Gyala Therapeutics

Based in Barcelona, Gyala Therapeutics is a biotechnology firm established in 2020 focused on developing advanced cancer therapeutics for hematological malignancies. The company operates as a spin-off from the esteemed Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and its research institute, IDIBAPS, leveraging their extensive experience in cellular therapy.

The company was co-founded by the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona-IDIBAPS and Claudio Santos, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Santos brings a robust background to the firm, with a PhD in Microbiology and Genetics and over 15 years of experience in biotech leadership, venture capital, and business development. His career includes strategic roles at Bioncotech Therapeutics and Adorx Therapeutics, as well as an investment role at Sixth Element Capital, where he was involved in key licensing deals and early-stage investments. This blend of scientific expertise and business acumen is central to Gyala's strategy. The company also collaborates closely with Dr. Manel Juan, who leads the scientific progress of their main program.

Gyala Therapeutics is centered on the development and commercialization of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies. This form of gene therapy involves modifying a patient's own T-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) to recognize and attack tumor cells. The company's primary business model is rooted in the research, development, and eventual licensing of these therapies to the medical community. Its focus is on creating treatments for diseases like leukemia and other critical hematological conditions. A key aspect of their work is the development of a CAR-T product that targets CD84, a novel protein found on the surface of several types of cancerous blood cells.

Since its inception, Gyala has secured significant funding to advance its research. A notable seed round in May 2020 raised approximately €1.5 million from Invivo Ventures. The firm has continued to attract capital, with total funding reaching over $6 million from investors including Nara Capital and INNVIERTE SICC, to support the progression of its therapies toward clinical trials.

Keywords: CAR-T therapy, hematological malignancies, cancer therapeutics, gene therapy, immuno-oncology, Barcelona biotech, clinical-stage, leukemia treatment, lymphocyte modification, CD84 target, cellular therapy, drug discovery, oncology, life sciences, venture capital-backed, spin-off, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Claudio Santos, Manel Juan