Translation-X gets the CHF 150,000 Kick to tackle autism with precision medicine
30.09.2024
Targeting selective mRNA translation, the spin-off from Biozentrum University of Basel Translation-X received the final CHF 150,000 kick from Venture Kick to address an unmet medical need in autism spectrum disorder.
 Peter Scheiffele, Özgür Genç, and Guido Koch
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Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) reflect a critical gap in medical care, often involving challenges in social communication, with limited treatments available for core symptoms. A key barrier to developing effective therapies is the incomplete understanding of ASD's underlying biological causes.
Translation-X is exploring a novel therapeutic approach by targeting selective mRNA translation. Its research has identified dysregulated mRNA translation as a core issue in a sub-group of ASD, with a particular focus on Map-kinase interacting kinases (MNK) as a drug target. By inhibiting MNK, Translation-X aims to restore normal mRNA translation and neural function, offering a promising treatment that directly addresses the root pathology of a genetically defined sub-group of autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorders affect approximately 2% of newborns globally, presenting a significant unmet need for targeted treatments. Translation-X is addressing this need by developing brain-penetrant MNK inhibitors to target core symptoms. Focusing initially on rare genetic conditions, the Biotech startup is developing a phenotyping approach for a mechanistically defined larger target population. These treatments could benefit from orphan drug designation, providing both a strategic market entry and a foundation for expansion.
Translation-X will employ the CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick to further develop its lead drug candidates, focusing on refining MNK inhibitors for treating core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. The funds will also support business development activities, helping the company prepare for future investments and partnerships.
The team includes Dr. Özgür Genç, senior scientist and project leader, Prof. Peter Scheiffele, scientific advisor, and Dr. Guido Koch, medicinal chemistry advisor. Additionally, faculty members Prof. Martin Smiesko and Prof. Markus Lill from the Pharmazentrum contribute computational chemistry expertise to the project.
“Venture Kick helped us better understand the business challenges of the startup world. Throughout the three stages, we benefited from its structured approach which helped to focus on essential business tasks like defining the business model and preparing for investment readiness,” highlighted Özgür Genç. “It also introduced us to key experts and networks, opening valuable opportunities for us. The funds were effectively used to support the development of Translation-X.”
Translation-X team: scientific advisor Peter Scheiffele, senior scientist and project leader Özgür Genç, and medicinal chemistry advisor Guido Koch
Translation-X is exploring a novel therapeutic approach by targeting selective mRNA translation. Its research has identified dysregulated mRNA translation as a core issue in a sub-group of ASD, with a particular focus on Map-kinase interacting kinases (MNK) as a drug target. By inhibiting MNK, Translation-X aims to restore normal mRNA translation and neural function, offering a promising treatment that directly addresses the root pathology of a genetically defined sub-group of autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorders affect approximately 2% of newborns globally, presenting a significant unmet need for targeted treatments. Translation-X is addressing this need by developing brain-penetrant MNK inhibitors to target core symptoms. Focusing initially on rare genetic conditions, the Biotech startup is developing a phenotyping approach for a mechanistically defined larger target population. These treatments could benefit from orphan drug designation, providing both a strategic market entry and a foundation for expansion.
Translation-X will employ the CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick to further develop its lead drug candidates, focusing on refining MNK inhibitors for treating core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. The funds will also support business development activities, helping the company prepare for future investments and partnerships.
The team includes Dr. Özgür Genç, senior scientist and project leader, Prof. Peter Scheiffele, scientific advisor, and Dr. Guido Koch, medicinal chemistry advisor. Additionally, faculty members Prof. Martin Smiesko and Prof. Markus Lill from the Pharmazentrum contribute computational chemistry expertise to the project.
“Venture Kick helped us better understand the business challenges of the startup world. Throughout the three stages, we benefited from its structured approach which helped to focus on essential business tasks like defining the business model and preparing for investment readiness,” highlighted Özgür Genç. “It also introduced us to key experts and networks, opening valuable opportunities for us. The funds were effectively used to support the development of Translation-X.”
Translation-X team: scientific advisor Peter Scheiffele, senior scientist and project leader Özgür Genç, and medicinal chemistry advisor Guido Koch