The winning teams from Bonn are working on innovative solutions for specific diseases such as cancer and respiratory infections. The prizes include individual coaching and marketing support as well as membership in BioRiver e.V. with access to a network of experts and companies from the life sciences industry. This will enable the projects to develop and grow quickly and professionally.
About OncoDegrade
Second place went to the “OncoDegrade” team led by Dr. Lorenzo Cianni. He is researching new active substances against cancer and is a postdoctoral researcher in the working group of Prof. Dr. Radosław Nowak (Institute of Structural Biology, UKB). For the project he worked closely together with Prof. Dr. Michael Gütschow (Pharmaceutical Institute, Uni Bonn), Prof. Dr. Christian Steinebach (University of Greifswald and former researcher at Pharmaceutical Institute, Bonn), Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Pandyra (Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, UKB) and Prof. Dr. Dirk Baumjohann (Medical Clinic III, UKB). “I am very pleased that OncoDegrade won second place. Although I had the honor of pitching, this achievement is the result of joint efforts at the university and the UKB, and I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the supporters who are driving this project forward with such speed, rigor, and enthusiasm,” emphasized Lorenzo Cianni.
OncoDegrade is developing a new generation of anti-cancer drugs. These are special, bivalent small molecules that can specifically break down certain proteins in the body. Their new mode of action enables very efficient and precise protein degradation. This should reduce unwanted side effects, off-target effects on other proteins, and toxicity, while at the same time improving therapeutic efficacy. The underlying chemical platform is modular and highly scalable, allowing it to be quickly extended to other important therapeutic target proteins.
About ColdEx
Dr. Christine Wuebben received third prize for her project “ColdEx,” which is developing an antiviral nasal spray against respiratory infections. She is a postdoctoral researcher in the working group of Prof. Dr. Gunther Hartmann (Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, UKB). “Membership in BioRiver Boost eV is extremely valuable to me, as it opens up a long-term network of industry partners, investors, and founders. Together with tailored coaching, our ColdEx team can position itself early on to turn a strong scientific foundation into a sustainably growing company,” said Dr. Christine Wuebben.
ColdEx is an innovative molecular shield that provides broad and early protection against respiratory viruses. It is intended to be administered as an easy-to-use, non-invasive nasal spray. The active ingredient activates the body's natural antiviral defense mechanism directly in the nasal mucosa—exactly where viruses typically first enter. This enables the immune system to quickly recognize and fight viral infections. Following clinical testing, ColdEx will have the potential to provide effective, fast, and long-lasting protection against severe respiratory virus infections.
About the BioRiver Boost! start-up competition
Since 2014, young companies that develop market-changing, innovative technologies or services for the biotechnology or life sciences industry have been able to apply for the BioRiver Boost! start-up competition every year. Organized by BioRiver and made possible by the commitment of its members, partners, and life sciences companies, BioRiver Boost! is open to start-ups from all over Europe.
