Incubator Company Profile
Jillion Therapeutics, Inc.
Jillion Therapeutics Inc., with a robust focus on innovative drug-target identification, excels in drug screening through DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology and DEL-focused library construction, as well as in thorough target validation.
Concept to inception.......
Jillion Therapeutics Inc. was created in 2023 based on Dr. Marc Flajolet’s experience, a Neuroscientist and Molecular biologist that has worked and collaborated with Late Dr. Paul Greengard at The Rockefeller University for about two decades.
The Greengard lab was well known for its pioneering work on brain signaling, for which Dr. Greengard received the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. This work holds tremendous relevance for a large number of diseases and disorders. This extremely robust scientific foundation covering all aspects of drug discovery process, coupled with the highest scientific standards and a high-powered drug discovery pipeline, created a uniquely advantageous environment for launching a biotech startup, with a focus on identifying new drugs. We have a long tiem experience with all laboratory fields needed ranging from molecular, cellular and chemical biology to organic chemistry and in vivo testing.
The main high-powered screening method used is known as DNA-encoded library or DEL. The DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology is a potent tool for drug discovery, applicable across various disease fields and targeting a wide array of proteins, including those deemed difficult or impossible for classical technologies like HTS. Presently, there is a prime opportunity to fully integrate DEL into drug discovery enterprises, as all necessary auxiliary technologies are available, or can easily be added to it. Jillion THerapeutics have amassed sufficient internal and collective knowledge to advance DEL to the next stage and are innovating new approaches to design and utilize DEL, tailoring it more precisely towards specific targets or classes of targets, and adding undisclosed features and capabilities.
Their initial plan was to focus their drug discovery effort on neuroscience, with the goal of addressing brain signaling deficiencies affecting neuronal pathways that they have extensively studied. The primary areas of interest include substance use disorders (e.g., opioid and amphetamine abuse) and Alzheimer’s disease.
Downstate Biotechnology Incubator.......an ideal space!
When Dr. Flajolet first heard about the Downstate Biotechnology Incubator (DBI), there were no vacancies. Other incubators he looked at in Manhattan were designed for very early-stage startups, had very small shared spaces and were expensive to rent. Jillion Therapeutics needed significantly more space than that. When space became available at the DBI, he jumped on it. DBI spaces were private, comfortable in size and significantly less expensive than others in Manhattan. They immediately contacted Dr. Eva Cramer and signed the lease!
Dr. Flajolet believes that being part of a well-known and respected incubator in New York sends a highly positive signal when engaging with potential partners, investors, and future employees. It strengthens and solidifies existing relationships, such as those with other universities during licensing deal negotiations and funding agencies. Furthermore, the fact that it's a fairly large incubator, typically at full capacity, provides a sense of reassurance, as it implies access to advice and assistance during the initial stages. An equally significant aspect is the tax-abatement program offered by STARTUP NY, with DBI leading the application process for the company, resulting in a successful application.
Interactions with the Downstate research enterprise
Jillion Therapeutics joined the Incubator only a few months ago and can provide trainees at Downstate an opportunity to work in their company to learn about entrepreneurship. The trainees in turn make their environment dynamic, being highly motivated and enthusiastic.
Another crucial consideration is the availability of facilities to conduct experiments spanning both biology and organic chemistry, which are not commonly offered elsewhere. This access to chemical hoods and infrastructure is a significant advantage that few other places could match.
Looking ahead, it's essential to note that there's no set timeline for growing out of the incubator, unlike other programs. The spaciousness of the incubator offers ample room for growth, making it an exceptional environment for long-term development. This flexibility and growth potential are valuable attributes.
Looking ahead.......
Dr. Flajolet ambition is that Jillion Therapeutics develops their own pipeline of drugs in the coming years and at some point, initiate clinical trials while partnering with other companies for co-developing molecules. Using all tools available to us, they are working to speed-up the process, starting from real hits to in silico optimization using docking software complemented with AI/ML.
Their hope is to collaborate with other companies to help them identify molecules for their own targets using our proprietary approach for drug discovery.
For future scientist-entrepreneurs.......
Setting up a company requires a diverse skill set, says Dr. Flajolet. However, they don't need to know everything themselves. He believes that having complementary team members with different expertise is a great approach.
He would advise future entrepreneurs to partner with people who have experience in entrepreneurship, join science clubs or student groups that visit incubators and companies, volunteer or intern at startup companies during school/summer breaks, and constantly expand their network.
Dr. Flajolet feels that the most important asset for an aspiring scientist-entrepreneur is the mindset. When passion aligns with demand, many obstacles can be overcome easily.