Catena Biosciences
Catena Biosciences, based in Berkeley, CA, specializes in the development of novel biomolecules for targeted cancer therapies using its proprietary CysTyr platform.
Company Overview
Catena Biosciences is a healthcare company based in Berkeley, CA, USA. With a dedicated team of seven professionals, the company operates within the therapeutics sub-industry. Catena Biosciences is a participant in the Y-Combinator S21 batch. The company focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies to synthesize novel biomolecules with structural precision previously only achievable through small molecule synthesis.
Innovative Technology
Catena Biosciences has developed a proprietary technology that allows for the fusion of proteins with 3-dimensional control. This groundbreaking advancement enables the synthesis of biomolecules in any structure, combination, or orientation. The CysTyr platform, which leverages the novel Catenase enzyme, plays a crucial role in this process by selectively attaching tyrosine residues to cysteine residues, resulting in the unique C-Y Bond.
Multi Payload Conjugates (MPC)
The company is pioneering a first-in-class pipeline of Multi Payload Conjugates (MPC) designed to deliver targeted combination therapies aimed at overcoming tumor resistance. At the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Catena Biosciences showcased study results indicating that their MPCs, built using the CysTyr platform, combine multiple cell-killing mechanisms. These MPCs have shown improved efficacy in vitro compared to the existing standard of care, DS8201a (T-DXd), across multiple HER2+ cell lines.
Achievements and Recognition
Catena Biosciences has received significant recognition and support in the form of an NIH SBIR grant and the American Cancer Society’s BrightEdge Golden Ticket at UC Berkeley’s Bakar Labs. Additionally, the company has garnered investment from notable entities including Amgen, Social Impact Capital, the California Innovation Fund, Gaingels, NYBC Ventures, MBX Capital, Reinforced Ventures, and the American Cancer Society.
