Innovative Sectors

Axial is actively exploring numerous transformative sectors in life sciences, including:

• 3D Genome
• Autoimmunity
• Nanopores
• Mass Spectrometry
• Depression
• Aging Biomarkers
• Cryo-EM
• Genome Engineering
• Global Medicine
• Drugging Non-coding Targets

3D Genome: Understanding Complexity

Challenge

The quest to comprehend the 3D genome's role in diseases is paramount. The genome can be visualized as yarn that is intricately packed; if unraveled, it stretches over six feet. In the past century, we established the core tenets of genetics, including the central dogma. New tools are now clarifying the 3D genome's spatial organization, revealing potential therapeutic targets, as errors in genome packaging can trigger various disease states.

Solution

Characterizing the rules of the 3D genome enables the determination of gene regulation. Genetic sequences loop and form topological-associating domains (TADs), where interactions within a TAD are more probable than those outside it. These structures are crucial for health, as only about 1% of the genome encodes proteins. Emerging imaging techniques and single-cell sequencing are paving the way for new therapeutic targets.

Autoimmunity: A Growing Concern

Challenge

Autoimmune diseases affect roughly 5-8% of the global population, particularly impacting young and middle-aged women. With a range of about 100 subtypes, autoimmunity is characterized by the inappropriate activation of immune cells, leading to targeted attacks on specific organs.

Solution

The immense prevalence of autoimmune diseases presents a significant market opportunity for innovative therapies. Identifying self-antigens in specific subtypes may lead to tailored treatments, while management tools like Octave Bioscience offer transformative potential for patients.

Nanopores: Revolutionizing Sequencing

Challenge

Sequencing advancements have propelled numerous fields, including clinical diagnostics and synthetic biology. However, to sustain the rapid decrease in sequencing costs, novel methodologies must emerge. With the current landscape dominated by a few major players, competition is essential.

Solution

Nanopores, which come in biological, solid-state, and mechanical types, could address the need for affordable sequencing options. Each nanopore variant must balance coverage, cost, speed, and accuracy to cater to diverse markets.

Mass Spectrometry: Enhancing Proteomics

Challenge

Mass spectrometry's accuracy and cost present bottlenecks for proteomics in drug development. Improving these factors could expand the clinical use of proteomics and metabolomics.

Solution

Enhancing mass spectrometry involves developing better fragmentation enzymes and optimizing algorithms for improved signal processing, ultimately advancing clinical applications.

Depression: Addressing Neglect

Challenge

Depression remains one of the most overlooked diseases, often shrouded in stigma. The future of treatment appears bleak, with limited ambitious programs from pharmaceutical companies.

Solution

To combat depression effectively, advancements in diagnosis and treatment modalities are crucial. A multifaceted approach, including molecular and digital therapeutics, could significantly enhance patient outcomes.

Aging Biomarkers: Defining the Future

Challenge

Aging represents a significant societal issue, yet many companies struggle to identify what to measure. This gap leads to wasted capital in the field.

Solution

Current literature suggests that various physiological parameters, such as metabolic health and cognitive performance, could serve as aging biomarkers. Companies focusing on these indicators are likely to drive meaningful advancements.

Cryo-EM: Capturing Dynamic Structures

Challenge

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has revolutionized our understanding of protein structures. While the technology has grown rapidly, challenges remain regarding cost and data processing.

Solution

Cryo-EM effectively maps biomolecular structures, particularly membrane proteins. Addressing the high costs and developing better data processing software are essential steps for broader adoption.

Genome Engineering: A New Era

Challenge

Synthetic biology has opened doors to designing organisms with unique genomes, but the commercialization aspect presents challenges in understanding customer needs and scaling up.

Solution

Advancements in genome engineering tools, like MAGE and CAGE, offer exciting prospects for drug discovery and new consumer applications.

Global Medicine: A Transformative Opportunity

Challenge

The landscape of clinical trials is often limited to specific geographies, hindering patient diversity and increasing costs.

Solution

Global medicine has the potential to revolutionize drug development by facilitating broader patient access and improving trial logistics. Companies focused on interoperability and data analysis can help bridge these gaps.

Drugging Non-coding Targets: A New Frontier

Challenge

The discovery of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) presents an exciting yet complex challenge, with many being deemed undruggable.

Solution

A deeper understanding of RNA structure and function is essential for unlocking the therapeutic potential of ncRNAs. Progress in this area could lead to groundbreaking treatments.