Shape Biopharmaceuticals wins Venture Kick finale

The increasing pressure on healthcare systems, driven by rising demand for services and resource constraints, highlights the urgent need for innovative strategies in disease prevention and treatment. Traditional approaches often encounter challenges such as lengthy development timelines, high costs, and limited accessibility, preventing the effective delivery of immunotherapies to millions of patients worldwide.

Based on its proprietary SHAPEnano particles, Shape Biopharmaceuticals is developing a new class of structurally defined, 3D-optimized engineered nanomedicines that leverage the immune system for chronic diseases. The ability to generate personalized therapeutic antibodies directly within patients' bodies will potentially revolutionize the treatment of various chronic conditions while improving the accessibility and affordability of immunotherapies. Patients will be able to benefit from just two to three doses per year, compared to the considerably higher amounts typically required. Additionally, it reduces the risk of anti-drug antibodies and delivers substantial cost savings, distinguishing Shape in the market and expanding treatment options for many.

Chronic diseases are on the rise globally, with projected costs exceeding CHF 40 trillion by 2030. The immunotherapy market is also primed for significant growth, estimated to reach CHF 173 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 12%. Despite this, many conditions remain under-treated. With its technology and team, Shape Biopharmaceuticals is well-positioned to bridge these gaps. The company was founded in 2023 by repeat biotech entrepreneurs CEO Arin Ghasparian and CSO Armando Zuniga, who both have a longstanding track record of successfully developing novel vaccine and drug delivery technologies from scratch to clinic.

The award prize of CHF 150’000 from Venture Kick will allow the company to accelerate business and product development, progressing strategic initiatives aimed at delivering innovative treatments.

"Venture Kick has been a key support in our journey, providing essential early-stage funding and constructive feedback to develop our company. Its backing has strengthened Shape’s foundation, accelerating our progress toward bringing advanced immunotherapy solutions to market," stated Arin Ghasparian.

(Press release/RAN)