Akribion Therapeutics

Akribion Therapeutics is an early-stage biotechnology company operating in the precision oncology market, spun out of BRAIN Biotech AG in 2024. The company was founded by a team that includes Co-CEOs Dr. Michael Krohn, who holds a PhD in Molecular Biology, and Lukas Linnig, the former CFO of BRAIN Biotech. The core technology was invented by a team led by Dr. Paul Scholz, who now serves as Akribion's Head of Research and Development. The foundation of Akribion was preceded by significant investment from its parent company, which retained rights for industrial applications, while Akribion holds the license for therapeutic uses, subject to milestone and royalty agreements.

The company's business is centered on developing a new class of therapeutics using its proprietary G-dase® E nuclease technology for programmable cell depletion. This technology employs a CRISPR-like nuclease that, guided by a specific RNA sequence, recognizes and binds to target RNA biomarkers within a cell. Upon binding, it activates a "collateral cleavage" mechanism, shredding all nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) within the targeted cell, leading to its destruction while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This approach differs from traditional CRISPR gene editing, as it is designed for cell destruction rather than modification. The business model involves leveraging this platform to develop a pipeline of therapies, with the potential for future partnerships and licensing deals as its technology matures.

Akribion's lead program targets HPV-induced Oropharyngeal Head and Neck Cancer (OPSCC), selected because the viral RNA provides a distinct, non-human biomarker for the G-dase E system to target. The adaptability of the platform is a key attribute; by simply redesigning the guide RNA, the therapy can be redirected to new cellular targets, potentially accelerating the development of treatments for various diseases. Beyond its initial focus, Akribion is exploring applications in other oncology indications, as well as autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, and infectious diseases. To fund these developments, the company secured €8 million in a seed financing round in early 2025, led by CARMA FUND and RV Invest, with participation from several other institutional investors.

Keywords: precision oncology, RNA-guided nucleases, cell depletion technology, G-dase E, CRISPR-like, cancer therapy, HPV-induced cancer, Oropharyngeal Head & Neck Cancer, programmable therapeutics, nucleic acid shredding, RNA biomarkers, gene therapy, BRAIN Biotech spin-out, biotech funding, targeted therapy, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, fibrosis treatment, molecular biology, biopharmaceuticals