Company Overview
RDP Pharma AG, a Swiss biotech (est. 2019), is developing a proprietary platform (PromptDegrader™) for degrading proteins with intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), which historically have been considered “undruggable.” Our answer is the PromptDegrader™ platform, which allows for an AI-driven, rational design of small-molecule degraders. Headquartered in Romanshorn, Switzerland, with labs in Vienna, Austria, our team of 30 experts is primarily focused on oncology. RDP is seeking strategic partnerships to accelerate our c-Myc program, poised to capture a significant share of the $110B+ targeted therapy market and to deliver transformative solutions in oncology. Our lead candidates demonstrate robust, selective c-Myc degradation via multiple pathways (proteasomal, lysosomal, and autophagic), offering potential resilience against tumor heterogeneity and resistance.
Our Approach to Targeting c-Myc
The c-Myc protein, a transcription factor with IDRs, playing an important role in up to 70% of all human cancers, has been deemed as undruggable due to its dynamic structure. Legacy indirect approaches (e.g., BET inhibitors) have repeatedly failed clinically, leaving a critical unmet need for effective therapies. Current competitors’ indirect or peptide-based solutions suffer from poor bioavailability, underscoring the urgent demand for innovative approaches in the rapidly growing targeted protein degradation market.
PromptDegrader™ Platform:
First-in-class, rationally designed, oral monovalent small-molecule degraders targeting IDRs via multi-ligase pathways resulting in autophagy, lysosomal, and proteasomal degradation. Superior to PROTACs/glues: with no hook effect, optimized PK/PD, no inherent and less potential for acquired resistance, with an AI-driven rational design.
Dual-Modality Pipeline:
- Direct c-Myc Degrader: The lead series demonstrates potent tumor growth inhibition in gold-standard xenograft models, with significant anti-tumor activity observed in both lung cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. At well-tolerated oral doses, our lead compound halted tumor progression, a critical and highly-sought-after outcome for a difficult-to-treat target. Our lead candidate demonstrates potent, dose-dependent anti-tumor activity in clinically relevant, patient-derived models; clear and consistent reduction in the viability of CD138+ Multiple Myeloma cells, isolated from a cohort of patients, as we increased the dose was also observed. Full dose-response data and further details are available under CDA. This stepwise, dose-dependent CD138+ cell killing in primary human cells provides powerful validation and a compelling de-risking milestone.
- c-Myc/Targeted RNA Disruptors: Novel molecules targeting RNA-binding domain at early Hit-stage.
Patent Applications:
The NCE lead series, methods (with Prof. Stefano Moro, University Padova) and c-Myc/RNA interaction (with Prof. M. Eilers, University Würzburg and Prof. S. Vos, MIT/ Harvard)
Our Progress to Date
Scientific:
In vitro/in vivo PoC established; direct target engagement validated via NMR, SEC and HDX exchange. Rational design has eliminated off-target activity observed in early hits. No toxicity in C57BL/6 mice at 60 mg/kg and 20–30 mg/kg in nude mice after 14x daily oral dose.
External Validation:
Independent KOL confirmation (Prof. Martin Eilers, Würzburg; Prof. Klaus Podar, Krems, Prof. Robert Konrat, Vienna, Prof. Winkler, and others).
Collaborations:
University of Würzburg, University of Padova, Med University Graz, MIT and Harvard. Co-development with Singapore’s EDDC for an anti-inflammatory target to further validate the platform approach; joint patents with KOLs.
Regulatory:
Registered with the FDA’s Platform Technology Designation Program to ensure that our platform approach is consideration in regulatory discussions.
Market Opportunity
Target Indication:
Multiple myeloma (TAM $28B in 2025), Burkitt’s lymphoma (TAM >$1.1B in 2024 growing to >$2.8B by 2035), solid tumors (lung, breast, colorectal).
Market Growth:
Expanding into further indications in oncology and neurology. Overall, the TPD market projected at >30% CAGR to 2035 growth, c-Myc therapies address a massive portion of oncology spend.
Development Plan
27–36 months runway to IND:
6-month candidate nomination for c-Myc Degrader. 12-month SAR optimization for c-Myc/RNA disruptors. 9-18-month GLP toxicology studies.
Budget allocation:
25% R&D, 50% preclinical, 15% IP/team, <10% lean operations.
Team
Leadership:
Susanne Oellrich (CEO, CRO management), Dr. Markus Muellner (CTO, TPD expert), Dr. Michael Ahrweiler (CDO, founder), Dr. Christian Kuehne (CSO, IDR pioneer, co-founder), Dr. Ramesh Kumar (ex BMS, Onconova, designated board member), Dr. Martin Bolli (medicinal chemistry)
KOLs/Advisors:
Prof. Martin Eilers (c-Myc expert, co-founder), Prof. Axel Zander (investor, hematology, Unicorn exit), Dr. Wolfgang Meyer (drug development veteran, co-founder)
Collective Experience:
>100 years in biotech, >10 drugs to market, including blockbusters and Unicorn exits
Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Development Sought
Our c-Myc Degrader is on track for IND-enabling studies in 2026. Next key milestones: IND submission and approval as well as a commercial partnership.
Contact RDP
Dr. Michael Ahrweiler
Founder, Chief Development Officer
Amriswilerstrasse 51
CH-8590 Romanshorn
Switzerland
Tel. +41 71 466 33 68
info@rdp-pharma.com
www.rdp-pharma.com