Monash University has spun out Cincera Therapeutics, which will work on treatments for metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes-related conditions.
Cincera Therapeutics, an Australia-based drug developer, was spun out from Monash University with A$7m ($5.5m) in funding provided by the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF).
Cincera is developing therapies for a wide range of conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, type-2 diabetes-related diseases and certain cancers. The technology relies on identifying and targeting enzymes of fat metabolism that contribute to disease.
The spinout is based on research by Bernard Flynn, associate professor at Monash University’s Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Stuart Pitson, professor at research institute Centre for Cancer Biology.
The money will enable Cincera to accelerate the selection of drug candidates suitable for clinical trials within three to four years.
Pitson said: “We have development candidates that are potent and broad-acting anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agents that show strong potential to become new treatments.
“There are many aspects of metabolic disease that could be improved by these drugs, from treating liver or kidney dysfunction through to possible treatments for certain cancers.
“Making a difference is what drives researchers at the CCB and forming a company like Cincera will be important for translating our research into better treatments for patients.”
MRCF is an A$200m vehicle that was launched in 2007 to invest in spinouts from Australian medical research institutes and allied research hospitals. Managed by Brandon Capital, its backers include the Australian government as well as pension funds AustralianSuper, Statewide Super, Hesta and Hostplus.
