List of Antisense Oligonucleotides Companies in Germany - 4

AiCuris (from 'Anti-infective Cures'​) is a pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, research and development of novel antiviral agents for the treatment of severe and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients. Founded in 2006 from Bayer's virology and bacteriology research divisions, AiCuris has a broad and innovative pipeline of novel anti-infectives and a team of internationally regarded scientists and drug developers. With its focus on specialist markets with high medical need, the company is perfectly positioned for growth and success.

Isarna Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotech company, headquartered in Munich, Germany. Isarna develops ISTH0036, a next-generation antisense to block TGF-beta 2 production, a key molecule in the pathogenesis of retinal disease. Current therapies – approved and pipeline products – mostly target the edema, with several anti-VEGFs approved or in development offering only minor improvements over current SOC. While anti-VEGF is a very effective therapy – it does not stop the disease progression of retinal pathologies like w AMD. Patients progress to late-stage disease despite effective anti-edema therapy – and thus develop fibrosis. TGF-b is a key driver of fibrosis, so blocking the production of this molecule intracellularly, using elaborated antisense molecules, promises to be a game-changer in retina therapy. Animal data show comparable efficacy of ISTH0036 to block neovascularization as anti-VEGF – with the added benefit of suppressing fibrosis. This MOA could be an effective long-term treatment in several retinal pathologies including the blockbuster-indications wAMD, DME, RVO, with a significant upward potential in dry AMD. A Phase 1 study showed excellent safety, Isarna Therapeutics is currently preparing a Phase 2a study in wet AMD and in DME/DR. Isarna is led by a highly experienced management, the COO, Rene Rückert, MD, MBA led at Bayer/Novartis the global development of both approved blockbuster drugs for retinal diseases – Eylea and Lucentis. The CMO, Prof. Marion Munk, MD, PhD is a leading global retina specialist. Isarna is open to discuss future partnering for the development and is seeking investors to finance the clinical development and growth of the company.

Secarna Pharmaceuticals is the next generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) company addressing high unmet medical needs in the areas of immuno-oncology and immunology, as well as viral, neurodegenerative and cardiometabolic diseases. Secarna’s mission is to maximize the performance and output of its proprietary LNAplus™ antisense oligonucleotide discovery platform, as well as to develop highly specific, safe, and efficacious best-in-class antisense therapies for challenging or currently undruggable targets. With over 15 development programs focusing on targets in indications where antisense-based approaches have clear benefits over other therapeutic modalities, Secarna is the leading European antisense drug discovery and development company.

sterna biologicals is a clinical-stage immunology company developing novel treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By targeting GATA-3, a key master transcription factor that plays a central role in chronic inflammatory diseases, the company’s proprietary DNAzyme-based drug candidate, hgd40, antagonizes several inflammatory processes and mediators. sterna biologicals has completed multiple phase IIa clinical trials with hgd40 in a number of commercially attractive chronic inflammatory diseases with high unmet medical need. If you are interested in partnering with us, please reach out at partnering@sterna-biologicals.com.