinska University Hospital.
For further information visit www.recopharma.com
or contact Jan Holgersson, CSO at jan.holgersson@clinchem.gu.se
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Topotarget
Topotarget (NASDAQ OMX: TOPO.CO) is an international biotech company
headquartered in Denmark, dedicated to improve cancer therapies.
Currently Topotarget has 46 employees and a market cap of EUR 32m. In
collaboration with Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (our US partner for
Belinostat) Topotarget currently focuses on the development in clinical
studies of its lead drug candidate, belinostat, which has demonstrated
an anti-neoplastic effect in both hematological malignancies and solid
tumors. Belinostat can be used in combination with full doses of other
chemotherapeutic agents, and is currently in a pivotal trial within
PTCL (peripheral T-cell lymphoma) and a randomized phase II in cancer
of other unknown primary site (CUP). Topotarget’s cancer drug target is
HDAC. In solid tumors Belinostat is used in the combination with
carboplatin and paclitaxel (BelCaP). Based on pre-clinical and clinical
results we assess this combination to be the backbone regiment for
belinostat use in solid tumors. In addition to PTCL and CUP our lead
compound are assessed in multiple clinical trials as a potential
treatment for ovarian cancer, small cell lung cancer, thymoma, liver,
soft tissue sarcoma, lymphoma, AML, and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS),
either alone or in combination with other anti-cancer therapies.
Finally Topotarget are generating revenue from Totect® developed from
Topotarget’s drug discovery technology. Totect® is marketed by the
company’s own sales specialists in the US.
For further information visit www.topotarget.com
or contact Francois Martelet, CEO at francois.martelet@topotarget.com
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Viropro
Viropro Inc. currently conducts operations through its subsidiaries,
Viropro International Inc., Biologics Process Development, Inc. and
Alpha Biologics Sdn. Bhd. The company‘s principal objective is to
provide clone-to-manufacturing services to bio/pharmaceutical companies
globally. Viropro enjoys close working relations with some of the
leading biotech research institutes in North America, one of which, for
example, is the Biotech Research Institute (BRI) in Montreal, Canada, a
constituent of the National Research Council of Canada. Viropro has
exclusively licensed from BRI a high-efficiency expression system
platform for antibody production. In April 2010, Viropro acquired
100% of Biologics Process Development (BPD), Inc. (Poway/San Diego, CA)
from Intas Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. (IBPL) as part of its strategy to
create a global provider of Contract Research and Manufacturing
Services specifically for the biotechnology industry. BPD has been
providing contract laboratory services to the biotechnology and
biopharmaceutical industries for fourteen years. The range of services
includes molecular biology, cell culture, fermentation, protein
purification, frozen storage, process scale-up and consulting services.
BPD has an impressive list of clients that range from university
laboratories to well-known biotechnology and biopharmaceutical
companies. IBPL is one of India‘s leading biotechnology companies. It
is the only biotech company in India that has an EMEA-approved cGMP
biologics facility and has successfully introduced four
biopharmaceuticals in the market. In February 2011, Viropro acquired
Alpha Biologics Sdn. Bhd. of Penang, Malaysia, in an all-stock
transaction.
For further information visit www.viropro.com
or contact Rajiv Datar, CEO at rvdatar@gmail.com
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XDx
XDx, Inc., based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a molecular
diagnostics company focused on the discovery, development and
commercialization of high clinical impact, non-invasive gene
expression-based tests for the monitoring of transplant rejection and
autoimmune diseases. The company has developed AlloMap Molecular
Expression Testing, an FDA-cleared test, which provides transplant
physicians with a tool to aid in the determination of the probability
of acute cellular rejection for post-cardiac transplant patient
management. Some of the AlloMap technology developed and implemented by
XDx in heart transplant patient management is applicable to other
conditions that involve transplant rejection and diseases that affect
the immune system. XDx’s non-invasive technology offers the potential
to decrease healthcare costs and improve the quality of life for
patients with a variety of life-threatening or life-altering
immune-mediated diseases.
For further information visit www.xdx.com
or contact Matthew Meyer, Vice President, Corporate Development and
Legal Affairs at mmeyer@xdx.com
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AddBIO
AddBIO is developing Zolidd, a unique biomaterial product that
improves the fixation of orthopedic implants and screws through
strengthening of the bone surrounding them. Implant loosening causes
patient suffering and is a resource demanding problem, leading to high
costs for patient care and re-operations. Compromised bone quality is a
significant part of the problem, and improving the strength of the bone
surrounding the implant therefore lowers the risk for loosening and
other complications. Zolidd is based on research performed by
orthopedic surgeon Professor Aspenberg (Sweden). The bone strengthening
effect is achieved by binding a bisphosphonate drug onto the
implant. Bisphosphonates are already approved drugs that have
long been given systemically to osteoporotic patients to improve bone
quality. Zolidd now enables these drugs to be released locally,
directly from the implant. Zolidd strengthens the surrounding bone
without changing the underlying properties of the implant itself.
Zolidd is aimed at trauma, spine, and reconstructive orthopedics as
well as dental implants. The total orthopedic market is worth
approximately 30 billion USD, out of which the estimated addressable
market for Zolidd is over 15 billion USD. Efficacy has also been
shown in a dental clinical study. Two additional clinical studies are
currently on-going, an extended dental study as well as an osteotomy
study, results to be expected during the second half of 2011. AddBIO is
out to raise 15 MSEK for the finalization of Zolidd development;
clinical trials and regulatory approval.
For further information visit www.addbio.se
or contact Trine Vikinge, CEO at trine.vikinge@addbio.se
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KalVista Pharmaceuticals
KalVista is a new ophthalmology company with a focus on diabetic
macular edema formed in May 2011 following the spin out of discovery
assets from Vantia Therapeutics. The Company is developing novel plasma
kallikrein inhibitors, which represent a new approach to the treatment
of diabetic macular edema, the leading cause of adult blindness in
developed countries. KalVista has an advanced pre-clinical product
pipeline resulting from over 20 years of leading pharmaceutical
discovery in the field of serine protease inhibitors and is targeting
both intravitreal injection and oral administration. Plasma kallikrein
inhibitors target a distinct molecular pathway central to the
pathogenesis of diabetic macular edema, and as such have the potential
to offer those patients an effective new treatment option.
For further information visit www.kalvista.com
or contact Andy Crockett, CEO at info@kalvista.com
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NoseLabs
NoseLabs has developed an electronic nose that detects ovarian
cancer with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 91% (tested on
about 400 biopsies) - a result that can save lives. The cancer
detection potential is however not limited to ovarian cancer; NoseLabs'
research also covers alternative types of cancer such as colon and
prostate cancer. The electronic nose can detect and identify various
substances and has a multitude of application areas (of which several
tested), e.g. production quality control, food quality, detection of
explosive and health diagnostics. NoseLabs' innovative technology and
the electronic nose' unique performance have received wide attention in
both national and international media, e.g. Dagens Medicin,
Future Oncology and Al Jazeera. The team consists of the innovator
behind the electronic nose, Professor Emeritus Thomas Lindblad (Royal
Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden) and entrepreneurs, with
experience from management consultancies, law firms, running start-ups
and raising capital (previously brought in +20 million SEK in
fund-raisings).
For further information visit www.noselabs,com
or contact Andreas Törnblad, Co-Founder at andreas@tornblad.se
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PCAsso Diagnostics
PCAsso Diagnostics is a start-up diagnostics company developing
PolyChromatic Angiography (PCA), the next generation of angiography.
The company holds an exclusive worldwide license to develop and market
PCA from Columbia University. PCA is a novel imaging technology that
utilizes dyes of different colors that provides quantitative analysis
of vascular leakage in the retina. The granular information provided by
PCA will help ophthalmologists grade disease severity more accurately
and tailor treatment accordingly to prevent both under-treatment and
over-treatment of retinal vascular diseases. PCA will be used in
retinal diseases that have a component of blood retinal barrier
dysfunction. The main targeted groups are diabetic retinopathy and age
related macular degeneration. It is expected that >100 million
patients may benefit from PCA worldwide and approximately 10 million
patients in the US.
For further information visit www.pcasso.org
or contact Samir Tari, CEO at samir.tari@pcasso.org
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Pink Army Cooperative
Pink Army is a new approach to developing breast cancer treatments.
It is a community-driven, member owned Cooperative operating by open
source principles. Using synthetic biology and virotherapy to bring
individualized treatments tailored to each patient’s DNA and cancer,
faster and cheaper than ever before.
For further information visit www.pinkarmy.org
or contact Andrew Hessel, Founder at ahessel@gmail.com
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Xbrane Bioscience
Xbrane Bioscience develops novel technologies for protein production
and vaccine development. The company is a spin-off from the
world-leading Center for Biomembrane Research (CBR) at Stockholm
University, Sweden. Xbrane develops a versatile platform enabling
design of efficient, multivalent vaccines that are compatible with
nasal administration. In collaboration with academic and industrial
partners the company develops vaccine candidates against life-treating
diseases. Xbrane Bioscience also develops products for efficient and
cost-effective production of proteins and protein based products.
Xbrane Bioscience offers a unique proprietary product portfolio and
world-leading expertise within bacterial based protein expression.
For further information visit www.xbrane.com
or contact Maria Alriksson, CEO at maria@xbrane.com
