Prolongate – Long-acting protein drugs
Michael Wetter, ETH Pioneer Fellow, is developing the next generation of protein-based drugs, such as growth hormones. The new drugs require less frequent injections and are 100% natural. Three questions for Michael about his start-up.
Michael, what is the innovation of Prolongate?
We modify protein drugs like insulin or growth hormones by attaching sugars. In this way, the protein drugs stay much longer in the body, thus patients benefit from fewer injections and less administration in the future. To be precise, we have invented a process in which genetically modified bacteria produce the modified protein drugs with a natural sugar polymer. Moreover, the sugar polymer we use is 100% natural, as it exists in the human body already. Therefore, we do not expect significant side effects as observed today with current technologies. In state-of-the-art technologies, loss of biological activity, product heterogeneity, unwanted immune reactions against the drug, and the use of synthetic polymers that accumulate in certain tissues of the patient, are the most common problems encountered. Our targeted protein modification technology with a biodegradable sugar polymer overcomes these problems.
In summary, we prolong the effects of otherwise short-lived molecules, which is why we are called “Prolongate”.
Can you describe your customers?
Later phase clinical testing and marketing of protein drugs is expensive and not in the scope of a biotech start-up company. Thus, we aim at partnering with big pharmaceutical companies for the further development of our lead candidate(s). We therefore envisage big pharmaceutical companies as our primary customers.
Some significant brand-name protein drugs have already lost patent protection or their patents will expire in the next few years, thus attracting biosimilar (generic drug) companies into the global market. Generic erosion is a key challenge for big pharmaceutical companies. We are offering a technology that enables the development of next-generation versions of approved drugs with clear advantages for the patient, which will renew patent protection of established blockbuster drugs.
What are your goals for next year?
We are currently developing a long-acting human growth hormone – a drug that requires daily injections with currently marketed products. Over the next few months, several prototypes will be evaluated in proof-of-concept studies. Furthermore, we want to grow our team and found the company in early 2020.
Pioneer Fellowships
For the development of ground-breaking ideas – for tomorrows entrepreneurs
A Pioneer Fellowship is awarded to young ETH entrepreneurial minds intending to develop a highly innovative product or service to be exploited commercially and/or for the benefit of society.
Pioneer Fellows receive 150 kCHF over 12-18 months; donated by companies or private individuals. During the program the Pioneer Fellows are hosted at the ETH ieLab and receive an extensive mentoring and training program. This offers ideal conditions to embark on the journey towards becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Pioneer Fellowship projects
external pageETH Foundation
ETH ieLab
Contact / Links:
Michael Wetter: Website, external pageLinkedin
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