Polku Therapeutics

Polku Therapeutics is a preclinical-stage biotech pioneering a novel approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases by modulating the PREP-PP2A protein-protein interaction axis. Its platform yields small molecules designed to induce autophagy, dephosphorylate tau, and reduce inflammation, addressing key pathological drivers in conditions like frontotemporal dementia and Parkinson's disease. The company, spun out from University of Helsinki research, has secured €2.7M in pre-seed funding and is advancing a capital-efficient pipeline strategy, initially targeting orphan tauopathies. Leadership combines deep academic expertise in neuropharmacology and medicinal chemistry with seasoned biopharma business development experience.

Small molecule allosteric modulators targeting the PREP-PP2A protein-protein interaction axis to induce autophagy, dephosphorylate tau, and reduce neuroinflammation.

Polku competes in the neurodegeneration space against large pharma (e.g., Biogen, Eli Lilly, Roche) and biotechs developing tau-targeting monoclonal antibodies, antisense oligonucleotides, and other small molecules. Its key differentiation is the oral, small molecule approach targeting intracellular pathology via PREP PPI modulation, which aims to clear aggregates and reduce inflammation without eliminating functional tau, a potential advantage over antibody (extracellular) and ASO (pan-tau reduction) strategies.