In the biotech world, true innovations not only open up significant market opportunities but also drive meaningful impact. That’s why we’re excited to announce our investment in Ahammune, a pioneering company developing a first-in-class drug for Vitiligo.
Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterized by the loss of pigmentation, resulting in white patches on various parts of the body. Globally, it is estimated that around 90 to 100 million people suffer from it. The unpredictable nature of the disease, combined with social stigma and emotional distress, can severely impact the self-esteem and mental health of those affected by vitiligo.
There is a need for better treatment for vitiligo because existing therapies often fall short in providing lasting and comprehensive results. Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin color. The mechanism of action of the available drugs, like steroids and calcineurin & JAK inhibitors, is to suppress the immune system so that it doesn’t kill the melanocytes. However, a generalized immunosuppression exposes people to other infections and hence the current drug options can cause both common and serious side effects. Other treatments, like light therapy, can have limited efficacy, especially in areas with more extensive pigment loss. Additionally, these treatments may require long-term use, with inconsistent outcomes and potential side effects such as skin thinning, irritation, or increased sensitivity to UV radiation. Effective, long-lasting, and safe treatments are essential not only for restoring skin pigmentation but also for improving the quality of life and mental well-being of those living with vitiligo.
This is where Ahammune truly shines. The company has developed a non-steroidal, non-immunosuppresive small molecule drug that has a first in class mechanism of action - acting on a new pathway rather than non specifically inhibiting the immune system. A "first-in-class" mechanism in drugs is special because it represents a completely novel approach to treating a disease, often targeting pathways or biological processes that have never been addressed by existing therapies. Ahammune’s innovative mechanism of action opens up the possibility of treating vitiligo effectively, economically and without side effects. It not only functions to stop the spread of depigmentation, but also activates melanocyte function to promote repigmentation. The efficacy and safety of the molecule have been demonstrated in preclinical models and human trials respectively. The next step in their journey is a Phase 2 clinical trial to demonstrate efficacy and safety in actual patients. While Vitiligo is the starting point, the company is leveraging its small molecule therapeutics platform for developing a strong pipeline of molecules to treat other dermatological and autoimmune diseases.
Founders Dr Parul and Dr Krishnamurthy started Ahammune with the vision to develop cost effective solutions for chronic skin diseases. Together they have strong experience at the intersection of skin biology and immunology, which has culminated in the successful discovery, development and initial clinical studies of their promising drug candidate. Drug discovery is capital intensive and takes a long time. It's truly admirable how Dr. Parul and Dr. Krishnamurthy have built Ahammune with remarkable efficiency, resilience, and grit!
India's biotech journey has traditionally focused on generics, biosimilars, and contract research. It's inspiring to see innovative startups like Ahammune reshaping that narrative. With a strong talent pool, government backing, robust research infrastructure, and a thriving startup ecosystem, India is poised to become a key player in global biotech innovation. We believe that in the coming years, Indian startups will bring forth numerous successful, innovative drugs and therapies addressing unmet global needs.
We are excited to lead Ahammune’s Series A raise of $5M and welcome them to our growing biotech portfolio. Their innovative approach and commitment to addressing complex challenges in immune-mediated skin diseases aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering groundbreaking advancements. We look forward to supporting their growth and collaborating to unlock their full market potential, while making a lasting impact in the field.