Mariposa Therapeutics, a new private biotech company developing a novel topical treatment for patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) was established as a spin out from Neem Biotech, a company focused on the discovery of anti-virulence and anti-bacterial molecules utilising its expertise in bacterial-host interactions.

Grounded on its unique expertise in ajoene chemistry and its biological activities, Mariposa has identified synthetic analogues of this small molecule that activate surrogate keratin expression thereby functionally compensating for the genetic defect in EB simplex patients

Commenting on the new company, Thomas Hafner, CEO and Chairman, said “I believe we can provide real innovation and relief for the treatment of patients and support carers living with EB. This is such a painful genetic disorder for its young sufferers and there are no cures at this time, so our team is incredibly motivated to develop a treatment. “

Other key members of the Mariposa team include: Dr Phil Dudfield, Chief Scientific Officer; Dr Lucy Sykes, Head of Biology; Dr Tracy Nevitt, Head of Innovation.