Florey biotech spin-out secures seed investment from Curie.Bio

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Melbourne-based Alkira Bio, a novel drug discovery platform company, has announced an investment from US venture capital firm Curie.Bio.

Alkira Bio uses its LASEREDD technology platform to discover therapeutic antibodies directed against previously unreachable targets.

Florey researcher and Alkira Bio’s CEO, Associate Professor Daniel Scott, said, “Developing therapeutic antibodies that target specific GPCRs has huge potential for creating safe, effective therapeutics to treat conditions with a high unmet medical need.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Curie.Bio, who recognise the potential of our technology to deliver new therapeutics unlike any existing drug.”

Florey researcher and Alkira Bio’s chief scientific officer, Dr Chris Draper-Joyce, said, “The investment from Curie.Bio will enable us to leverage our antibody discovery platform to tackle important diseases.

“Our ultimate goal is to discover medications that have the potential to transform patient lives, and the Curie.Bio team is the right partner to co-pilot this drug discovery journey.”

The Florey director, Professor Trevor Kilpatrick, added that this was a watershed moment for spin-outs at The Florey.

“A vital part of bringing important research to global markets is looking at how we commercialise it, and to do that researchers have to think like founders. It’s not always easy, but The Florey has looked to support Alkira Bio at every step to do that,” said Professor Kilpatrick.

“Now we can look forward to seeing our science having a positive impact on patients in need of new, improved treatments.”