Our Mission
Anavo Therapeutics is at the forefront of phosphatase-based drug discovery with its IGNITE platform, a unique approach for accessing a space previously considered undruggable.
Based on our world-leading expertise in phosphatase-driven disease biology and drug discovery, we will unlock the full therapeutic potential of phosphatase-targeted allosteric modulators.
Through its IGNITE platform, Anavo is developing multiple first-in-class therapeutic programs and will support its partners in establishing rich pipelines across a broad range of therapeutic indications.
Anavo is backed by blue-chip investors M Ventures, INKEF Capital, Taiho Ventures, Bioqube Ventures and MRL Ventures.
Targeting One of the Central Gateways in Human Biology
Phosphatases and kinases regulate the activity of numerous molecular pathways in cells. By removing or adding a phosphate group, phosphatases and kinases affect the activity levels of proteins and biomolecules and regulate the overall output of entire signaling cascades. Imbalances in this process can lead to a multitude of diseases.
The Phosphatase Conundrum
While human protein kinases have been thoroughly exploited by drug developers worldwide, phosphatases have remained largely untouched.
More than 80 kinase inhibitors are approved and they generate worldwide sales of more than $60 billion annually. Conversely, outside of a few serendipitous successes, virtually not a single approved drug was purposely designed to target a disease-relevant phosphatase.
The Time is Right to
Re-IGNITE the Field
This is where Anavo comes in, cracking the code to drug phosphatases through a combination of deep knowledge of phosphatase target families, improved state-of-the-art protein structural methods, high-throughput screening methods, and unique specificity and selectivity technologies.
By addressing phosphatase targets with allosteric strategies, avoiding the enzyme’s active sites, and developing a thorough mechanistic understanding of drug candidates early on, we have established a robust platform to address a variety of target class members across multiple indications. In addition, we are developing a proprietary portfolio of cancer-targeting therapeutic programs.
Through our platform and with an experienced team, we are paving the way to systematically modulate phosphatase signaling pathways and unlock phosphatase potential.
Led by an Experienced Team
Anavo's management team is comprised of seasoned executives with unique know-how and track record in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Birgit Zech
CEO
Shaun McNultY
CSO
ANNA QUATTROPANI
SVP Chemistry & Non-Clinical Development
Claus Schalper
Financial Advisor
JOE LEWIS
SVP Biology & Site Head Heidelberg
World-Class Expertise in Phosphatases Meets Industry-Leading Drug Discovery Know How
Anavo has attracted world-leading expertise in phosphatase biology to its advisory board in Dr Jukka Westermarck, Professor of Cancer Biology at University of Turku, Dr Nicholas Tonks, Professor of Cancer Research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and Dr Anton Bennett, Professor of Pharmacology and Professor of Comparative Medicine, and Director at the Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism. Together, they have authored and co-authored more than 400 scientific publications on phosphatases and related physiological processes.
Anavo further strengthened its Scientific Advisory Board with industry-leading drug discovery experts in oncology in the persons of Karl-Heinz Altmann, currently Full Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at ETH Zurich and Head of the Department of Chemistry & Applied Biosciences, Andrew Mortlock, currently Head of Early Development at Astellas, and Gregg Siegal, currently Chief Executive Officer of ZoBio and Endowed Professor of Science, Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences at VU Amsterdam.
Anavo’s former CSO Gerhard Müller joined the Scientific Advisory Board to continue contributing to the board’s drug discovery and development and medicinal chemistry expertise.
Our Investors
Anavo has raised €28 million to date from a group of blue-chip international investors.
Our Board
Sakae Asanuma
President and CEO
Taiho Ventures
Simone Botti
Partner
INKEF Capital
Debora Dumont
Managing Partner
Bioqube Ventures
Karin Kleinhans
Partner
MRL Ventures Fund
Therese Liechtenstein
Investment Director
M Ventures
Charles McDermott
Chairman
CEO at Primmune Therapeutics
The Anavo Board is complemented by Birgit Zech, Anavo CEO
Pursuing a Career in Phosphatase Drug Discovery
Anavo Therapeutics is leading the space in phosphatase-targeted drug discovery and development.
To expand our reach across Europe, we have established a new R&D Hub based in Heidelberg, a flourishing center for both academic and cancer research, in addition to our headquarters in Leiden, The Netherlands. With proximity to the German Cancer Research Center, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, and several universities and research organizations, Anavo leverages access to top-tier resources to aid in the advancement of our proprietary IGNITE platform.
If you are interested in becoming a part of this journey, please send your resume to careers@anavotx.com.
News & Events
9.21.23
Anavo Therapeutics Strengthens Management Team
In September 2023, Anavo Therapeutics welcomed industry veteran Shaun McNulty as Chief Scientific Officer and R&D expert Anna Quattropani as SVP Chemistry & Non-Clinical Development.
5.2.23
Anavo Therapeutics extends Seed Round to EUR 28 Million to Advance Pipeline of Novel Phosphatase Modulators Toward the Clinic
In May 2023, Anavo Therapeutics announced an extended seed round to EUR 28 million with new investor MRL Ventures Fund and all existing investors participating - M Ventures, INKEF Capital, Taiho Ventures, and Bioqube Ventures.
12.9.21
Anavo Therapeutics Announces the Appointment of Charles McDermott as Chairman of the Board
In December 2021, Anavo Therapeutics announced the appointment of Charles McDermott as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. McDermott currently serves as the Chairman, CEO and President of Primmune Therapeutics.
8.16.21
Anavo Therapeutics to Establish R&D Hub in World-Leading Cancer Research Cluster
In August 2021, Anavo Therapeutics announced that the company will establish its R&D center as one of the first tenants at the newly established BioLabs life-sciences start-up incubator in Heidelberg, Germany.
6.24.21
Anavo Therapeutics Strengthens Scientific Advisory Board with Industry-Leading Drug Discovery Experts in Oncology
In June 2021, Anavo Therapeutics announced three key appointments to its Scientific Advisory Board in the persons of Karl-Heinz Altmann, Andrew Mortlock, and Gregg Siegal.
4.22.21
Anavo Therapeutics Launches with EUR20 Million Seed Financing to Create Industry-Leading Pipeline of Allosteric Phosphatase Modulators
In April 2021, Anavo Therapeutics, debuted with a EUR20 million (approx. $24 million) seed financing. The round was led by M Ventures and co-led by INKEF Capital with additional investments by Taiho Ventures and Bioqube Ventures.
Upcoming Events
ACCR Annual Meeting 2024
April 5-10, San Diego, USA
BioEquity Europe 2024
May 12-24, 2024, San Sebastian, Spain
