Alyra Therapeutics, Inc.

Founded in 2020, Alyra has developed a platform focused on developing molecules that block protein–protein interactions (PPIs): highly specific physical contacts between proteins that play a role in the development of diseases including cancer, autoimmune disease and neurodegenerative disorders. Our lead program, ALY101 blocks the interactions of proteins involved in tumor growth and blood vessel formation across a range of tumor types, ultimately inhibiting the activity of a protein called PAK1. PAK1 plays a role in many diseases with high unmet medical need, including multiple cancers and certain rare diseases such as Ewing sarcoma and neurofibromatosis type 2. We are exploring the potential of ALY101 as a treatment for the latter two diseases through academic collaborations with colleagues at Indiana University and Baylor College of Medicine.