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Abstract:

Interdisciplinary tools in drug development have extended the limitations of modern therapeutics. We are now able to address a vast array of diseases with previously unmet needs, however, there persists limitations in the understanding of molecular drivers of diseases, and biology which remains elusive or undruggable. These limitations are highlighted within inflammatory diseases where treatment still focuses on alleviating symptoms. This paradigm leaves 65% of patients non-responsive to current drugs, resulting in up to $85 billion in wasted drug spend every year.

Seeking to address these unmet needs, our focus is on an attractive class of biologically potent yet largely undruggable targets; transcription factors (TFs). Master regulators of biology, TFs translate intracellular signals into selective, cell-specific genetic expression; profoundly altering cell development, homeostasis, and metabolism. Historically challenging targets, particularly for small molecule drug development, recent advances have shed light on strategies for biased amino acid engagement within the target ligand binding pocket target and orthogonal pathway augmentation.

Supported by a systems biology and computer assisted approach, we are working to pioneer the development of novel small molecule therapeutics which leverage biased engagement of TFs to simultaneously resolve dysregulated immune and barrier transcriptional pathways. Through this approach, we seek to transform the treatment of complex unmet needs within inflammatory diseases involving barrier dysfunction.

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Bio:

Carla Spina, Ph.D. is a scientific innovator and entrepreneur dedicated to improving the lives of patients living with complicated diseases. Carla graduated with a B.Sc. from the University of Calgary then began her Ph.D. in 2003 in Bioinorganic Chemistry at 捆绑SM社区 under Dr. D.S. Bohle, the Canadian Chair in Bioinorganic chemistry. Under the guidance of Dr. Bohle, Carla set about integrating the principles of chemistry, biology, and infectious disease to increase understanding of human disease. Building upon her expertise at the intersection of chemistry and biology she trained in applied formulations at BASF in Germany then went on to lead the research team at a MedTech start-up developing Class II/III drug-devices for infectious disease prevention. During this time, she guided research from concept through to commercialization, resulting in global licenses through 3M. Following this role, she co-founded a biotech start-up focused on novel therapeutics for complicated skin and skin structure infection. Within this role, Carla drove the company from drug discovery through to Phase Ib/IIa clinical study, establishing a network of KOLs, consultants, advisors, and research foundations to tackle diseases considered a complication of diabetes. Leveraging her experience from drug discovery through to clinical phase studies, Carla is now leading the team at Noa Therapeutics, a preclinical Canadian biotech company aiming to defy the convention of traditional drug development to revolutionize treatment options for those living with complex inflammatory skin diseases.听

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