Keylika integrates AI-enabled de novo drug design with nanotechnology for advanced drug delivery solutions. The company develops proprietary organometallic drugs using a platform synthesis technology applicable across various therapeutic areas including hematology and oncology. Their lead product is a transdermal patch designed to deliver iron for treating iron deficiency anemia with high bioavailability and reduced side effects compared to oral or IV treatments.
Funding
$740K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) affects millions globally, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and impaired daily functioning. Current treatments, such as oral iron supplements, often have poor absorption and cause gastrointestinal side effects, leading to patient non-compliance. Intravenous (IV) iron infusions offer better bioavailability but are invasive, costly, and carry a risk of hypersensitivity reactions.
Solution
Keylika is developing a novel transdermal iron patch (NistuFe) that delivers a proprietary iron form directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and associated side effects. The patch combines the efficacy of IV iron with the convenience of oral supplements, offering a patient-friendly alternative for managing IDA. Keylika's approach utilizes a new molecular entity (KYLK01), a small molecule (<500 Da) mixed ligand iron complex, designed for enhanced absorption and bioavailability through the skin. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated excellent iron uptake and improved hematological parameters without systemic toxicity. The resorbable buccal patch adheres to the inner cheek and dissolves in under an hour, releasing the iron drug for transmucosal absorption.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes individuals with iron deficiency anemia, particularly women of childbearing age and those who experience adverse effects from oral iron supplements or prefer a non-invasive treatment option.
Features
- Transdermal patch for direct absorption of iron into the bloodstream
- New molecular entity (NME)
- KYLK01, a small molecule (<500 Da) mixed ligand iron complex
- Designed to bypass the gastrointestinal tract, eliminating GI side effects
- Higher bioavailability compared to oral iron supplements
- Self-administrable and non-invasive
- Resorbable buccal patch that dissolves in under an hour
- Demonstrated excellent iron uptake and improved hematological parameters in pre-clinical studies
- Ligands selected to enhance iron absorption and serve as an antioxidant
- Ferric ion (Fe3+) form of iron aids in seamless uptake by the iron protein transporter (transferrin) in blood plasma