Klas Therapeutics - An innovative new treatment for melanoma

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Today we're excited to meet Bridgeen Callan of Klas Therapeutics

So Bridgeen, tell us more about Klas Therapeutics

Klas therapeutics have developed an innovative new treatment for melanoma, skin cancer. Resulting from almost 10 years of research within Ulster University school of Pharmacy, we are in the process of commercialising this much needed technology, bringing it a step closer to our ultimate goal of patient benefit.

Our technology unlocks the use of photodynamic therapy (known as PDT) to be used against melanoma cancer for the first time. PDT is a first line treatment for non melanoma skin cancer and is effective with minimal systemic side effects as well as minimal scarring, but without our unique patented compound, PDT has not been effective against melanoma, until now.

How did you come up with the business idea and what problem are you looking to solve?

We have been working on this technology for almost 10 years. It started as an antimicrobial agent using light to activate it and generate the cytotoxic oxygen species.

When we tested it against different cancer cells, we were amazed at how well it worked against melanoma cancer. Melanoma cancer is unfortunately the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and despite representing less than 5% of skin cancers, it is responsible for over 80 % of skin cancer related deaths.

What made you want to start your own business?

Having had multiple chemistry sets during my younger years (I kept running out of magnesium ribbon and iron fillings lol), it was no surprise that after my A-levels I completed a degree and then PhD in Chemistry.

Following my PhD, I stayed in academia and completed a research position before moving into a lectureship, followed by senior lecturer and then professorial position. At no stage, was being an entrepreneur on my radar.

However, in 2020 I started the journey of translating my research into practice- I quickly realised that I am the strongest / only advocate for this technology, and therefore I was the one best placed to ensure that its full potential could be reached.

I had no prior business experience at all pre 2020, so it has been a wonderful and enlightening learning journey for me. I have gained so much knowledge and had some wonderful support along the way, that I now consider myself an entrepreneurial academic!

What stage is your business currently at?

We have completed a comprehensive preclinical data package, so in tech talk we are at TRL5/6. We are currently seeking our first equity investment. This money will allow us to complete the GMP manufacture as well as a toxicology study bringing us closer to our first clinical evidence. My current priority is to complete on this investment round in 2025.

What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?

Knowing that this technology has the potential to have a real impact upon peoples lives.

What is the number one business tip you've learned that you'd like to share with fellow budding entrepreneurs?

There is no such thing as a generic template. All business plans/ pitch deck / risk registers / data rooms etc. will vary, and that's okay.

Who are your startup heroes?

Coming from Northern Ireland, we have a great legacy with pharmaceutical founders including Sir Allen McClay, Dr Peter FitzGerald and Lord Ballyedmond. Each of these individuals grew their successful businesses from scratch, leaving us with a trio of local startup heroes.

Is there a favourite podcast, book or series you'd like to share with the world?

As an avid reader, I would recommend sampling as many biographies as you can get your hands on. I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing the journey of a range of individuals. The best way to achieve this is through the library website which currently uses the libby app, as this allows free download on all materials.

Where can people find you online?

Check our our website and  follow us on LinkedIn to carry on the conversation. 

It's been really great to chat today Bridgeen! Good luck in the future with your business and we look forward to catching up with you soon.

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