AATec Medical works with the active ingredient alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT). This human serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN) is responsible for protecting tissue from damage caused by proteases, meaning it has both anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. The startup has found a way to synthesize AAT, which previously could only be produced from human blood plasma, on an industrial scale. This significantly reduces the cost of the active ingredient, opening up new applications. These include administration in combination with innovative inhalation technology for the treatment of respiratory diseases.
The company’s technology is protected by a patent portfolio and is based on research by co-founders Dr. Manfred Stangl, head of kidney and pancreas transplantation at University Hospital Munich and Chief Scientific Officer of AATec, and Dr. Michael Strassmair, head of the hand surgery department at Manus Sana Hospital in Starnberg/Munich and Chief Medical Officer of AATec.
AATec plans first clinical trials for 2024
With the announcement of the seed funding round, the startup is also exiting stealth mode and announcing the beginning of operational activities. The invested €2.7 million comes from unnamed private investors, industry experts, and family offices. The funds will be used to scale the startup’s technology and expand its team. Additionally, the startup plans to prepare for the clinical development of its first product candidate, ATL-105, an innovative formulation for inhalation treatment of respiratory diseases, to begin in 2024.
Dr. Rüdiger Jankowsky, co-founder and CEO of AATec, said:
“I am excited about the enormous therapeutic potential of alpha-1-antitrypsin, which has been validated by our preclinical research. In combination with innovative inhalation technology, we will make a decisive difference in the future treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases. Our lean development approach, implemented by our expert team and supported by renowned academic experts and industry partners, enables efficient progress, so we expect to begin clinical trials in 2024.”
Dr. Karsten Ottenberg, co-founder of AATec and chair of the advisory board, added:
“We are developing AATec Medical with the vision that alpha-1-antitrypsin has the potential for global societal impact. It can address the high medical need for a range of serious diseases, including the challenges posed by current endemic and potentially pandemic viral diseases. I am delighted that we have been able to recruit an experienced management team led by CEO Rüdiger Jankowsky, which brings extensive experience in leading startup companies and complete biopharmaceutical product development.”
