ImuPhile Therapeutics
ImuPhile is developing RNA-based therapeutics for obesity and other metabolic diseases, utilising a novel target and a differentiated mechanism of action. Obesity affects 900 million people and is a leading risk factor for diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. It’s estimated to have caused 5 million premature deaths in 2019. The anti-obesity medicine (AOM) market size is projected to be between $70-100bn by 2030.
Existing GLP/GIP treatment strategies focus on appetite reduction and can have significant side effects, and some patients do not respond to treatment. This necessitates the development of novel therapies. ImuPhile is developing RNA-based therapies for FKBPL, a novel target in obesity and metabolic disease with a differentiated but synergistic mechanism of action to existing GLP1-RA approaches. The novel gene FKBPL has been identified as having potent anti-inflammatory activity and the ability to protect against diet-induced obesity. Preliminary data indicates that delivery of therapeutic FKBPL is a novel approach for obesity and metabolic syndrome. FKBPL-based therapy has shown promise in preclinical models, reducing body weight and improving metabolic parameters such as glucose tolerance, positioning it as a novel target for obesity and related comorbidities.
Promoters
- Prof. Tracy Robson, Academic Founder
- Dr Stephanie Annett, Academic Founder
Current status
- Patents filed and granted in EU and US
- POC in vivo demonstrating efficacy and anti-inflammatory effects of therapeutic FKBPL
- Awarded an Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund grant to further develop the technology
Next steps
- The team are keen to speak with investors and biopharmaceutical companies active in the metabolic disease space to gather feedback and discuss potential partnership opportunities.