MIG Capital has invested CHF 3 million in ASTRA Therapeutics, a Swiss biotech firm developing precision medications for eukaryotic pathogens, as part of a CHF 7.75 million seed funding round.

Information on the Target

ASTRA Therapeutics AG, founded in 2022 and based in Villigen, Switzerland, is an innovative biotechnology company focused on developing precision medications targeting eukaryotic pathogens. Utilizing its proprietary ParaX® technology platform, ASTRA Therapeutics creates species-specific drug candidates known as Parabuline® that effectively inhibit cell division in parasites while minimizing harm to the host. The company has a strong pipeline comprising over 15 patentable chemical classes aimed at treating common parasites such as coccidia in livestock and heartworms in pets.

With recent in vivo proof of concept for multiple new molecular entities (NMEs), ASTRA Therapeutics is poised to address an increasing demand in the veterinary market. The company's founders, Dr. Natacha Gaillard and Dr. Ashwani Sharma, emphasize that the need for new antiparasitic treatments is critical due to growing resistance against existing therapies.

Industry Overview in Switzerland

The global parasiticide market, currently valued at over $10 billion, is experiencing growth at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. As established products face patent expirations and the development of resistance diminishes