We’re revolutionizing
the treatment of cancer and auto-immune disorders
We’re revolutionizing
the treatment of hematological cancers
The
Innovation
hematological cancer treatment
Millions of people suffer from life‑threatening hematological cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The current treatment landscape for these diseases relies on broad‑spectrum proteasome inhibitors that indiscriminately target both constitutive and immunoproteasomes, restricting advances in therapeutic options. These drugs also cause severe side effects—such as extreme discomfort, heart complications, and nerve damage—so intense that some patients choose to discontinue treatment rather than endure them.
Enter iProtics, with its next-generation approach to treatment. Rather than indiscriminately targeting all cells (constitutive proteasome), as is the current practice, iProtics intelligently zeroes in on only immunoproteasome in malignant cells. Such targeted treatment eliminates adverse side effects, while simultaneously increasing the treatment’s effectiveness, making it a viable new drug for auto-immunity treatment.
The Technology
Healthy treatment, healthy returns
The innovative properties of our peptide-based inhibitors, particularly IP074, mark a major advancement over existing clinical proteasome inhibitors. IP074 is engineered as a single, compact molecule that simultaneously targets the immunoproteasome subunits β1i, β2i, and β5i—unlike broad-spectrum drugs that indiscriminately affect both constitutive and immunoproteasome activity. In preclinical models, IP074 demonstrates markedly improved selectivity and a significantly broader therapeutic window compared to carfilzomib and bortezomib, while showing robust cytotoxicity against primary patient samples of refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at sub-nanomolar potency.
Unlike current inhibitors, IP074 shows greatly reduced cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity in validated cell models, with improved metabolic stability and favorable ADME properties, addressing major safety concerns that have limited progress in hematological cancer therapies. This breakthrough enables more precise targeting of malignant blood cells, expanding therapeutic potential beyond multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma, and offering hope for patients who currently have limited safe options.
The Background
proteasome inhibitor
innovation
proteasome inhibitor
innovation
Elmer Maurits, CEO
Building upon the remarkable discoveries made by the renowned Overkleeft Group at Leiden University, iProtics is currently in the middle of pre-clinical trials. Under the leadership of CEO Dr. ir. Elmer Maurits, the iProtics team is poised to make significant contributions to a rapidly growing area of medicine. With eight years of experience in chemical development, including work with Kezar Life Sciences, Dr. Maurits has assembled an enviable team of experts in drug development, business strategy and bioorganic chemistry. Patrick Dekker Msc., the Chief Scientific Officer, oversees pre-clinical development, while Prof. dr. Herman S. Overkleeft and Dr. Bogdan I. Florea serve as Scientific Advisors and contribute specialized knowledge. Dr. Wil Hazenberg and Dr. Math Kohnen, both Business Developers, bring valuable experience in venture capital and strategic planning. The iProtics team’s comprehensive approach, combining scientific expertise with business acumen, has been key in enabling them to successfully transition from academia to pre-clinical trials.
The Mission
with human ingenuity
While many talk about improving the quality of life, iProtics is dedicated to it. By moving the industry beyond the use of indiscriminate drugs into the application of smart drugs that target only disease-causing cells, iProtics preserves the integrity of healthy tissues even as it preserves the dignity and well-being of patients. iProtics plans on establishing itself firmly as a major player in the treatment of hematological cancers.
Funding
iProtics Secures Key Funding to Drive Innovation
At iProtics, we are thrilled to announce the significant support we have received from three prominent funding initiatives, empowering us to accelerate the development of our cutting-edge technologies:
UNIIQ – This early-stage investment fund has provided crucial backing to help us bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and market-ready innovation. UNIIQ’s support ensures we can bring our vision to life.
Biotech Booster – Through this initiative, we are part of a program aimed at transforming biotech innovations into tangible solutions. The funding enables us to advance our platform and create impactful outcomes in the biotech sector.
NWO Faculty of Impact – With this prestigious grant, we are equipped to translate academic research into entrepreneurial success. NWO’s support fosters our mission to deliver transformative solutions that make a difference.
NWO TakeOff Phase 2 – This important Phase 2 innovation funding supports us in advancing to IND enabling studies for our lead asset. TakeOff provides the resources required to bridge preclinical development and regulatory readiness, paving the way towards future human studies in hematological cancers.
These partnerships underscore the trust placed in iProtics to lead in innovation and deliver technologies that matter. Stay tuned for updates as we continue our journey!
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