LyciaTherapeutics

About

Lycia Therapeutics is a pioneering biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics designed to eliminate disease-causing extracellular proteins. Founded in 2019, the company leverages its proprietary LYTAC (Lysosomal Targeting Chimera) platform to create therapeutics that bind target proteins and transport them into cells for degradation via the lysosome, utilizing the body's natural cellular waste disposal process. The company's innovative approach addresses a significant gap in targeted protein degradation, which has primarily focused on proteins within cells. Lycia's LYTAC platform specifically targets disease-causing proteins that exist on the cell surface or in circulation, representing a breakthrough in treating conditions previously considered undruggable. The company's initial focus is on developing treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases with high unmet medical needs. Lycia has established partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies, including a strategic collaboration with Eli Lilly to discover and develop novel LYTAC degraders for up to five targets. The company has raised over $200 million in total funding, including a $106.6 million Series C financing in May 2024, positioning it to advance its pipeline of LYTAC therapeutics into clinical development.