Klas Therapeutics (Klas), a spin-out company from Ulster University, is changing the game in skin cancer.
Its mission is to revolutionise the treatment of malignant melanoma using its proprietary Klas-PDT technology.
Klas-PDT is a novel light-activated molecule that specifically targets and destroys cancer cells while minimising side effects.
Since the company was founded in 2021, Klas has made significant progress in developing this groundbreaking new technology, but further support was needed to generate the data to progress it along the development pipeline. This is where Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC) came in.
Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. It originates from melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin (the pigment responsible for skin colour) in our skin. While it only accounts for about 1% of skin cancers, it causes the majority of skin cancer-related deaths due to its ability to spread to other organs.
Melanoma that has spread to other organs is called metastatic melanoma. This typically occurs in later stages of the disease. Although certain therapies have improved survival rates in recent years, only about 50% of patients respond to them, underscoring the need for better therapies and management strategies.
Klas-PDT (photodynamic therapy) is a molecule made up of two parts: a peptide that can bind and allow entry to cancer cells, and a photosensitiser to kill them via the release of cytotoxic oxygen species after light activation.
Over the past four years, MDC’s expert scientists have helped guide the novel technology through several key preclinical milestones. By providing expert insights, robust data, and strategic direction, MDC has helped make each move count for Klas, bringing their proprietary therapy closer to commercial success and patient impact.
According to their own studies, Klas-PDT can reduce tumour size by up to 500% and demonstrates effectiveness in nearly 100% of melanoma cells. Its targeted nature and activation only under specific wavelengths of light minimises side effects for patients, including scarring and damage to healthy tissue.
Klas has since secured almost £1 million in grant funding and has grown its team fourfold. Klas-PDT has been published and patented, and Klas has won several prizes for its proprietary therapy.
With melanoma affecting so many lives, and with a high unmet need in metastatic forms of melanoma, it is critical that innovators like Klas receive the support needed to drive new standards in cancer care and offer renewed hope to patients.
“This has been an impactful, collaborative project from the start. It has been a pleasure to be part of this growing partnership over the last four years, and given the success Klas has achieved so far, we are genuinely excited about what lies ahead for Klas-PDT and what it could mean for people with malignant melanoma.”
Dr Irma O’Meara, Senior Scientist, Medicines Discovery Catapult
“The partnership between Klas and MDC has greatly enhanced our technology and business model, strengthening our scientific rigour and evidence base to ensure we remain well-positioned, particularly during these challenging early years. MDC’s depth of expertise and scientific knowledge, combined with their cutting-edge technology, makes partnering with them invaluable for a life and health sciences SME.
I would strongly encourage other companies in this space to begin discussions with MDC. As with any great partnering, our goals and ambitions have evolved organically which makes working with such professional, diligent, and innovative scientists a genuine pleasure, and I always look forward to our regular team meetings.”
Dr Bridgeen Callan, CEO, Klas Therapeutics
