The Investment: $1 million
The Company: FytonBio
The University Partner: Monash University
Breakthrough Victoria: $500,000
Monash University: $500,000
About
FytonBio is not a typical startup. It works closely with Monash to develop new treatments based on research from Associate Professor Remy Robert’s lab. FytonBio has official rights to use Monash’s technology, and both Monash and Remy are part-owners of the company. This ensures that the university benefits from any success and that the research continues to grow. It’s team include A/Prof. Remy Robert - Co-founder, Chacko Joseph, Co-founder, Chuck Silberstein - Co-founder and CEO and Adel Nada - Co-founder and Executive Chair
The Problem
More than 1.3 million Australians suffer from the symptoms of autoimmune diseases every day, with more than 80 different types—including well-known conditions like Type 1 Diabetes, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Most current treatments work by broadly suppressing the immune system, which can lead to serious side effects like tissue damage, a higher risk of infections, and even neurological or psychological problems.
The Solution
FytonBio is developing advanced antibodies that can find and remove these harmful immune cells. This approach has the potential to not just treat—but actually cure—some of these diseases by stopping the root cause.
There’s a growing need for treatments that are more precise and only target the actual cause of the disease, rather than shutting down the entire immune system.
Monash University, a leader in GPCR biology and antibody discovery, has developed the GPCR Rare Epitope Antibody Targeting (GREAT) platform, which FytonBio will use to create a new generation of antibody-based therapies.
GREAT platform technology allows FytonBio to make highly specific antibodies that zero in on harmful disease-causing immune cells in the body. Because these antibodies are so targeted, they can treat and potentially cure disease without harming healthy cells. This means fewer side effects, a lower risk of serious complications, and better outcomes for patients compared to traditional treatments.
Image courtesy of Monash University
(L-R) Ingmar Wahlqvist, Senior Director, New Ventures and Investments Monash University,
Dr. Olga Hogan, Senior Director Pre-Seed and Venture Capital, Breakthrough Victoria
The Hon. John Brumby, Chair Breakthrough Victoria
Professor Sharon Pickering, Vice-Chancellor and Senior Vice-President Monash University
Associate Professor Remy Robert, Fyton Bio