Thrasos Therapeutics Inc.
This article was originally published in Start Up
Executive Summary
Bone morphogenetic proteins interact with a number of related but structurally distinct BMP receptors, each with different biological effects, and researchers have eyed BMP for a number of therapeutic indications. But the proteins come with a big caveat: they tend to promote inappropriate bone growth at sites of infection and the spot where injected, and that side effect has derailed many therapeutic efforts. Thrasos Therapeutics Inc. aims to get around that problem by designing agonists that selectively activate the BMP-7 receptors that promote tissue growth and protection, without affecting those receptors that cause bone growth. Its lead programs include compounds designed to prevent and treat acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.