Athebio AG

Interesting approach to improve targeted delivery in #genetherapy: Logan Thrasher Collins and colleagues from the lab of David T. Curiel, M.D., Ph.D. developed a delivery system by covalently linking adenovirus to multiple #AAV capsids using the DogTag-DogCatcher system. (https://lnkd.in/gWuUNiK7) This “AdAVV” approach enabled 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗼-𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 of cells at 𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀. The authors envision AdAAVs especially as a platform for multigenic #CRISPR gene insertion. #drugdiscovery #TargetedDelivery 

Selectivity is crucial for improving the safety and effectiveness of #genetherapy. Highly selective #AAV vectors can minimize off-target effects, reduce toxicity, and enhance the precision of gene delivery in complex in vivo environments. But how to get there? The #DARPin scaffold is ideally suited for this as again highlighted in this brand new study by researchers from the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut: https://lnkd.in/enSxRBXb DARPin-targeted AAVs were engineered by inserting #DARPins via genetic fusion into AAV2 and AAV6 capsids, enhancing selectivity and efficiency for CD8+ T cells without altering the capsid's core structure. These targeted AAVs significantly outperformed unmodified AAVs in gene delivery, even in complex biological environments: Up to 80% of activated CD8+ T cells were transduced in vivo upon a single vector injection into conditioned humanized or immunocompetent mice, respectively. This data with AAV2 and AAV6 adds nicely to earlier studies on DARPin AAVs from the same lab and from our collaboration with REGENXBIO Inc. on AAV9 (https://lnkd.in/exmN7Zxt) In Summary, the study highlights the potential of DARPins, known for high stability and aggregation resistance, to ➡ advance efficacy and safety of targeted therapeutics in general, and ➡ provide very valid options for precise AAV-based in vivo gene delivery to therapy-relevant cells, potentially also reducing costs and improving accessibility. #Athebody #Athebio #drugdiscovery

Don’t we all dream of a #Degrader toolbox for off-the-shelf #PROTACs against “undruggable” targets?!? This recent publication from the labs of Andrew Tsourkas and Michael J Mitchell at Penn Bioengineering is paving the way: https://lnkd.in/eK59rKHp The paper introduces #bioPROTACs, protein-based heterobifunctional degraders, as an efficient alternative to small-molecule PROTACs for targeted protein degradation. Similar to classical degraders, bioPROTACS comprise three domains: ✅ a target-binding warhead, ✅ an E3-recruiting ligand, ✅ a chemical linker separating the two binding moieties. Here, #DARPins were used as warheads, building on unique #DARPin advantages like ☑ reliable and stable folding (in this case allowing for highly efficient #LNP encapsulation), ☑ specific and high affinity binding (for highly specific target engagement), ☑ entire functionality in the cytoplasm, which is crucial for the efficient delivery and action of degraders. Strikingly, the tested #bioPROTACs exhibited up to 95% clearance of targets within hours, representing a significant advancement in intracellular protein degradation and therapeutic potential. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 “𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙪𝙢”? 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙨 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙊 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡? ⬅ well, simply as LNP payload, like described earlier (https://lnkd.in/eGxfr45Y) ➡ For efficient LNP-encapsulation, the bioPROTAC format contains a C-terminal anionic polypeptide (ApP) domain that facilitates complexation with cationic and ionizable lipids. Thus, LNPs could be used as vectors to ensure efficient cytosolic delivery and function. Importantly, by simply switching the DARPin domains in a “plug and play”-like fashion, the bioPROTACs could be reprogrammed to polyubiquitinate diverse substrates including Ras, Erk, and Jnk for degradation. In the initial in vitro setting, the platform demonstrated robust, low nanomolar activity across different cell lines. This study highlights bioPROTACs' potential to overcome limitations of small-molecule inhibitors, offering a promising approach for new therapeutic strategies to address unmet medical needs in oncology and other therapeutic areas by targeting "undruggable" proteins. #biotechnology #drugdevelopment

We are thrilled to announce Richard Woods has joined Team #Athebio as 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴! 🥳 🥳 🥳   Richard's extensive experience includes his recent roles as Senior Director at ImmunOs Therapeutics AG and Director at Hengrui Europe Biosciences AG. Before that, Richard built extensive drug discovery experience working 9 years at 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻 and The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, where he held roles of increasing responsibility. His expertise in antibody and binding scaffold development combined with therapeutic protein engineering is a fantastic addition to our team.   At Athebio, we're eager to leverage Richard's insights to drive our mission forward. His knowledge and profound understanding of #drugdiscovery aligns perfectly with our goals of providing innovative drug developers with tailor-made “plug and play” Athebody® #DARPins to create superior targeted therapeutics.   Richard, welcome to Athebio AG! We are looking forward to a journey of #innovation and #collaboration together, achieving significant advancements in biologic drug discovery with you.   Good to have you with us! #biotechnology  #meettheteam  #athebody  #DARPin  

#jobalert #Athebio #nowhiring 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺! Molecular Biology Experts Wanted: Do you have a deep understanding of molecular biology and hands-on experience in selection and screening? We need your expertise at Athebio! https://lnkd.in/e3zhMhhm

#jobalert #Athebio #nowhiring 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺! Molecular Biology Experts Wanted: Do you have a deep understanding of molecular biology and hands-on experience in selection and screening? We need your expertise at Athebio! https://lnkd.in/e3zhMhhm

#jobalert   #Athebio   #nowhiring 🔍 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 – 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 (f/m/d) 80-100% (https://lnkd.in/etBA-2er) (https://lnkd.in/eG_f44n2) Are you passionate about #proteinengineering and #proteinscience? (Or do you know someone that might fit?) Join Athebio AG on our mission to revolutionize medicine with advanced binding proteins (a.k.a. #DARPins), using our proprietary #DARPin technology 😊 Ready to make an impact? Apply now and become a key player in shaping the future of medicine with us! 🚀 #ZurichJobs   #JoinOurTeam

Another talent has joined #Athebio 🎉   Welcome to the team, Simon Flückiger!  🤜🤛 Simon joins us as Research Associate on our mission to make our “plug & play” Athebody® #DARPins accessible to drug developers, enabling the creation of superior targeted therapeutics of advanced efficacy and safety. He holds an MSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from the ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences. We are enthusiastic about Simon’s passion for science, his curious and analytical mind, as well as his positive team spirit. Thrilled to have you on board, Simon! It’s been a great start, and we are very much looking forward to working and growing together with you 😃   #Athebody   #DARPin   #proteinengineering

🥳 #Athebio has a new Chief Executive Officer! 🥳 We are excited to welcome Thomas Huber, PhD as new CEO to Athebio AG 😊😊😊 (https://lnkd.in/eAdqZ432). With his more than 15 years of experience in drug development in different roles at Novartis, Almirall, biotech incubator Ridgeline Discovery and Granite Bio Thomas is the perfect addition to our team!   His scientific expertise integrates biotherapeutic technologies, immunology, and pharma/biotech principles, facilitating advanced therapeutic approaches. This will significantly contribute to our customer-centric partnering model, anchored on our Athebody® DARPin platform. Moreover, his hands-on experience with therapeutic #antibodies, #multispecifics, therapeutic proteins, #AAV, and #DARPins provides him with a deep understanding of the realm of protein binders. Athebio’s co-founder and #DARPin mastermind Patrik Forrer, who has served as CEO since the company's inception, will transition to the role of Acting Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), in addition to his position as Chairman of the Board.   Thomas, welcome to #Athebio! Here's to a journey of #innovation and #collaboration ahead! #biotechnology  #athebody  #drugdiscovery #proteinengineering

🥳 #Athebio has a new Chief Executive Officer! 🥳 We are excited to welcome Thomas Huber, PhD as new CEO to Athebio AG 😊😊😊 (https://lnkd.in/eAdqZ432). With his more than 15 years of experience in drug development in different roles at Novartis, Almirall, biotech incubator Ridgeline Discovery and Granite Bio Thomas is the perfect addition to our team!   His scientific expertise integrates biotherapeutic technologies, immunology, and pharma/biotech principles, facilitating advanced therapeutic approaches. This will significantly contribute to our customer-centric partnering model, anchored on our Athebody® DARPin platform. Moreover, his hands-on experience with therapeutic #antibodies, #multispecifics, therapeutic proteins, #AAV, and #DARPins provides him with a deep understanding of the realm of protein binders. Athebio’s co-founder and #DARPin mastermind Patrik Forrer, who has served as CEO since the company's inception, will transition to the role of Acting Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), in addition to his position as Chairman of the Board.   Thomas, welcome to #Athebio! Here's to a journey of #innovation and #collaboration ahead! #biotechnology  #athebody  #drugdiscovery #proteinengineering