Onya Therapeutics, a new private biotech company developing products for hard-to-treat and chronic wounds, has been launched today. Onya was established as a spin out from Neem Biotech, a biotech company focused on the discovery of anti-virulence and anti-bacterial molecules utilising its expertise in bacterial-host interactions.
Building on more than 10 years of research, Onya has been founded with a team of experienced biotech entrepreneurs to fast-track its technology into clinical testing. The lead product, PP01, is an effective microbicide and astringent incorporated into a novel patch technology for the treatment of overly exuding wounds and will initially be developed to treat diabetic foot ulcers.

Commenting on the new company, Thomas Hafner, CEO, said:  “I expect great things for ONYA and our team, as I believe we can provide real innovation for the treatment of hard to heal wounds – from the management of highly exuding wounds to antibiotic sparing and ultimately eliminating antimicrobial resistance in wound treatments. These are problems that are either not at all, or not adequality addressed by existing therapeutic approaches.”

Other key members of the Onya team include: Dr David Houston, Chief Scientific Officer and Steve Burt, Financial Director. Professor Keith Harding from the Welsh Wound Innovation Centre (WWIC) will assume a role on the Scientific Advisory Board.

Onya is currently in discussions with a number of life science investors to raise seed funding for a Phase II clinical trial in diabetic patients with foot ulcers designed to determine safety and preliminary efficacy through multiple doses.