ATHNA BIOTECH

Athna Biotech specializes in developing novel nanotherapeutics for cancer. The SCNPs developed by Athna Biotech accurately target cancer cells, causing them to disintegrate and release tumor antigens as well as damage-associated molecular pattern molecules. These molecules help recruit dendritic cells, which leads to antigen-specific immunity. Because SCNPs are derived from a benign electrolyte, the side effects are minimal. Athna’s development addresses a gap in the market that BCG seems unable to fill. The global urothelial cancer drug market was valued at $855 million in 2017; it is expected to reach $3.6 billion by 2023. Athna is on track to compete for the NCI Experimental Therapeutics (NExT) program, bringing its drug closer to clinical use.