Company Overview

Zylem Biosciences is a biotechnology company developing targeted medicines that uniquely mimic features of natural biologics. ZYL formulations directly target pathologic cholesterol metabolism and inflammation in cancer and cardiovascular disease. ZYL specifically targets a protein that is over-expressed on the surface of diseased cells, SR-B1. Through specific target engagement, ZYL simultaneously kills cancer cells and activates the adaptive immune system. While in cardiovascula disease ZYL mimics the protective functions of native HDL.

The ZYL platform formulations are molecularly tunable and seamlessly interact with natural biological systems with no off-target toxicity. Its first-in-class mechanism of action (MOA) has been validated in multiple human and small animal cancer model systems.

Chemically tuning the surface and/ or the inner core material of our lead compound has enabled Zylem to develop a unique and deep pipeline of therapies that reach beyond cancer and cardiovascular disease. SR-B1, the target of ZYL-compounds, is expressed by inflammatory and epithelial barrier cells, such as those lining the blood vessels, airway, eye, and skin. As a result, Zylem has demonstrated potent activity of unique therapies that may be used to reduce viral infection, enhance wound healing in corneal epithelial cells, and promote differentiation and barrier integrity in the skin. Active targeting of SR-B1 in innate immune cells called macrophages results in an anti-inflammatory response, which is relevant in each of the above areas of therapeutic development.

Founding Team

The founding Zylem team consists of creative scientists, world-renowned experts, and experienced technology and biotechnology industry leaders. The patented technology exclusive to Zylem was born out of the Thaxton Laboratory at Northwestern University where Dr. Thaxton and Dr. McMahon have worked together for over a decade. Dr. Gordon, a world-renowned expert in hematologic malignancies and longtime collaborator, played a key role in facilitating ZYL-001 for aggressive lymphoma. Additionally, Zylem’s business leaders result from longstanding relationships with Dr. Thaxton. Mr. Bligh has successfully carried technology and biotechnology start-ups through IPO and FDA approval, respectively. Dr. Venkatesan has extensive experience in medicine, finance, and start-up biotechnology companies. Collectively, the Zylem team is a strategically assembled group of individuals with the expertise and focus to translate Zylem’s first-in-class therapies to the clinic.

Management Team

Philip S. Bligh CEO.

Greta Wodarcyk, PhD, COO

Michael Boyne, PhD, CTO

Kaylin McMahon, PhD, VP Operations.

Board of Directors

Shad Thaxton MD, PhD, Kaylin McMahon, PhD, Philip Bligh, Jay Venkatesan, MD, Linda Ginsburg, JD, MBA (Board Observer), Brad Schneider, MBA (Board Observer)

Board Advisors

Robert Lavker, PhD, Lauren Fineman, MD, Dominik Hochli, MD, William Kohlbrenner