In the last year, five new spin-offs were created at the University of Zurich to bring research-based ideas to market readiness. The new companies are developing innovative approaches for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, lead poisoning, blood cancer and endometriosis as well as for better diagnostics in oral health.
Every year, talented students and researchers from the University of Zurich set up their own companies and bring innovative business concepts to life. Last year, five teams signed a license agreement with UZH to commercialize new methods and technologies. The new spin-offs are based on research work in the fields of medicine, dentistry and chemistry.
Digital scanning technologies, which make it possible to measure teeth and the inside of the mouth with high precision using optical cameras, are becoming increasingly common in dental practices. In addition to the fabrication of dental prostheses, this scan data opens up a wide range of diagnostic possibilities. The spin-off Dentexion is developing a software platform that allows dentists to analyze 3D data from patients and evaluate changes over time. The technology, developed at the Department of Computer-Assisted Restorative Dentistry, uses AI to analyze 3D scans of components such as teeth, gums and bone in order to detect and document pathological changes at an early stage, which is particularly helpful in cases of tooth tissue loss or inflammation.
Food, tap water or even air particles contaminated with lead pose health risks. Even small amounts of the heavy metal can lead to kidney damage, anemia, high blood pressure, cardiovascular failure and cognitive and neurological impairments.
There are currently only two drugs available to treat severe lead poisoning. Over 90 percent of diagnosed cases remain untreated. Chemist Michal Shoshan wants to change this with her spin-off metaLead Therapeutics AG. She and her team at the Institute of Chemistry have developed novel short peptides that overcome the disadvantages of conventional therapies. Of the 50 or so peptides synthesized, eight show promising properties. The leading drug candidate tested in animal models significantly reduced lead levels in the blood, brain and liver without affecting essential metal concentrations.
The spin-off ATLyphe AG is developing antibodies to stimulate immune cells that could be used in the future to treat blood stem cell diseases. The current main project focuses on an antibody that activates T cells to fight acute myeloid leukemia. Due to the structural similarities between diseased leukemia cells and healthy blood stem cells, this biospecific antibody could also be used in the future before the transplantation of foreign or genetically corrected hematopoietic stem cells. This would be a promising treatment option not only for patients with acute myeloid leukemia, but also for patients with other leukemias and congenital blood disorders. The safety and efficacy of the therapy in people with acute myeloid leukemia will soon be tested in a Phase I study. ATLyphe is based on research work at UZH and ETH Zurich. It is headed by Markus Manz, Professor of Hematology and Director of the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology at the University Hospital Zurich, and Dario Neri, Professor at ETH Zurich.
The spin-off FimmCyte is researching a new treatment for endometriosis, a disease in which endometrium-like cells grow outside the uterus. Endometriosis often causes severe chronic pain; it is estimated that around 10 percent of women of childbearing age worldwide are affected. Instead of the usual hormone treatments or operations, FimmCyte relies on antibody therapy. The antibodies developed by the start-up company recognize a specific protein that is excessively present in endometriosis cells, thus enabling direct treatment of the affected tissue.
The scientific discovery comes from the laboratory of Brigitte Leeners, UZH Professor of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine. The young researchers Valentina Vongrad and Mohaned Shilaih from her team discovered this specific protein overexpression and developed the antibody therapy as a result. The treatment is currently in the test phase.
Seito Biologics AG is developing a new immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Unlike conventional treatments, which suppress the immune system and thus increase the risk of infection and cancer, the spin-off focuses on regulating the immune system. To this end, the spin-off is working on a therapy with Treg cell engagers. These aim to improve regulatory T cells, also known as Treg cells. Treg cells help to keep the immune system in check by preventing excessive or misdirected immune reactions. The therapy improves both the function and the number of these Treg cells. This stabilizes the immune system and prevents it from mistakenly turning against its own body, which is the case with autoimmune diseases. The promising therapy is based on research conducted by the UZH Chair of Clinical Immunology and Allergology.
Since 1999, 152 spin-offs have been created at UZH, of which 129 (85%) are still active. This result is remarkable in that, according to the latest figures from the Federal Statistical Office, the nationwide survival rate of newly founded companies after five years is only around 50%. Some of these UZH spin-offs were particularly successful last year.
The University of Zurich actively promotes the founding of start-ups and spin-offs by its researchers, doctoral students, students, employees and alumni. The term spin-off is used specifically for companies that have concluded a license agreement with UZH. Since 2017, UZH has also been awarding the UZH Startup Label, which identifies the connection to the university and can increase credibility with customers and investors. The awarding of this label is based on criteria such as the founders' relationship to UZH, the legal form, the innovation potential, a scalable and ethical business model and solid initial financing. Last year, eight companies were awarded the UZH Startup Label.
With the UZH Entrepreneur Fellowships, the University of Zurich provides funding, coaching, training and laboratory facilities to young scientists who want to set up a company based on UZH research. The co-founders of the new spin-offs metaLead Therapeutics AG, FimmCyte AG and Seito Biologics AG - Michal Shoshan, Valentina Vongrad and Ufuk Karakus - were supported by the UZH Entrepreneur Fellowship. The program is made possible by generous donations from the Werner Siemens Foundation and the Hans Eggenberger Foundation.
The UZH Innovation Hub is the hub for innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Zurich. As a catalyst, it accelerates the further development of new inventions and ideas and strengthens the transfer of innovative research and teaching to industry and society.