TEGA Therapeutics specializes in the recombinant production of heparan sulfate and enzyme replacement therapy to address genetic deficiencies in heparan sulfate degradation. By leveraging glycobiology, the company aims to deliver effective treatments for life-threatening diseases with unmet medical needs.
Funding
$999.9K 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
Genetic deficiencies in heparan sulfate degradation lead to life-threatening diseases, such as Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), characterized by the buildup of undegraded heparan sulfate, especially in the brain. Current treatments are limited, particularly for conditions like San Filippo Syndrome (MPS IIIA), due to the inability of enzyme replacement therapies to cross the blood-brain barrier. This results in profound cognitive deterioration and behavioral disorders, with no existing effective therapies.
Solution
TEGA Therapeutics is developing recombinant heparan sulfate therapies and enzyme replacement therapies to address these unmet medical needs. Their approach includes a recombinant heparin production process in cultured mammalian cells as an alternative to animal-derived heparin, mitigating supply chain contamination risks and reducing the risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. For MPS IIIA, TEGA is developing enzyme replacement therapy using recombinant lysosomal enzyme and direct infusion delivery into the brain, aiming to restore lysosomal function and address the cognitive decline associated with the disease. Additionally, they are exploring non-anticoagulant heparan sulfate for viral inhibition, specifically targeting the SARS-CoV2 spike protein, and for anti-inflammatory applications, including emphysema treatment.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes patients with genetic deficiencies in heparan sulfate degradation, such as those with Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) including San Filippo Syndrome (MPS IIIA), as well as individuals with coagulation disorders, viral infections like COVID-19, inflammatory diseases, and emphysema.
Features
- Recombinant production of heparin in mammalian cells, offering a safer alternative to animal-derived sources.
- Genetically engineered heparin with reduced risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
- Non-anticoagulant heparan sulfate for inhibiting viral binding, including SARS-CoV2.
- Heparan sulfate-based anti-inflammatory agents for various inflammatory diseases.
- Enzyme replacement therapy with direct brain infusion for MPS IIIA.
- Recombinant lysosomal enzyme production for targeted enzyme replacement.
- Development of heparan sulfate that blocks enzymes that degrade the lungs for emphysema treatment.