AATec Medical works with the active ingredient alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT). This human serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN) is responsible for protecting tissue from protease damage, meaning it has both anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. The startup has found a way to industrially synthesize AAT, which previously could only be produced from human blood plasma. This significantly reduces the price of the active ingredient, opening up new application possibilities. These include administration in combination with an innovative inhalation technology for the treatment of respiratory diseases.
The company's technology is protected by a patent portfolio and is based on research work by co-founders Dr. Manfred Stangl, Head of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation at the University Hospital of Munich and Chief Scientific Officer of AATec, Dr. Michael Strassmair, Head of the Department of Hand Surgery at the Manus Sana Hospital in Starnberg/Munich and Chief Medical Officer of AATec.
AATec plans first clinical trials for 2024
With the announcement of the seed financing round, the Startup simultaneously enters stealth mode and announces the start of operational activities. The €2.7 million invested comes from unnamed private investors, industry experts, and family offices. The funds will be used to scale the startup's technology and expand the team. The startup also plans to prepare the clinical development of its first product candidate, ATL-105, an innovative formulation for the inhaled treatment of respiratory diseases, for launch in 2024.
Dr. Rüdiger Jankowsky, Co-founder and CEO of AATec, said:
"I am excited by the enormous therapeutic potential of alpha-1 antitrypsin, which has been validated by our preclinical research. Combined with innovative inhalation technology, we will make a decisive difference in the future treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases. Our lean development approach, implemented by our expert team and supported by renowned academic experts and industry partners, enables an efficient process, allowing us to begin clinical trials in 2024."
Dr. Karsten Ottenberg, co-founder of AATec and Chairman of the Advisory Board, added:
"We are developing AATec Medical with the vision that alpha-1 antitrypsin has the potential for global societal impact. It can address the high unmet medical need for a range of serious diseases, including the challenges posed by today's endemic and potentially pandemic viral diseases. I am very pleased that we have been able to attract an experienced management team, led by CEO Rüdiger Jankowsky, who has extensive experience in managing startup companies and end-to-end biopharmaceutical product development."
