Enzyme by Design

Enzyme by Design is a preclinical biotechnology company that utilizes rational, structure-based protein engineering to develop safer oncology therapeutics. The firm specializes in modifying medically relevant enzymes to reduce toxic side effects associated with current chemotherapies. Their primary focus involves developing improved L-asparaginases, which are established treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. By addressing issues such as immunogenicity and glutaminase co-activity—which frequently limit the use of bacterial-derived asparaginases—the company engineers mammalian-based or humanized enzymes designed for better safety and efficacy. Their technological approach includes fusing enzymes to human serum albumin-binding domains to enhance in vivo persistence and therapeutic potency.

These advancements are significant for patients who cannot tolerate traditional treatments due to severe toxicity or immunological responses. By improving the safety profile of these biologics, Enzyme by Design aims to expand the clinical utility of asparaginases beyond pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia to include adult leukemia patients and various solid tumors, such as pancreatic, ovarian, and triple-negative breast cancers. The company’s work, supported by research expertise and pre-clinical data, seeks to minimize dosing frequency and drug toxicity, ultimately enhancing patient quality of life and treatment outcomes. Their development pipeline is aimed at progressing these candidates through IND-enabling studies toward human clinical trials.