Singapore-based venture creation group 65LAB has granted US$1.66m (approximately S$2.1m) to a team from the National University of Singapore (NUS) to advance a novel biologic therapy targeting Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other lung diseases. Led by Associate Professor Ruowen Ge and Professor Fred Wong, the project aims to develop a first-in-class airway-delivered biologic that addresses both T2 and non-T2 COPD, potentially benefiting the entire patient population.
The NUS researchers have identified an anti-inflammatory protein that reduces lung inflammation and restores lung function in preclinical models. COPD, a leading cause of death globally, affects hundreds of millions and presents a significant unmet medical need due to the lack of curative therapies. The funding from 65LAB will support the progression of this biologic candidate through preclinical development and potentially lead to the creation of a new therapeutic company in Singapore.
65LAB, backed by global investors including ClavystBio, Leaps by Bayer, Lightstone Ventures, and Polaris Partners, aims to drive scientific advancement and biotech venture creation from Singapore. The award highlights the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and industry leaders in bringing promising innovations to market.
Dr Ho Wen Qi, Therapeutics Lead at ClavystBio, emphasised the project’s potential: “COPD represents a significant unmet need… With 65LAB’s support, we are accelerating the progression of this innovative therapy to patients.” This initiative underscores 65LAB’s commitment to transforming scientific discoveries into lifesaving medicines.
