nCage Therapeutics is developing synthetic virus-like particles (VLPs) based on the bacterial TRAP protein to transport nucleic acids and proteins into cells or display biological materials on their surface. This technology provides programmable drug delivery systems and vaccine platforms, enhancing cellular uptake for therapeutic applications and improving vaccine durability against respiratory diseases.
Funding
$2.5M 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
Current methods for delivering therapeutic molecules into cells or displaying biological materials often lack precise control over cargo release and can trigger unwanted immune responses. Traditional vaccine platforms may also exhibit limited durability, particularly against rapidly evolving respiratory diseases.
Solution
nCage Therapeutics is developing synthetic virus-like particles (VLPs) based on a modified bacterial TRAP protein to create programmable protein cages for targeted drug delivery and vaccine development. These artificial protein cages can encapsulate and transport nucleic acids, proteins, or small molecule drugs into cells, with a unique programmable opening and closing mechanism for controlled cargo release. The exterior of the cages can display proteins or other biological materials in repeating arrays, mimicking natural structures. This platform aims to enhance cellular uptake, improve drug safety profiles, and create more durable vaccines against respiratory diseases.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes pharmaceutical companies and research institutions focused on developing novel drug delivery systems and vaccines, particularly for cancer and respiratory diseases.
Features
- TRAP-cage Artificial Protein Cages formed from multiple copies of modified or de novo protein components designed to form stable, hollow protein shapes.
- Programmable opening and closing of the cages for controlled cargo release inside cells.
- Capability to load proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, or small molecule drugs as cargo.
- Ability to mount proteins or other biologic material on the exterior of the cages in repeating arrays.
- Platform based on the bacterial TRAP protein.
- Potential application in synthetic VLP vaccines for stronger and more durable protection against respiratory diseases.
- Potential application in Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) for enhancing the safety profile of anti-cancer drugs.