Promakhos Therapeutics

Promakhos Therapeutics is a biotechnology company founded in 2021 and based in the Boston area that develops transformative therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases. The company’s approach focuses on identifying and creating novel molecules, often inspired by commensal bacteria, that restore the body's natural immune balance and innate ability to manage inflammation and promote healing. This stands in contrast to conventional therapies, which typically treat symptoms by suppressing the immune system. Their lead efforts focus on preclinical development of oral drug candidates for conditions such as Crohn's disease, aiming to provide more effective, non-immunosuppressive treatment options.

The company's work addresses a significant medical need, as many existing treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders offer only temporary relief and benefit a limited percentage of patients long-term. By targeting the root cause of inflammation, Promakhos aims to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The firm has been supported by various institutional investors, accelerators like Y Combinator, and government funding, including a National Institutes of Health (NIH) SBIR grant to validate their small molecule immunomodulators for Crohn's disease. Their team, led by co-founders Katerina Chatzi and Jasper Edgar Neggers, leverages expertise in immunology, microbiology, and drug discovery to translate these scientific insights into clinical solutions.