Wayfinder Biosciences develops orally available small molecule therapeutics that target messenger RNA (mRNA) to prevent the production of disease-driving proteins. Their proprietary platform utilizes AI/ML screening and RNA-based sensors to discover potent and selective molecules against previously inaccessible RNA targets. This approach enables the creation of novel drug candidates across oncology, neurodegeneration, and immunology indications.
Funding
$6.8M 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
Many disease-causing proteins are considered "undruggable" by traditional small molecule approaches, limiting therapeutic options for genetic diseases and cancer. Targeting the RNA of disease-causing genes offers a way to eliminate proteins before they are even made, but identifying small molecule modulators of RNA structure and function is challenging.
Solution
Wayfinder Biosciences develops a biotechnology platform that combines proprietary RNA sensors and AI/ML virtual screening technologies to identify small molecule modulators targeting RNA structures. The platform uses biophysically designed RNA sensors that generate a quantitative signal when a small molecule modulates the structure of the target RNA. This data-driven approach allows Wayfinder to learn generalizable rules for designing functional molecules that effectively modulate RNA structure and function. By targeting previously undruggable RNA targets, the company aims to create effective therapies that can prevent the production of disease-causing proteins.
Target Audience
Wayfinder's primary customers are pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies interested in developing RNA-targeting small molecule therapies, as well as patients suffering from diseases with "undruggable" protein targets.
Features
- Proprietary RNA sensors designed to generate a quantitative signal upon small molecule modulation of RNA structure.
- AI/ML virtual screening technologies for rapid screening of small molecule modulators.
- Quantitative datasets and AI/ML insights for designing functional molecules that bind and modulate RNA structure.
- Focus on oncology targets for in-house drug discovery.
- External drug discovery partnerships leveraging Wayfinder's platform for new or existing targets.