DELIVERING THE NEXT BREAKTHROUGH

For years, scientists have searched for new ways to treat diseases that have few, if any, effective options. But even when a promising therapy exists, one obstacle often stands in the way: getting it where it needs to go.

Some medicines never reach their target. Others are stopped by the body’s own defenses before they can begin to work. Phoreus Biotech was founded around the idea that solving one challenge could unlock countless others.

“The simplest thing to describe about Phoreus is the technology that helps deliver drugs,” said David Schaefer, the company’s CEO. “A lot of medicines that have been developed, especially the newer genetic medicines, are having trouble getting to the target cells.”

At the center of Phoreus’ platform is a peptide nanoparticle, a tiny delivery vehicle designed to transport therapies to their intended destination. Unlike many existing delivery methods, Schaefer says the company’s technology is highly compatible with the body’s immune system, opening new possibilities for treatments that require repeated dosing.

“The unique thing about the peptide nanoparticles we have is they’re very immune-friendly,” he said.

The technology’s first focus is on pulmonary disease. Working alongside researchers at KU Medical Center, the Phoreus team has demonstrated that its peptide nanoparticles can move through the lungs’ protective mucus layer to reach the cells beneath, something that has limited many previous genetic therapies.

“They’ve been trying to do genetic medicines in the lung and other things for quite a while, and it failed because those particles can’t get through the mucus,” Schaefer said. “We’ve taken this peptide nanoparticle, loaded it with markers, and got it through the mucus. Now we’re working on drug candidates and genetic therapies.”

THINKING SMALL FOR BIG POSSIBILITIES

Like many biotechnology companies, Phoreus is intentionally focused on proving its technology where it can make the biggest difference first.

“We’re trying to pick a few first winners that are fastest to prove value,” Schaefer said.

One of those opportunities is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive illness affecting millions of people.

“COPD affects about 20 million Americans and many more around the world,” Schaefer said. “It’s a chronic, progressive disease. There has not really been very good therapies. In fact, there’s no cure. There’s no really effective therapy for COPD.”

While COPD is the company’s lead program, Phoreus sees potential far beyond a single disease. Because its technology is designed to improve how therapies reach targeted cells, the platform could eventually support treatments across a wide range of conditions.

That possibility is what drew Schaefer to the company. “I’ve worked in a lot of startups before, and obviously, the technology is very exciting,” he said. “It’s going to be something that changes the world.” He believes the opportunity extends well beyond a single breakthrough.

“We’re talking about breakthroughs that could cure COPD,” Schaefer said. “We have therapies that could help cure anemia. We have things that could be breakthroughs in cancer therapies, change toxicity profile.” While those possibilities remain ahead, interest in the platform is already growing among research partners across the country.

“Since I’ve been here, we’ve been working with KU Med, several different groups, Wisconsin, University of Texas El Paso, Florida State, Mayo Clinic,” Schaefer said. “Many of these, they’re just waiting for that nanoparticle to test because they need it to take their breakthrough to the next step.”

perks of the park

For Schaefer, KU Innovation Park has provided far more than laboratory space. He credits the Park with listening to the needs of resident companies and helping build connections that support commercialization.

“Our biggest need is access to capital,” Schaefer said. “The Park team listened.” That feedback helped shape the creation of Oread Angel Investors, a network that connects promising startup companies with early-stage investors.

“They created Oread Angel Investors, which is a great opportunity to network and get some capital,” Schaefer said. “They’re always taking our calls, always trying to get us connected, always bringing in the next group.”

Beyond investment, Schaefer says the Park plays an important role in strengthening the region’s innovation community by connecting researchers, entrepreneurs and industry expertise.