Research - , New York, United States
Inappropriate activation of the immune system results in the majority of human diseases. Thus, modulation of immune system is the focus of many drug research and development programs, which are targeting inflammation-related diseases as diverse as cancer, sepsis and Alzheimer's. Pyrotech Therapeutics is a newcomer in this field but is rapidly become world-recognized for its innovative science and first-in-class programs. Pyrotech is based on ground-breaking discoveries in the laboratory of its scientific co-founder regarding ‘pyroptosis', which is a type of cell death that controls infections by stimulating strong immune responses. However, this often beneficial highly inflammatory cell death occurs not only in the presence of pathogens but also results from other types of stimuli and injuries. Consequently, an exaggerated or inappropriate immune response can result in both acute and chronic harm to many organs. Identifying molecules that inhibit excessive and harmful immune reactions is one cornerstone of Pyrotech's programs. Conversely, Pyrotech has also discovered molecules that can exaggerate pyroptosis in cancer cells; these can lead to the eradication of tumors.Pyrotech was founded in early 2021 by Professor Feng Shao of the National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, and Dr. TJ Deng, formerly the CEO of BioDuro China. In just one year, Pyrotech has built a 40,000-square feet of start-of-the-art research center in the Life Science Park of Beijing, and smaller facilities in Shanghai and San Diego. As of today, it employs 100+ experts in drug discovery, medicinal chemistry and clinical development. Several of the company's small molecule and biologic immune modulators are advancing quickly into clinical studies and the pipeline continues to expand. Pyrotech aspires to become the first China-centric biopharmaceutical company that competes and partners globally with established major pharma companies.