We have amassed a world-class autophagy drug discovery team that is working and learning together. By leveraging our deep understanding of autophagy, we developed the TRPML1 program and established the PHLYT™ platform to expand degradation in ways previously unimagined. In-house validation has identified definitive autophagy targets that can be drugged with chemistry to form the foundation of PHLYT™. Degradation 2.0 is modular because this autophagy-targeting chemistry can be used to develop specific degraders for rare and common diseases.

TRPML1 Program

The lysosome, known as the cell's degradative compartment within the autophagy pathway, also serves as a vital signaling hub. At Casma, our mission is to enhance the efficiency and modulate the dynamics of this compartment, particularly in diseases where its function is compromised. By directly targeting the TRPML1 channel, we aim to unlock the lysosome's full potential, providing a transformative opportunity to impact human disease.

PHLYT™ Platform

Heterobifunctional chemistry has been developed to facilitate the recruitment of autophagy regulators to disease targets leading to autophagosome biogenesis around the target. We have demonstrated that this approach has the capacity to degrade several disease targets in a robust way.

Key components of PHLYT™

  • Autophagy knowledge

    Our team has the leading autophagy industry experts, world-class R&D capabilities, and a broad network of academic pioneers working on autophagy and proteostasis.

  • Target identification

    Our deep expertise in autophagy, disease processes, and chemical biology has enabled the discovery of autophagy proteins that can degrade multiple disease targets.

  • Ligand discovery

    Our autophagy small-molecule ligand-discovery engine enables the development of PHLYT™ degraders. We own the ligands to make Degradation 2.0 a reality.

  • Disease targets

    Knowing where and how to deploy the PHLYT™ technology is critical for successful therapeutic development. We understand the molecular features of disease targets that place them in the sweet-spot for PHLYT™-mediated degradation.

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PHLYT™ 

 

Casma wholly owned pipeline

Casma's PHLYT™ technology can degrade many disease targets that go beyond the capacity of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. We are advancing a discovery pipeline of degraders that will eliminate several drivers of disease. Some of these programs will be developed on our own and others through partnership.

Program Exploratory Discovery Preclinical
TRPML1 Agonist CNS Program
PHLYT™ Oncology Program
PHLYT™ Parkinson's Program
mTOR-independent Autophagy Agonist

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About us

Breaking new ground in autophagy drug discovery.

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The science: autophagy

Learn what autophagy is, how it works, and why it matters.

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