4 Early-Stage Precision Therapeutics Startups Targeting Disease More Selectively

Why AviSia Therapeutics stands out

AviSia is building around antigen-specific immune tolerance, an approach designed to address the autoimmune response driving type 1 diabetes rather than suppressing immunity broadly. The startup received a €350,000 convertible loan from Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland to advance AVS-006 and reports three feasibility experiments supporting Siglec-9 binding and dendritic-cell uptake.

Founder Henk Viëtor brings repeat biotech-building experience, including leading Skyline Diagnostics through a Series A backed by Life Sciences Partners and Erasmus MC Biomedical Fund.

What AviSia Therapeutics is building

AVS-006 couples proinsulin, a target of the autoimmune response, to an inhibitory glycan designed to steer the immune system toward tolerance. The program is in preclinical development and provides a template that AviSia can potentially adapt to other autoimmune targets by changing the disease-driving antigen.

Why Epithelica stands out

Epithelica combines genetic correction with local skin delivery. A 2026 Cell Stem Cell study corrected the target TGM1 mutation in human ARCI skin models and restored about 30% of normal transglutaminase 1 activity. Two published PCT applications cover the editing method and lipid-nanoparticle skin delivery, while the TGM1 program has orphan drug designations in the United States and Europe.

Repeat-dose testing found no systemic distribution of the lipid nanoparticles or genetic cargo beyond the skin, reinforcing the local-delivery logic behind the platform.

What Epithelica is building

The lead program uses a fractional dermatology laser to create temporary micropores, allowing topical lipid nanoparticles carrying an RNA base editor to reach living epidermal cells. The editor is designed to correct the disease-causing DNA locally without viral vectors or cell transplantation.

Why Biodelphis Therapeutics stands out

Biodelphis is developing antibody-peptide inhibitor conjugates that bring selective cathepsin inhibitors into chosen cells. A 2024 Nature Chemical Biology study showed targeted APICs produced antitumor activity in lymphoma animal models. The startup had raised CHF1.1 million by May 2026 and signed a GMP manufacturing agreement with HAS Healthcare Advanced Synthesis to support development toward clinical evaluation.

The founding team combines the original APIC research with cancer biology and protein-design expertise, while two EPFL patent families cover selective cathepsin inhibitors and targeted therapeutic applications.

What Biodelphis Therapeutics is building

The APIC platform links peptide inhibitors to antibodies that recognize markers on target cells. The design is intended to concentrate cathepsin inhibition in selected disease cells while reducing exposure in healthy tissue.

Biodelphis is developing programs across cathepsins B, S, K and L, with lead indications in lung adenocarcinoma and osteoporosis.

Why Akribion Therapeutics stands out

Akribion combines a defined intracellular RNA trigger with a cell-killing nuclease. A May 2026 study demonstrated reduced HPV-positive head and neck tumor growth in a patient-derived mouse model after local nanoparticle delivery. The startup raised an €8 million seed round co-led by CARMA FUND and RV Invest, with participation from High-Tech Gründerfonds and other investors.

Akribion also holds an exclusive pharmaceutical licence from BRAIN Biotech for G-dase E, giving the company a defined IP position around the platform.

What Akribion Therapeutics is building

G-dase E uses a guide RNA to recognize a chosen intracellular RNA sequence. When the matching signal is present, the nuclease becomes active and degrades DNA and RNA inside that cell, triggering cell destruction.

The initial program targets HPV-driven throat cancer, where viral RNA provides a molecular signature that can distinguish targeted cancer cells from surrounding tissue.