R&D Strategy

Sulfateq’s R&D is focused on research and development of breakthrough therapeutics for the treatment of non-communicable diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, with a primary focus in chronic kidney, heart and lung diseases.

At Sulfateq, we are inspired by natures natural solutions to cope with mitochondrial stress, including mechanisms of hibernation, altered metabolism and gasotransmitters. Inspired by these mechanisms, Sulfateq develops phenotypical screens to identify and develop small molecule compounds that maintain, improve or restore mitochondrial function during disease. Using an integrated approach driven by medicinal chemistry and molecular biology driven, Sulfateq identifies uncovers the mechanism-of-action of the compounds that fuel our pipeline.

Sulfateq benefits from strategic collaborations with main academic and industrial research centers having translational expertise in our focus areas.

Preclinical Research

Sulfateq and its collaborators are exploring the potential of its pipeline to target diseases resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction, redox imbalance and oxidative stress. The mitochondria, often described as the “powerhouse of the cell”, are responsible for approximately 90% of energy production (ATP). Dysfunctional mitochondria can have an impaired ability to produce ATP and can generate increased levels of reactive oxygen species, a major contributor to redox stress. High levels of ROS can damage proteins and membrane lipids within the cell, whereas low ATP levels reduce the efficacy of the natural repair responses. The redox imbalance stemming from mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress ultimately leads to lipid peroxidation-dependent cell death, inflammation and fibrosis in many human diseases.

Sulfateq is focused on mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction in non-communicable diseases. Proof-of-concept studies and lead identification studies are currently ongoing in the cardiovascular, renal, neurological and inflammatory research space. 

Pipeline

Sulfateq currently has 6 active R&D programs across a wide range on non-communicable diseases. SUL-238 is an orally available, small molecule compound that maintains, improves or restores mitochondrial function during disease.