Author: Kurt Herpel

  • Delta4 Announces Dr. Hans Lehrach to Join Scientific Advisory Board

    Delta4 Announces Dr. Hans Lehrach to Join Scientific Advisory Board

    VIENNA, Austria, September 27th, 2021 — Delta4, a digital drug discovery company focusing on the identification of new indications for existing drug compounds, today announced that Dr. Hans Lehrach will join its Scientific Advisory Board. Prof. Lehrach is a distinguished scientist in the area of genomics.

    „We are excited to have Dr. Lehrach join our Scientific Advisory Board“, commented Kurt Herpel, CEO, Delta4. Herpel added: „His insights and his direction as an eminent expert in genetics and personalized medicine will be a boost for Delta4 as we are accelerating the application of our drug discovery platform and are moving into additional disease areas.”

    Dr. Lehrach stated: „Big Data approaches have proven their potential to vastly increase the success rate in the drug discovery and development process. With its e.valuation software platform the Delta4 team is at the forefront of applying this revolution in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.“

    As a member of Delta4’s Scientific Advisory Board Dr. Lehrach brings to the Company a wealth of experience both as an eminent scientist as well as in the management of research-based organizations. Over the course of his decades-long career he pioneered ground-breaking experiments and research tools and led renowned research institutions, including the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London, and the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin. In addition, he was actively involved in the founding of a range of biotechnology companies.

    About Delta4’s Drug Discovery Platform

    Delta4’s drug discovery platform was successfully applied in contract research for global pharma and biotechnology companies. The platform integrates in-silico drug discovery and big data analysis with extensive expertise in molecular biology and clinical development. Due to its unique technology, Delta4 delivers not only drug candidates but also a mechanistic hypothesis about the underlying mode of action, significantly increasing their value for pharmaceutical development.

    About Delta4

    Delta4 is a drug discovery and development company, combining in-silico drug discovery and big data analysis with extensive expertise in molecular biology and clinical development to a powerful proprietary drug discovery platform. This platform generates promising drug candidates annotated with biological and medical information, resulting in a fast track to establish a clinical proof of concept.

    The Company focuses on the discovery of novel indications for approved drugs (drug repositioning). In its first therapeutic area, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a devastating renal disease with high and urgent medical need, Delta4 has identified and pre-clinically validated promising drug candidates that are currently prepared for clinical proof-of-concept. In 2020, the Company applied its drug discovery platform to additional indications. As a result, Delta4 has readied a potential COVID-19 therapy for Phase 1 development and filed four patent applications for compounds in two indications.

    In April 2021, Delta4 announced that is has successfully closed a multi-million Series A financing round.

    Delta4 was founded in 2019. The Company is based in Vienna, Austria.

    Contact Delta 4 GmbH, Kurt Herpel, CEO, Alser Straße 23/30, 1080 Vienna Austria, office@delta4.ai, +41 79 874 13 22

  • FSGS and COVID-19 programs ready for Phase II studies

    FSGS and COVID-19 programs ready for Phase II studies

    We are proud to announce further progress in our current drug discovery and development programs. In late 2020, Delta4 filed four patent applications for compounds and combinations of compounds for the treatment of FSGS, a rare kidney disease with only limited therapeutic options, and COVID-19.

    Today, drug candidates from both programs have been biologically validated and in-vivo tested. Our first FSGS drug candidate is now ready to move into Phase II of clinical testing (the compound was extensively studied as a therapy in a different indication and we “repositioned” it as a potential FSGS therapy.) Similarly, we are currently preparing to start clinical testing of our COVID-19 drug candidate(s) in cooperation with a major European university hospital.

    Being able to identify drug candidates in two unrelated indications, to file four patent applications for a number of compounds and combinations of compounds in these indications, and further to biologically validate two development candidates and make them ready for Phase II clinical trials is a huge achievement for Delta4. We are even prouder of our achievements, as we managed to get from kick-off of the respective programs to a shortlist of promising compounds after only 8 weeks. Overall, in both programs we were able to have a development candidate ready for Phase II studies in just 14 months.

    Based on these achievements we are now looking forward to moving into new disease areas. As in FSGS and COVID-19, we plan to identify drug candidates and validate them, so that they are ready for further development, including out-licensing or outright sale.

    If you are interested in discussing licensing and other business development opportunities, you can contact us via e-mail (office@delta4.ai) or by using the contact menu on this website.

    Photo by National Cancer Institute on unsplash.com
  • Delta4 files four patent applications in FSGS and COVID-19

    Delta4 files four patent applications in FSGS and COVID-19

    We are very pleased to announce that Delta4 has filed four patent applications for compounds and combinations of compounds in our drug discovery programs in FSGS and COVID-19. FSGS, or Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, is a devastating renal disease with high and urgent medical need. We initiated our discovery program in this disease in Q4 2019 while our COVID-19 program started in March 2020.

    In both indications it took just 3 and 2 months, respectively, of applying our powerful drug discovery platform until our team was able to have a shortlist of promising compounds available for further evaluation.

    This achievement highlights the drug discovery capabilities of the Delta4 team and our drug discovery platform. Based on our achievements in recent months we are confident that we can identify drug candidates in other indications and file for in-silico patents. Patents for drug candidates identified by our drug discovery platform are highly annotated including detailed proposals for their mode of action. As such, these patents are considerably stronger compared to others merely claiming a new indication without validation data.

    We are open for discussion on licensing opportunities provided by our current and future drug discovery programs. Alternatively, we offer our drug discovery platform to pharmaceutical companies interested in identifying new indications in the life-cycle management of existing compounds. You can contact us by e-mail (office@delta4.ai) or by using the contact menu on this website.

    Photo by Scott Graham on unsplash.com
  • Sachs 20th Annual Biotech In Europe Forum

    Sachs 20th Annual Biotech In Europe Forum

    The 20th Annual Biotech in Europe (BEF) Forum is recognized as the leading international Stage for those interested in investing and partnering in the biotech and life science industry. This highly transactional event draws together an exciting cross-section of early-stage/pre-lPO, late-stage, and public companies. With leading investors, analysts, money managers, and pharma licensing executives supported and designed by leading figures within Europe’s pharmaceutical and biotech industry, this event will once again be covered by our regular media partners.

    Delta4 was very actively participating and was successful in meeting with several pharma and VC representatives, leading to follow-on meetings.

    For partnering requests and opportunities contact us directly.

    Background

    What is the Sachs Biotech in Europe Forum?

    The Sachs Biotech in Europe Forum is an annual conference that takes place in Europe, bringing together leaders from the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and life sciences industries. The event is organized by Sachs Associates, a global consulting firm specializing in the life sciences sector. The forum provides a platform for participants to engage in discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities, with the aim of fostering collaborations and partnerships within the industry. Key topics covered at the conference include innovations in biotechnology, investment and financing strategies, regulatory and policy updates, as well as emerging trends and challenges in the life sciences sector. The event attracts a diverse audience of investors, executives, researchers, and other stakeholders from across the globe, making it an important event for those looking to stay informed and connected within the biotechnology and life sciences community.

    Why is the Sachas Biotech in Europe Forum Important?

    The Sachs Biotech in Europe event is important for several reasons:

    1. Networking opportunities: The forum brings together a diverse group of stakeholders from the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and life sciences industries, including investors, executives, researchers, and policy-makers. This provides a valuable opportunity for attendees to form new connections, share ideas, conduct business development and build strategic partnerships.
    2. Industry insights: The conference features presentations and discussions led by experts on key topics within the life sciences sector. Attendees can gain insights into the latest trends, innovations, and challenges facing the industry, as well as learn about new research developments and technologies.
    3. Investment and financing strategies: The forum serves as a platform for discussing investment and financing opportunities in the biotech and life sciences sectors. It connects companies seeking funding with potential investors and offers advice on effective strategies for attracting investment and managing financial resources.
    4. Regulatory and policy updates: The conference addresses changes in the regulatory landscape and the impact of various policies on the life sciences industry. This helps attendees stay informed about the current state of the market and the potential implications of new regulations and policies.
    5. Promoting collaboration: By fostering dialogue and collaboration among industry stakeholders through virtual meetings, the Sachs Biotech in Europe Forum contributes to the advancement of the biotechnology and life sciences sectors. This collaborative environment can lead to the development of new partnerships and joint ventures, ultimately driving innovation and progress within the industry.

    Delta4 considers itself fortunate to have participated in the Sachs Biotech in Europe Forum, as it presented an invaluable opportunity to engage with industry leaders, researchers, and investors from across the globe. The company is grateful for the numerous insightful discussions, productive meetings, and new connections they were able to forge during the event. Overall, Delta4’s experience at the Sachs Biotech in Europe Forum has proven to be immensely beneficial and inspiring.

  • World Orphan Drug Congress

    World Orphan Drug Congress

    With over 1,500 attendees from 50+ countries, the 2020 edition of the World Orphan Drug Congress USA was held online on August 24-26. The conference has also become the industry defining meeting on Advanced Therapies for rare diseases, featuring discussions on clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of cell and gene therapies, as well as the annual gathering for artificial intelligence and digital health solutions transforming the rare disease industry. More information on the conference can be found on Terrapinn.com.

    Delta4 was represented by its CEO and CSO. Several meetings led to promising next steps of partnering and collaboration.

    For more information on our orphan drug programs and partnering opportunities contact us directly. 

    Background

    What is the World Orphan Drug Conference (WODC)?

    The World Orphan Drug Congress (WODC) is an annual global conference that brings together various stakeholders in the rare disease and orphan drug industry, including pharmaceutical and biotech companies, patient advocacy groups, researchers, clinicians, and regulatory authorities. The primary objective of the congress is to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking among participants to advance the development of orphan drugs and improve the treatment options and quality of life for patients suffering from rare diseases.

    During the congress, attendees participate in discussions, presentations, and workshops that cover a wide range of topics related to orphan drugs and rare diseases, such as drug development and approval processes, clinical trials, market access, pricing and reimbursement strategies, patient advocacy, and regulatory policies. The event provides a platform for attendees to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the orphan drug industry. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the faster development, access, and delivery of life-saving therapies to patients affected by rare diseases around the world. 

    Why is the World Orphan Drug Conference Important?

    The World Orphan Drug Congress (WODC) is important for several reasons, as it plays a crucial role in advancing the orphan drug industry and improving the lives of patients affected by rare diseases. Some of the key outcomes and benefits of the Congress include:

    1. Collaboration: The WODC brings together diverse stakeholders from various sectors of the rare disease community, fostering collaboration and partnerships that can lead to more efficient drug development and better treatment options.
    2. Knowledge sharing: Attendees share the latest research findings, best practices, and innovative approaches in orphan drug development, scientific issues, clinical trials, and regulatory policies, thereby contributing to the overall growth of knowledge in the field.
    3. Networking: The congress provides a platform for professionals to build relationships and expand their professional network, which can facilitate new collaborations and projects that may not have been possible otherwise.
    4. Raising awareness: The WODC helps to raise awareness about rare diseases and the challenges faced by patients, their families, and healthcare providers. This increased awareness can lead to more support, resources, and funding for orphan drug development.
    5. Policy development: The conference allows regulatory agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss and refine existing policies and regulations, as well as develop new ones, to create a more conducive environment for orphan drug development and commercialization.
    6. Patient advocacy: The WODC empowers patient advocacy groups by providing them with an opportunity to share their stories, learn about the latest developments in treatments, and connect with industry professionals who can help advance their cause.

    Overall, the World Orphan Drug Congress serves as a catalyst for progress in the rare disease and orphan drug community. It leads to new partnerships, innovative solutions, and increased awareness, all of which contribute to the ultimate goal of improving the lives of patients affected by rare diseases.

  • LSX Investival

    LSX Investival

    Delta4 Reflects on the 2020 LSX Investival Showcase: A Landmark Event in Life Sciences Innovation

    In November 2020, the prestigious Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London hosted the LSX Investival Showcase, an eminent gathering in the life science and healthcare investment community. Delta4 was privileged to be among the distinguished participants in the 2020 Investival Showcase. 

    Representing the forefront of AI-driven drug discovery, Delta4 took the stage to present its pioneering work in developing treatments for complex and rare diseases. Utilizing our proprietary AI-powered platform, Hyper-C, we showcased our unique approach to drug indication expansion for drugs with known safety profiles. This methodology has positioned Delta4 as a trailblazer in the TechBio realm, accelerating the delivery of new treatments to patients who need them most.

    Our participation at the LSX Investival Showcase was not just an opportunity to present our innovative work but also a moment to reflect on the collective progress of the life science community. We are deeply thankful for the chance to have been part of this prestigious event and to have shared our vision and progress with a global audience. The experience at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London was an affirmation of our commitment to pioneering treatments for the future and an inspiration to continue our journey in transforming healthcare through technological innovation.

    What Is the LSX Investival Showcase?

    This event, renowned for connecting innovative life science companies with global financiers and deal-makers, marks a significant yearly milestone in the industry. The LSX Investival Showcase stands out as a premier platform for early, growth-stage, and public life science and health technology companies to exhibit their cutting-edge work and engage with a global network of investors and partners.

    What is the Significance of the LSX Investival Showcase?

    The significance of the LSX Investival Showcase cannot be overstated. It serves as a pivotal forum for thought leaders, innovators, and investors to converge, share ideas, and foster collaborations that propel the industry forward. The showcase, part of Europe’s most significant healthcare investment week, provides an unrivaled opportunity for participants to gain insights, forge strategic partnerships, and secure funding necessary for groundbreaking medical advancements.

    • Connecting Innovators and Investors: The event plays a pivotal role in linking life science and healthcare corporates with global capital and key deal-makers. This bridging is crucial for startups and established companies seeking funding and partnership opportunities.
    • Multi-Streamed Showcase Platform: The Investival Showcase offers a unique platform that features multiple streams, catering to various stages of company development, from early to growth stages, including public companies. This diversity in representation allows for a broader range of investment and networking opportunities.
    • Pitching and Profile Building: The event provides an unrivaled opportunity for participating companies to pitch their ideas and innovations to a curated audience of investors and strategic partners. It’s a chance for these companies to raise their profile within the industry.
    • Global Participation: As part of Europe’s biggest dedicated healthcare investment week, the event attracts a global audience, including a significant number of investors and strategic partners. This international presence underscores its importance as a global networking and deal-making platform.
    • Extensive Program and Learning Opportunities: With over 150 showcase presentations, strategic masterclasses, and dedicated 1:1 partnering opportunities, the Investival Showcase offers an extensive and comprehensive program. This structure provides learning and growth opportunities for both startups and established players in the industry.
    • Partnership with Industry Leaders: The Investival Showcase’s partnership with global entities like the European Lifestars Awards and Jefferies, a global investment bank, adds to its prestige and effectiveness. These partnerships enhance the event’s profile and the quality of networking and investment opportunities available.
    • Industry Trends and Convergence: The event is a hotspot for understanding current trends and the convergence happening within the healthcare sector, particularly the blurring lines between Biopharma, Healthtech/Digital Health, and traditional Medtech.
  • Life-Science Investment Days, Vienna

    Life-Science Investment Days, Vienna

    Delta4 Attends the Life Science Investment Days Event of 2019

    The Life Science Investment Days event held in Vienna from November 7 to 8, 2019, was a significant conference aimed at bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in the field of deep tech innovation, particularly within the healthcare and life science industries. This event was notable for its focus on fostering world-class deep tech innovation and was deeply embedded in the life science sector in Vienna, which is recognized for its high quality of life and thriving healthcare industry.

    The event’s program included a variety of key activities spread over the two days. On November 7, there was an evening reception, while November 8 featured a full schedule starting with registration in the morning, followed by a welcome note, a keynote address, and a panel discussion on the topic of “Life Science Deep Tech Investment – Europe – Quo vadis?”. This was followed by a luncheon, multiple tracks focusing on topics like life science funding, company pitching, and workshops covering financing, business development, legal issues, and public funding.

    The discussion panels included notable figures like Jasmin Güngör, an investment manager at Hermann Hauser Investment GmbH, who spoke about “Early Stage Funding – Challenges and Pitfalls”. Other panelists included Felix Faltin from Speedinvest, Astrid Woollard from Scytale Ventures, and Jaromir Zahradka from i&i. These discussions were crucial for understanding the dynamics of early-stage funding and investment in the life sciences sector.

    Among the attendees was Delta4, a young TechBio company specializing in AI-driven drug discovery for complex and rare diseases. The company leveraged this platform to gain deeper insights into the latest trends in life science investment and to network with potential investors and collaborators.

    This event represented an important opportunity for startups and venture capital funds to come together, with the aim of fueling investment in healthtech and other related fields. The Vienna Life Sciences Investment Day was a landmark occasion, marking the first of its kind in the city, and was seen as a potential starting point for making this an ongoing, regular event in the life science investment community.

    The Significance Of Life Science Investment Days

    The significance of the Life Science Investment Days event lies in its ability to provide a unique confluence of ideas, expertise, and opportunities. It serves as a crucible for innovation, where theoretical concepts meet practical investment, driving the future of the industry.

    For Delta4, attending this event was not just an opportunity to share their groundbreaking work in AI-driven drug discovery but also a chance to engage with the broader life science community. Their participation underscored their commitment to leveraging AI for the advancement of healthcare and the treatment of rare diseases.

    The Life Science Investment Days event of 2019 will be remembered as a milestone where industry pioneers like Delta4 contributed to and benefited from a collective vision for a healthier, more innovative future in life sciences.

  • Biotech in Europe Forum (BEF)

    Biotech in Europe Forum (BEF)

    Delta4’s Participation at the 19th Annual Biotech in Europe Forum: A Landmark Experience

    Delta4 was honored to attend the 19th Annual Biotech in Europe Forum in Basel, a premier event for the biotech and life science industry. This forum is renowned for its role as a key international platform for investment and partnership.

    At the heart of the forum were insightful plenary sessions and workshops. These sessions, including the State of the Industry Overview Panel, Global VC & Private Equity Roundtable, and various therapeutic panels, showcased industry trends and fostered discussions on diverse topics like autoimmune diseases, neuroscience, and oncology. The forum also highlighted the dynamic nature of the biotech industry with panels on medical cannabis and longevity. It attracted a diverse mix of early-stage, late-stage, and public companies, investors, and pharma executives, included over 700 delegates, and facilitated more than 3000 one-to-one meetings.

    Delta4 welcomed the opportunity to participate in this influential forum, which serves as a testament to the vibrant and collaborative spirit of the biotech industry.

    What is the Biotech in Europe Forum (BEF)?

    The Biotech in Europe Forum (BEF) is a prominent international event for the biotech and life science industry, focusing on investment and partnership opportunities. It gathers a diverse mix of private and public companies at various stages of growth, along with investors, analysts, money managers, and pharma licensing executives. The forum features plenary panels, workshops, and an abundance of networking opportunities, facilitating collaboration and innovation within the biotech sector. It’s recognized for its role in shaping industry trends and fostering connections among key industry players.

    The Significance of the Biotech in Europe Forum

    This event was significant for the global bio-pharma industry, focusing on key challenges in investment for 2019, as well as aspects of partnering and alliance management, and prospects for 2020. The panels and keynotes provided insights into the broader industry landscape and innovation in various therapeutic sectors. 

    Additionally, the forum offered a platform for early-stage/pre-IPO, late-stage, and public companies to connect with diverse key players and stakeholders across the industry. Facilitating thousands of one-to-one meetings and offering unparalleled networking and collaboration opportunities. The environment offers companies like Delta4 the chance to engage with a diverse group of brilliant individuals and organizations.