Developing RNA-cutting antiviral therapies for respiratory infections
Respiratory infections such as influenza can cause serious complications, especially in older adults and people with weakened immunity. High-risk patients need prompt antiviral treatment when infection is confirmed or suspected, underscoring the importance of timely treatment options.
Avocet Bio is developing CRISPR/Cas13 therapies that cut viral RNA to stop replication. Its preclinical work targets SARS-CoV-2, with nasal-spray and inhaler formulations under development to deliver treatment to the respiratory tract.
What stands out about Avocet Bio
SPRIND reports reduced SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in cells and reduced lung damage in infected hamsters using the team's CRISPR/Cas13 approach.
Avocet announced €2.5 million secured for SPRIND antiviral Challenge Stage 3.
Named joint winner of SPRIND's Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Challenge, recognising the team's antiviral development programme.
SPRIND identifies Avocet Bio as a spinout of University Medical Center Göttingen, linking the venture to its academic research origin.
Participated in the 2024 ELSA accelerator and its closing Pitch Bowl, supported by Life Science Factory and research-sector partners.
Elisabeth Zeisberg, Gerd Hasenfuß and Michael Zeisberg are physician co-founders with UMG clinical and research experience.
Co-founders Elisabeth and Michael Zeisberg each spent five years on the faculty of Harvard Medical School.
Co-founder Diane Seimetz co-founded Biopharma Excellence in 2013; PharmaLex acquired the consultancy in September 2020.
Co-founder Diane Seimetz served as Fresenius biotech division EVP and CSO, leading international drug development from 2008 to 2013.
Co-founder Albert Osterhaus is a virologist with a PhD and DVM who helped identify MERS-CoV and other human coronaviruses.
Won the 2025 Lower Saxony Innovation Award in Key Technologies, with a €20,000 prize for its RNA-targeting platform.
Won the 2024 ELSA Pitch Bowl audience award, receiving a €500 communications budget from Göttingen agency ALIVELY.
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