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Tamarix Pharma is an early-stage biotech company focused on developing novel technologies that restore physiological balance in apoptosis-related diseases.

Our lead assets, VBIT-4 and VBIT-12, were deliberately designed to target a key mitochondrial process known as VDAC1 oligomerization. Their unique mechanism of action represents a highly-differentiated approach to potentially treating a variety of acute and chronic conditions resulting from apoptotic cell death.
VDAC1 = voltage-dependent anion channel 1

Tamarix Pharma was VC-founded in 2021 based on technology licensed from the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev (Israel).

The company’s lead assets are VBIT-4 (primary focus) and VBIT-12, small molecules targeting VDAC1 oligomerization.

VDAC1 oligomerization is a key process involved in apoptotic cell death that has been validated by multiple independent research groups as an anti-apoptotic target. Cell death by the apoptotic route occurs in many diseases as a result of VDAC1 oligomerization, which involves formation of a “super channel” that releases apoptotic proteins.

VBIT-4 and VBIT-12 hold broad therapeutic potential as inhibitors of VDAC1 oligomerization and will be developed initially for ocular indications:

• Dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) / geographic atrophy (GA)
• Low-tension glaucoma – intraocular pressure (IOP) independent therapy
• Central vein occlusion

Management Team

Dr. Tal brings diverse entrepreneurial and scientific experience in biochemistry and molecular biology to the Tamarix Pharma leadership team. Prior to founding Tamarix in early 2021, Dr. Tal was co-founder and CEO of TPCera Ltd., which focused on developing novel immunomodulatory compounds to treat autoimmune diseases. During his tenure, Dr. Tal raised seed and round A funding to support the company’s technological, regulatory, clinical, financial, production, marketing, and business development activities. Dr. Tal was also the CEO of Gynamics, where he led all strategic and financial initiatives to advance the company’s medical device toward CE and FDA approval. Prior to his roles in the biotechnology industry, Dr. Tal served as Director of Business Development for the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and for the Alfred Mann Institute for Biomedical Innovation.

 

Dr. Tal holds a PhD in Biochemistry and an MBA with specialization in Entrepreneurship and Finance from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Dr. Zollmann joined Tamarix Pharma in 2021, bringing with her over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to joining Tamarix, Dr. Zollmann was Senior VP of Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) at Atox Bio for 7 years. Her previous experience includes Chiasma as Senior Director of CMC and more than 20 years in numerous leadership positions at Teva Pharmaceutical’s Global Innovative R&D Division, including as Director of the CMC Program for Small Molecules. During that time, she gained broad experience in global development of innovative pharmaceutical drug products, including CMC management and development, validation, technology transfer, regulatory strategy and initiatives, and professional CMC project evaluation and due diligence.

 

Dr. Zollmann holds a PhD in Electrochemistry from the Tel Aviv University, and a Master of Science degree in Analytical Chemistry and Bachelor of Science Honors in Chemistry from the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

Our pipeline

Our lead assets, VBIT-4 and VBIT-12, have been validated by multiple independent research groups as inhibitors of VDAC1 oligomerization, a key mitochondrial process involved in apoptotic cell death. The technology provides a robust scientific platform for the development of novel therapeutics to potentially treat a variety of acute and chronic conditions with significant unmet medical need.

 

Early exploration of indications for VBIT-4 and VBIT-12 will include dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) / geographic atrophy (GA), low-tension glaucoma – intraocular pressure (IOP) independent therapy, and central vein occlusion.

Mechanism of Disease / Mechanism of Action

Mechanism of Disease

VDAC1 Oligomerization Leads to Development of a “Super Channel” that Releases Apoptotic Proteins
MECHANISM OF DISEASE
Ben-Hail D., et al. J.B.C. (2016) 291, 24986-25005.

Apoptosis – form of programmed cell death initiated through pathways that are intrinsic, e.g., cell stress, or extrinsic, e.g., signals from other cells

 

VDAC1 – protein that regulates day-to-day mitochondrial function. During apoptosis – over-expression of VDAC1 leads to development of a “super channel” (oligomerization) that mediates the release of apoptotic proteins (cytochrome c) from the mitochondria and allows apoptosis.

Mechanism of Action

VBIT-4 and VBIT-12 Inhibit Formation of the “Super Channel” that Releases Apoptotic Proteins
Ben-Hail D., et al. J.B.C. (2016) 291, 24986-25005.

VBIT-4 and VBIT-12 inhibit VDAC1 oligomerization

Inhibition of cytochrome c release
Apoptosis prevention

Our Investors

Tamarix Pharma is supported by a group of experienced and dedicated investors with proven track records. Their expertise and resources enable our company to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of our assets and strategically position them for commercial success.
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consensus
Tamarix plans to be Phase I ready by the end of 2023 and is expanding its investor base to support development of VBIT-4 (primary focus) and VBIT-12.

Contact us

Tamarix Pharma Ltd.
High-tech Village, Givat Ram Campus
PO Box 39158, Jerusalem 91391
Israel

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