Mediphage Bioceuticals

Mediphage Bioceuticals Inc. is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company operating from Toronto, Canada, that is concentrated on advancing the field of genetic medicine. Spun out from the University of Waterloo in 2016, the company is developing next-generation gene therapies designed to be safe, effective, and redosable.

The core of Mediphage's work is its proprietary ministring DNA (msDNA™) platform, a novel, non-viral gene therapy technology. This technology utilizes a linear, covalently-closed (LCC), double-stranded DNA vector which is produced through a scalable E. coli-based manufacturing process. A key differentiator of the msDNA™ platform is the absence of a plasmid backbone and immunogenic pathogenic sequences, which reduces the risk of an immune response and insertional mutagenesis—potential side effects associated with some traditional viral vectors. This design allows for durable and prolonged gene expression from a single injection.

The company’s business model involves both internal therapeutic development and external collaborations. Mediphage is actively developing its own pipeline of non-viral gene therapies for conditions such as Hemophilia A, Stargardt Disease, and other liver-related and central nervous system disorders. Simultaneously, the company partners with pharmaceutical firms, biotechnology companies, and contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs). These collaborations focus on leveraging the msDNA™ platform as a versatile tool across various applications. For instance, msDNA™ serves as a critical starting material for producing viral vectors like rAAV and lentivirus, as well as for mRNA therapeutics and DNA vaccines. This dual approach allows Mediphage to generate revenue and validate its platform while advancing its own therapeutic programs. The company has secured seed financing from investors including CCRM Enterprises Holdings Ltd, Riverine Ventures, Bio Med Ventures, and Illumina to fuel these initiatives.

Mediphage's leadership team includes Alvaro Amorrortu as CEO and President, Lee Bowman as COO, and Dr. Nafiseh Nafissi as CTO. The company is currently engaged in raising Series A funding to expand its team and advance its proof-of-concept studies.

Keywords: genetic medicine, gene therapy, non-viral vector, ministring DNA, msDNA, Stargardt Disease, Hemophilia A, DNA vaccines, cell therapy, gene editing, adeno-associated virus (AAV), regenerative medicine, biotechnology, preclinical, drug development, E. coli manufacturing, CDMO partnerships, therapeutic platform, linear covalently closed DNA, transgene delivery