Munich Startup: What problem do you offer a solution for?
Christina Beck, Clinical Development Project Manager: We address acute and chronic pneumonia that can progress to pulmonary fibrosis in the long term. Our primary target indication is chronic and exacerbating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Currently, there are only limited effective treatment options available for this disease, highlighting a significant unmet medical need.
Munich Startup: What can you do as of today?
Christina Beck: With RCS-21 We are developing a novel, inhaled drug that targets specific cell types. It is an oligonucleotide that, using our Trimannose technology, selectively inhibits miR-21 in macrophages. This makes RCS-21 the first oligonucleotide specifically developed for the treatment of pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis.
More than 15 years of research before the company was founded
Munich Startup: What triggered the founding?
Christina Beck: The Founding This followed over 15 years of research on miR-21 led by Stefan Engelhardt. Crucially, successful preclinical results with RCS-21, which we were also able to publish, were obtained. Furthermore, we received funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (now: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space) as part of the CoVmiR Grant program, as well as a positive recommendation from the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).
Munich Startup: Was there ever a moment when you thought about giving up?
Christina Beck: No, not actually. Of course, there are always challenges, but we are convinced of our medication. Our goal is to give new hope to people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and related diseases.
Munich Startup: How would you know in a year that you're on the right track?
Christina Beck: We would primarily measure our progress by three milestones: positive results from the currently ongoing Phase I study, a successful Series A financing round, and the start of a Phase II study.
Strong ecosystem & outstanding universities
Munich Startup: Would you start a business in Munich again, and why?
Christina Beck: Yes, absolutely. Munich offers a very strong startup ecosystem, for example with the IZB in Martinsried. In addition, the proximity to excellent research institutions like LMU and TUM facilitates close collaborations. Furthermore, we benefit from excellent networking and existing cluster initiatives such as the CNATM.
Munich Startup: Perfection or speed?
Christina Beck: For us, it's a combination of both. High precision is essential in clinical development. At the same time, speed plays a crucial role in competition, and investors in particular pay attention to this.
