University of Minnesota startup company Cryton Biosciences, is advancing a breakthrough technology to enhance mitochondrial function to treat diseases like colorectal cancer.
Unlocking the Cell’s Powerhouse
Every cell in the body is powered by tiny internal engines called mitochondria. They are best known as the “powerhouse of the cell”, but they do much more: they act as the cell’s control centers–managing energy production, cellular stress, immune deference, cell death and more. Impaired mitochondria have been linked to a range of serious diseases, including cancer. Now, University of Minnesota assistant professor Dr. Vivek Verma, is spearheading a breakthrough technology designed to therapeutically target, stabilize, and enhance mitochondrial function, with an initial focus on cancer. The approach aims to move past laboratory success and into the lives of patients awaiting new treatments.
From University Lab to Commercial Venture
The journey from a university lab to the clinic requires a complex network of support. Over the past year, Dr. Verma’s innovation transitioned into the commercial sphere with the launch of Cryton Biosciences, co-founded alongside Anosh Gomes, who brings deep industry experience in drug development. Supported by a robust network including the Technology Commercialization office, the Hormel Institute, and the startup accelerator Gener8tor, the venture is rapidly gaining traction. Today, Cryton Biosciences is actively developing its lead drug, positioning itself to accelerate towards human trials, specifically to treat cancers, such as colorectal cancer.
New Series on UMN Innovation
This profile marks the inaugural feature in a new Tech Comm series dedicated to chronicling the bubbling innovation across the University of Minnesota. Over the coming months, the series will shine a spotlight on four distinct UMN researchers whose work, ranging from early-stage discovery to advanced market application, is actively redefining the boundaries of human knowledge and solving the world's most critical challenges. Watch the video to see how Dr. Verma and his team are transforming tomorrow's medicine.