PSI stands for high-impact research – in science, industry, and society. An essential part of this approach is the successful transfer of technologies into the economy. Spin-offs play a central role in this process by turning groundbreaking research results into market-ready products and services.
A current example is Astra Therapeutics AG, a PSI spin-off founded in 2022. The young biotechnology company develops precision drugs against parasites affecting animals and has now raised CHF 7.75 million in a seed financing round – a great success! The funding was led by renowned investors MIG Capital (Germany) and Digitalis Ventures (USA), with additional participation from Borealis Ventures, Kickfund, and Venture Kick.
With the new funding, Astra Therapeutics will further develop its ParaX® technology platform, which is based on work conducted at the Laboratory for Biomolecular Research under Prof. Michel Steinmetz at PSI. This enables a new generation of parasiticides – called Parabulins® – that specifically target parasites while sparing host cells. In doing so, the company addresses the growing need for effective and safe treatments in animal health, particularly in light of increasing resistance problems.
The success story of Astra Therapeutics clearly demonstrates how technology transfer works at PSI: from excellent research emerge promising developments that address important societal challenges. This process is supported by a strong innovation ecosystem at the Switzerland Innovation Park Innovaare.
With the support of international investors, Astra Therapeutics is now well positioned to further develop its technology and bring it to market. The spin-off not only contributes to strengthening Switzerland’s biotech sector but also shows how PSI, through successful knowledge transfer, makes a sustainable contribution to improving the health of both animals and humans.
Congratulations to the Astra Therapeutics team on this great success!
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