NXI Therapeutics

NXI Therapeutics AG, a Swiss biotechnology firm established in 2021 as a spin-off from the University of Basel, is focused on creating a new class of selective immunosuppressive drugs. The company's scientific foundation is built upon the research of its co-founders, Prof. Sacha Hollander and Prof. Michael N. Hall, a distinguished researcher who was awarded the 2017 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award for his discoveries related to the nutrient-activated TOR proteins and their role in cell growth. This deep scientific expertise underpins the company's approach to drug development. The founding team also includes Dr. Thomas Meier and Dr. Dan Cech, who bring additional scientific and operational experience to the venture.

NXI Therapeutics operates in the biopharmaceutical market, specifically targeting autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation. The company's primary objective is to develop therapies that offer high efficacy without the severe adverse effects commonly associated with conventional immunosuppressants. Its lead program centers on the development of drug candidates that inhibit the Carcinoembryonic Antigen-related Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (CEACAM1), a protein identified as a crucial co-inhibitory receptor on T cells. By targeting CEACAM1, NXI Therapeutics aims to selectively suppress the harmful immune responses that drive autoimmune conditions and transplant rejection, while preserving the body's ability to fight infections.

The company's business model revolves around the research and development of these novel drug candidates, with the ultimate goal of bringing them to market, potentially through partnerships or licensing agreements with larger pharmaceutical companies. To advance its research, NXI Therapeutics has secured significant funding. In early 2023, the company successfully closed a seed financing round, raising CHF 5 million from a consortium of investors including Medicxi, the University of Basel, and another private backer. This capital injection is intended to progress the lead antibody program through preclinical development and towards readiness for clinical trials.

Keywords: immunosuppressive drugs, autoimmune diseases, organ transplantation, CEACAM1 inhibitor, T-cell therapy, antibody development, biopharmaceutical, University of Basel spin-off, preclinical development, TOR protein research