Dr. Sarki Abdulkadir, Founder of Vortex Therapeutics, recently presented the company’s pioneering work on its first-in-class MYC inhibitor at the 3rd Annual Science2Startup (S2S)™ showcase. The event, presented by Atlas Venture, F-Prime Capital, Osage University Partners, RA Capital Management, 5AM Ventures and Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio), aims to strengthen connections between therapeutics researchers at the world’s top academic research institutions and biotech investors
Dr. Abdulkadir, a Professor of Urology and Pharmacology at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine, detailed the therapeutic strategy behind the drug candidate, which aims to target the MYC oncogene. The MYC protein is overexpressed in a vast majority of human cancers and has long been considered one of oncology’s most challenging “undruggable” targets.
Vortex Therapeutics is developing a novel inhibitor designed to directly disrupt the function of MYC, potentially offering a new treatment pathway for patients with highly aggressive, therapy-resistant solid tumors.
“The S2S platform is invaluable for connecting deep scientific innovation with the capital needed for commercial development. Our MYC inhibitor represents a critical step toward addressing one of cancer’s greatest drivers,” commented Dr. Abdulkadir.
The presentation was part of the S2S™ mission to accelerate the transition of cutting-edge research from the lab bench into viable startup companies. Vortex Therapeutics’ participation underscores its rapid progress and commercial potential within the biotech ecosystem.