Aukera Therapeutics, a preclinical-stage biotech spin-off from the University of Basel, is officially coming out of stealth as it enters preclinical efficacy studies.
The company has raised CHF4.5m and attracted new board member and investor David Urech. Other current investors include Kickfund and Zürcher Kantonalbank.
Aukera is focused on the therapy of neurological conditions associated with RAPTOR activity (regulatory-associated protein of mTOR). The company screened billions of compounds using AI-supported technology to discover a highly selective RAPTOR inhibitor modulating the mTORC1 signalling network – a new approach to selectively tackling a proven target with the potential for greater efficacy and favourable safety.
Aukera CEO and co-founder, Stefan Imseng, is pledging to pursue a therapy in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a rare multisystem genetic disorder.
“TSC typically starts in infancy and leads to seizures and a plethora of neuropsychiatric symptoms,” Imseng said, adding that mutations in TSC genes overactivate mTORC1 and lead to hyperexcitability of neurons in the brain.
“Aukera’s RAPTOR inhibitors dampen mTORC1 activity, which is expected to result in reduced frequency and severity of seizures, offering relief for TSC patients, families and caregivers.”
The company plans to expand later to other indications with mTORC1 dysregulation, such as neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, and age-related diseases.
Jim Cornall is editor of Deeptech Digest and publisher at Ayr Coastal Media. He is an award-winning writer, editor, photographer, broadcaster, designer and author. Contact Jim here.