The Asian Fund for Cancer Research (AFCR) has announced the winners of the 2024 BRACE Award Venture Competition, marking a significant milestone in advancing oncology innovations. The competition, aimed at bridging research from academia to cancer entrepreneurship, saw Concarlo Therapeutics clinch the First Prize, and Orphagen Pharmaceuticals securing the Second Prize. The awards reflect the transformative potential of these companies in the fight against cancer.
1. About the 2024 BRACE Award Venture Competition
The BRACE Award Venture Competition, spearheaded by AFCR in collaboration with the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund, is designed to support and accelerate early-stage oncology companies. This year’s competition reviewed numerous applications from ten countries, showcasing a diverse pool of innovations aimed at improving cancer outcomes.
- Objective: To provide crucial support and resources to oncology startups, facilitating their journey from lab research to clinical application.
- Participating Countries: Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Nigeria, Romania, Singapore, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.
- Evaluation Process: Applications were rigorously evaluated by three blue-ribbon committees: Selection, Judging, and Investment Due Diligence.
For more details on the BRACE Award, visit the AFCR BRACE Award page.
2. Concarlo Therapeutics: First Prize Winner
Concarlo Therapeutics, led by Founder and CEO Stacy Blain, Ph.D., has been awarded the First Prize. This preclinical-stage biotechnology company is making headlines with its innovative approach to oncology.
- Breakthrough Innovation: Concarlo is developing a novel triple CDK2/4/6 inhibitor, targeting key proteins in cancer cells to combat drug resistance—a major issue in cancer treatment.
- Potential Impact: Their approach could address multiple tumor types, including pancreatic, esophageal, and ovarian cancers. By targeting CDK4/6 and CDK2, Concarlo aims to overcome resistance mechanisms that result in millions of cancer-related deaths annually.
Dr. Stacy Blain expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We are honoured to receive the BRACE Award and are committed to advancing our therapies to improve outcomes for patients battling drug-resistant cancers.”
For more about Concarlo Therapeutics, check their official site.
3. Orphagen Pharmaceuticals: Second Prize Winner
Orphagen Pharmaceuticals, led by Founder and CEO Scott Thacher, Ph.D., received the Second Prize for its groundbreaking work in cancer therapeutics.
- Innovative Approach: Orphagen is developing first-in-class small molecule drugs targeting previously unexplored nuclear receptor family members. Their lead program, OR-449, is designed to treat adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and head and neck cancers associated with SF-1.
- Preclinical Success: OR-449 has shown promise in inhibiting tumor growth across multiple preclinical models, validating Orphagen’s novel target discovery strategy.
Scott Thacher remarked, “Winning the BRACE Award validates our innovative approach and provides us with valuable support to advance our unique therapies.”
Learn more about Orphagen Pharmaceuticals on their website.
4. People’s Choice Award: NexCalibur Therapeutics
The People’s Choice Award, determined by public voting, was won by NexCalibur Therapeutics. Led by CEO and Scientific Co-Founder Minh-Duy Phan, Ph.D., NexCalibur focuses on developing personalised therapies and preventative vaccines for solid tumor cancers.
- Innovative Platform: Their NexNeo platform aims to design and produce customised cancer therapies, offering new hope for personalised treatment approaches.
- Public Recognition: The award highlights the importance of public engagement in promoting cutting-edge cancer technologies.
For insights into NexCalibur’s work, visit their site.
5. The Impact of the BRACE Award on Cancer Research
The BRACE Award Venture Competition continues to play a vital role in advancing cancer research by supporting early-stage companies that are pioneering new treatments and technologies.
- Accelerating Innovation: By providing a platform and network for startups, the BRACE Award helps bridge the gap between research breakthroughs and clinical trials.
- Global Reach: The competition highlights global innovations and fosters collaboration among international researchers and investors.
Dr. Sujuan Ba, Founder and CEO of AFCR, commented, “We are proud to support and recognise these groundbreaking companies. The BRACE Award continues to drive forward cancer research and offer new hope to patients worldwide.”
6. Looking Forward: Past Winners and Future Prospects
The BRACE Award has previously honoured companies like Degron Therapeutics and Believer Pharmaceuticals, showcasing a diverse array of innovations in oncology.
- Past Winners: Previous winners have included pioneering companies such as Degron Therapeutics and DotBio, each contributing significantly to cancer research.
- Future Goals: The BRACE Award will continue to support and highlight innovative oncology ventures, with the aim of transforming cancer care globally.
For a complete list of past winners and their contributions, visit BRACE Award History.
Key Takeaways:
- Concarlo Therapeutics and Orphagen Pharmaceuticals won the top prizes in the 2024 BRACE Award Venture Competition for their innovative cancer research.
- NexCalibur Therapeutics received the People’s Choice Award for its promising personalised therapy platform.
- The BRACE Award continues to support and highlight cutting-edge oncology companies, bridging the gap between research and clinical application.
For the latest updates and detailed insights, follow the links provided throughout this article.
