Akston Biosciences

About Akston Biosciences

Established in 2011, Akston Biosciences Corporation operates as a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and manufacturing of protein therapeutics for both human and animal health. The company was founded by Todd Zion, who brings a wealth of experience from the biopharmaceutical sector, having previously founded SmartCells, Inc., which was later acquired by Merck & Co. This background in creating cost-effective biologic manufacturing platforms is central to Akston's strategy.

Akston Biosciences leverages its proprietary Ambifect™ Fc-fusion protein platform to create next-generation biologics. This technology is designed to produce therapies with improved efficacy and that can be manufactured at a low cost. The company's business model encompasses a dual focus: developing its own pipeline of therapeutic candidates while also partnering with other biopharmaceutical firms. One of the company's primary human health projects involves a second-generation COVID-19 vaccine, AKS-452, which is designed for shelf stability at room temperature, a significant logistical advantage. This vaccine has undergone Phase II/III clinical trials in India.

In the animal health sector, Akston is developing long-acting antibody therapies for cats and dogs to manage chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis. These treatments, AKS-321d for dogs and AKS-218c for cats, are engineered to provide once-monthly pain relief by targeting Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Additionally, the company is working on AKS-195b, a once-a-week insulin therapy for managing diabetes in dogs. This approach to animal health underscores the company's commitment to creating treatments specifically for pets, independent of human drug development, aiming to provide affordable and effective solutions for common animal ailments.