Biotechnology (Commonwealth Union) – Scientists from Monash University, Australia are developing a new therapeutic strategy for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) through the biotechnology startup xCystence Bio, supported by a syndicated pre-seed funding round.
Founded in 2023 with grant support from the Brandon BioCatalyst CUREator incubator, the company combines Monash expertise in kidney disease biology and medicinal chemistry to pursue novel treatments for the disorder. The initiative builds on research conducted by scientists from the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute within the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, and the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The funding round includes backing from the Monash Ventures Pre‑Seed Fund—part of the Breakthrough Victoria $100 million University Innovation Platform—as well as Australian investors Uniseed and BioCurate. The investment will support optimisation of the company’s lead therapeutic programs and help advance them toward clinical development.
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the most widespread inherited kidney condition and one of the primary genetic causes of kidney failure worldwide. Around half of those diagnosed eventually progress to end-stage renal disease. The disorder involves the gradual development and enlargement of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, which can ultimately require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
xCystence Bio is developing a portfolio of Targeted Protein Degraders (TPDs) aimed at eliminating the Aurora kinase A (AURKA) protein, which is known to play an important role in the development of cysts and the progression of ADPKD.
The company’s leading research programs are focused on selectively breaking down the AURKA protein rather than merely blocking its function. Early studies indicate that this approach could stop cyst growth while potentially overcoming some of the drawbacks linked to traditional kinase-inhibiting drugs.
ADPKD arises from mutations in the PKD1 and PKD2 genes, which trigger the formation and enlargement of cysts within kidney tissue. Treatment options remain limited, and the only currently approved therapy offers only modest benefits and is frequently associated with notable side effects.
xCystence Bio’s treatment approach centres on targeted protein degradation to specifically eliminate AURKA. Instead of merely inhibiting the protein’s function, the strategy harnesses the body’s natural cellular recycling mechanisms to break down and remove the protein that drives the disease.
Professor Ian Smyth, Co-Founder and Biology Lead at xCystence Bio and Associate Dean (Research and Research Infrastructure) at MNHS, said the science behind the company represents a promising new direction for ADPKD therapy.
He pointed out that ADPKD continues to have a severe impact on many patients and their families, and there is an urgent need for additional treatment options and targeting AURKA through the xCystence approach introduces a novel strategy aimed at stopping cyst formation and slowing the progression of the disease.
Professor Paul Stupple, who is Co-Founder and Chemistry Lead at xCystence Bio as well as Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at MIPS, stated that the targeted protein degradation approach pointes to a positive direction when it comes to drug discovery.
“Targeted protein degradation allows us to remove a disease-driving protein rather than simply inhibiting its activity. This opens up new possibilities for developing therapies that more effectively address the underlying biology of the disease.”
The company has recently secured its pre-seed funding round, with support from Monash Ventures, Breakthrough Victoria, Uniseed, and BioCurate.
Dr Ingmar Wahlqvist, Acting Chief Commercialisation Officer at Monash University and Senior Director at Monash Ventures, said the funding highlights the depth and capability of Australia’s research and investment ecosystem.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Breakthrough Victoria, Uniseed and BioCurate, organisations who recognise the immense value of supporting outstanding Monash research as we build the next generation of biotech companies.”
