The biotechnology company is developing technology designed to eliminate specific proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.
Oyster Therapeutics, previously known as Kesmalea Therapeutics, has secured $60 million in Series A-2 financing led by 4BIO Capital.
Investors include Eli Lilly, CE Ventures, Actium Group, TOHO Ventures, Syncona, Oxford Science Enterprises, Mission BioCapital and MGB Ventures.
The company was founded by medicinal chemist Harry Finch in 2020 and is led by CEO Robert Johnson.
A Different Approach to Alzheimer's Research
Many Alzheimer's treatment strategies focus on proteins associated with the disease.
Oyster is developing targeted protein degradation technology designed to remove particular proteins rather than merely inhibit their activity.
Its proprietary SELFTAC platform aims to create smaller therapeutic components that can enter tissues and form active protein-degrading structures inside the body.
The company's initial focus includes tau, a protein associated with neurodegenerative conditions.
Moving Toward Clinical Development
The financing will support the development of an oral drug candidate intended to reach the brain and target tau-related pathology.
Oyster must still demonstrate safety, biological activity and clinical benefit through the relevant research and regulatory processes.
No approved treatment or established commercial revenue was announced.
The company's opportunity is scientifically significant, but it remains an early-stage drug development investment.
Its next important milestones will involve advancing its lead program toward clinical studies and generating evidence supporting the technology's therapeutic potential.
Founder: Harry Finch. CEO: Robert Johnson. Lead investor: 4BIO Capital.