Our Science
Why FOXO3?
Modulating FOXO3 is a promising strategy for treating age-related diseases because this protein is crucial in regulating cellular homeostasis, multiorgan responses to diverse forms of stress, and human health. Traditional drug development often focuses on single proteins or signaling pathways, achieving limited success for complex and multifactorial disorders. By targeting the transcription factor FOXO3, we can tap into a master orchestrator that influences multiple biological processes, potentially eliciting greater therapeutic effects and improving healthspan by combating age-related pathologies such as fibrotic and cardiovascular diseases.
Our Platform
Refoxy has created a discovery platform that permits the identification and optimization of novel FOXO3 small molecule activators that are functionally relevant across diverse disease models. F.act finder (or FOXO activator finder) was built on top of the pioneering work of our scientific co-founder, Prof. Wolfgang Link, and relies on a combination of phenotypic screening, unbiased assessments of FOXO3 specificity, and multiple built-in safety and counter screening measurements.
Our Pipeline
Independent research has highlighted FOXO3 activation as an attractive therapeutic approach across multiple disease areas, including fibrosis disorders. Consistent with this, Refoxy’s lead asset has robust anti-fibrotic properties and is uniquely positioned to explore its therapeutic impact in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a severe disease with high mortality and limited treatment options.
In addition, our discovery platform has provided several molecules that are currently being profiled as potential therapeutics in diverse disorders.