Draupnir Bio Company Profile

Background

Founded in 2017 as a spin-out from Aarhus University, Denmark, and the Max-Planck Society, Germany, Draupnir Bio is a biotechnology company headquartered in Copenhagen, with research operations centered in Aarhus. The company specializes in developing oral, small molecule degraders targeting extracellular disease-causing proteins, aiming to revolutionize the field of targeted protein degradation (TPD). By leveraging the natural machinery of the lysosome, Draupnir Bio seeks to address complex diseases that have been challenging to treat with conventional therapies.

Key Strategic Focus

Draupnir Bio's strategic focus centers on pioneering the next frontier of TPD by extending its application to extracellular and membrane-bound proteins, which constitute approximately 40% of the human proteome. Traditional TPD approaches have been limited to cytosolic targets, leaving a significant portion of disease-causing proteins unaddressed. Draupnir Bio's proprietary technology platform utilizes lysosome receptors to facilitate the degradation of these extracellular and membrane-bound proteins, thereby expanding the therapeutic potential of TPD. The company's primary markets include treatments for inflammatory and neurological disorders, with a commitment to developing oral, small molecule therapeutics that offer convenient administration and broad tissue distribution.

Financials and Funding

In July 2024, Draupnir Bio completed a €12 million seed funding round to advance its preclinical pipeline of oral, small molecule protein degraders. This round was led by MP Healthcare, the corporate venture group of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, and the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO), with participation from existing investors Gilde Healthcare Partners, Inkef Capital, and Novo Holdings. The funds are intended to further develop Draupnir Bio's risk-diversified preclinical pipeline, targeting both validated and traditionally difficult-to-drug targets.

Pipeline Development

Draupnir Bio is advancing a preclinical pipeline focused on developing oral, small molecule protein degraders targeting extracellular and membrane-bound proteins implicated in inflammatory and neurological disorders. The company's innovative approach aims to address disease proteins that have been historically challenging to target with small molecules, thereby providing new therapeutic options for complex diseases. Specific pipeline candidates, stages of development, and anticipated milestones have not been publicly disclosed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Draupnir Bio's proprietary technology platform harnesses the natural machinery of the lysosome to develop oral, small molecule degraders of extracellular disease-causing proteins. This platform utilizes lysosome receptors to facilitate the degradation of extracellular and membrane-bound proteins, expanding the scope of TPD beyond cytosolic targets. By targeting these previously undruggable proteins, Draupnir Bio's approach holds the potential to revolutionize the treatment of complex diseases.

Leadership Team

Andrew Hotchkiss, Chief Executive Officer: Appointed in June 2021, Andrew brings extensive experience from leadership roles at Dermira, Immunocore, and Eli Lilly.

Simon Glerup, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer: Simon co-founded Draupnir Bio in 2017, leveraging his expertise in protein degradation and cardiovascular disease research.

Camilla Gustafsen, Co-founder and Vice President of Biology: Camilla co-founded the company and plays a pivotal role in advancing its biological research initiatives.

Peder Madsen, Co-founder: Peder co-founded Draupnir Bio, contributing his expertise to the company's strategic direction and scientific endeavors.

Leadership Changes

In June 2021, Andrew Hotchkiss joined Draupnir Bio as Chief Executive Officer, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The targeted protein degradation (TPD) market is rapidly emerging, with significant growth potential driven by the need for innovative therapies addressing previously undruggable targets. The expansion of TPD to extracellular and membrane-bound proteins opens new avenues for treating complex diseases, positioning companies like Draupnir Bio at the forefront of this transformative field.

Competitor Analysis

Draupnir Bio operates in a competitive landscape alongside companies such as Applied Cell Technology, Vir Biotechnology, PEPperPRINT, and Cytonome.

Applied Cell Technology: Develops platform technologies enhancing the survival of stem cells, gametes, and embryos post-intervention.

Vir Biotechnology: Focuses on immunology solutions for serious infectious diseases.

PEPperPRINT: Provides peptide microarrays and custom peptide services.

Cytonome: Designs and develops advanced cell sorting platforms.

While these companies contribute to the broader biotechnology sector, Draupnir Bio's unique focus on extracellular protein degradation distinguishes it within the TPD domain.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Draupnir Bio has established strategic partnerships with prominent investors, including MP Healthcare, EIFO, Gilde Healthcare Partners, Inkef Capital, and Novo Holdings. These collaborations provide financial support and strategic guidance, strengthening Draupnir Bio's market position and innovation capacity.

Operational Insights

Draupnir Bio's strategic positioning within the TPD market, particularly its focus on extracellular and membrane-bound proteins, offers a distinct competitive advantage. The company's proprietary technology platform and experienced leadership team position it to address unmet medical needs and develop novel therapeutic approaches for complex diseases.