Ablevia

Ablevia biotech GmbH is a Vienna-based biopharmaceutical company established in 2018, operating from the Vienna BioCenter campus. The firm was co-founded by Oskar Smrzka and Christof Paparella. Smrzka, who serves as the managing director, brings extensive experience in translational and fundamental research within the biotech industry, particularly in vaccine and therapeutic antibody development. Paparella, the head of business development, has a background in economics and international business, focusing on process optimization and quality management in the pharmaceutical sector.

The company is centered on developing therapeutics for the selective removal of specific, harmful antibodies from the bloodstream. Its core is the proprietary SADC (Selective Antibody Depletion Compounds) platform technology, invented by Smrzka. This technology creates a new class of injectable, peptide-based biotherapeutics. These compounds act as molecular decoys, designed to sequester and neutralize unwanted antibodies without compromising the patient's broader immune system. This approach addresses issues in various therapeutic areas where antibodies can be problematic, such as anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) that reduce the effectiveness of biologic drugs, autoantibodies in autoimmune diseases, and antibodies that hinder gene therapy vectors or cause transplant rejection.

Ablevia's business model is focused on preclinical research and development, aiming to form partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies that face challenges with undesirable antibody responses in their drug development programs. The company has engaged in R&D for over three years to establish its SADC technology. It operates by creating tailored solutions to remove specific antibodies, thereby enhancing the safety and efficacy of partners' biotherapeutics. Financially, Ablevia has successfully combined private investments with non-dilutive funding from federal institutions. The company was awarded the Boehringer Ingelheim Innovation Prize Vienna in 2024, which included office and lab space, as well as access to mentorship and expertise.

Keywords: selective antibody removal, SADC technology, antibody depletion, biotherapeutics, anti-drug antibodies, neutralizing antibodies, autoimmune diseases, gene therapy, Vienna BioCenter, Oskar Smrzka, Christof Paparella, preclinical R&D, biopharmaceutical partnerships, infusible therapeutics, peptide-based biologics, harmful antibody removal, drug-neutralizing antibodies, biologics, viral vectors, transplant rejection