Alistair Duncan
viDA is a preclinical biotechnology company pursuing the development of first-in-class drugs for the treatment of several inflammatory and age-related conditions of the skin, respiratory, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neurological systems.Our platform is based on recently identified, specifically extracellular, pathological roles of a family of serine proteases called Granzymes.
Currently, our focus is specifically on extracellular Granzyme B (GzmB) and its role in a range of disease states involving inflammation and tissue damage. GzmB actively participates in the degradation of key components of the body’s extracellular matrix, which acts as a scaffold for cell binding and provides essential structural integrity for proper function of tissues and organs.
Based on this new mechanism of action, these molecules have shown positive therapeutic outcomes in a number of disease-specific models. viDA has been reviewing MS and the orphan indication of Discoid Lupus specifically.
Our lead compound is in preclinical development and is intended to be a topical treatment for Discoid Lupus. The lead candidate exhibits a high degree of specificity and selectivity for extracellular GzmB. The compound has attractive drug-like properties for topical application and is being assessed for other possible routes of administration amenable to treatment of other diseases.
The Company has developed a library of additional proprietary first-in-class small molecule inhibitors to GzmB. These innovative molecules will have specific properties amenable to treatment of diseases requiring different routes of administration. Studies using inhibitors and knockout approaches have demonstrated that GzmB inhibition does not suppress immunity.
viDA Therapeutics
President & CEOMr Blair Duncan
Regeneration Through Innovation
Celling Biosciences is dedicated to researching and developing the future of healing through regenerative medicine and the clinical use of autologous regenerative cells to facilitate the body’s capacity to heal itself. Through our patented Celling therapies and our Institutes of Regenerative Medicine, Celling Biosciences is moving the science of healing forward and redefining the global medical landscape.
Mike Dybbs
New Leaf Venture Partners
PrincipalImran Eba
Action Potential Venture Capital
PartnerMr Glenn Engelmann
McDermott Will & Emery is a premier international law firm with a unique focus in representing life sciences companies and investors in a wide variety of transactional, intellectual property and regulatory matters. Through our Life Sciences Entrepreneurs Acceleration Program ("LEAP") we provide early stage medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostic companies access to sophisticated legal services. Learn more here: http://www.mwe.com/leap/
McDermott Will & Emery
Vice Chair, Life Sciences McDermott Will & EmeryLesley Esford
The National Research Council- Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) is a Canadian federal government program that offers financial and advisory services to accelerate the growth of businesses through innovation and technology. Regarded worldwide as one of the most successful programs of its kind, NRC-IRAP is a vital component of Canada’s innovation system