Zedira is a clinical stage biotech company specialised in transglutaminase.

Zedira conducts its own development of small molecular drug candidates. In doing so, the company is working at the cutting edge of drug discovery involving small molecules that block dysregulated transglutaminases.

In addition, Zedira is a global brand for specialty reagents for research & development as well as diagnostics in the transglutaminase field. Numerous unique and high quality products help pushing forward transglutaminase-related science – both in academia and industry.

Drug Development (clinical phase I)
TG2-blocker
Zedira’s lead indication is celiac disease – a widespread disorder suffered by about 1% of the population and for which there is no therapeutic option available apart from a cumbersome and quality of life restricting gluten-free diet.
Inhibiting tissue transglutaminase (TG2) in the small intestinal mucosa with our drug candidate ZED1227 (first-in class) shall interrupt the mechanism of gluten intolerance in a targeted way. The compound is licensed to Dr. Falk Pharma for Europe. Dr. Falk Pharma took over responsibility for preclinical and clinical development as well as for approval and marketing of the drug.

Zedira now taps the potential of ZED1227 to address additional indications where dysregulated tissue transglutaminase (TG2) activity is targeted, especially fibrotic disorders (e.g. diabetic nephropathy).

Drug Discovery (lead optimization / drug candidates)
FXIIIa-blocker
Using a rabbit animal model, Zedira showed the proof-of-principle of “safe” anticoagulation therapy by inhibition of blood plasma transglutaminase (Factor XIII, F13), which allows selective intervention in the coagulation cascade.
The crucial difference compared with the existing anticoagulants lies in the fact that a soft, easily degradable blood clot can still be formed while thrombin generation – and therefore thrombocyte function – is not affected.
A significant reduction in the life-threatening tendency to bleeding as provoked by current drugs is thus likely to be achieved. Today about 50% of patients are excluded from anticoagulation therapy due to the risk of bleeding events.
Therefore, an anticoagulant drug with a superior safety profile can look forward to a most attractive billion dollar market.

Specialist for Transglutaminase
Zedira has offered more than 200 specialty reagents for transglutaminase-related R&D for about 15 years.
Today, Zedira is the global brand for transglutaminase. Researchers from academia and industry (including 12 of the top 15 big pharma companies) benefit from Zedira’s cutting edge products – and in an increasing manner – from customised services.
Solutions for site specific labeling of proteins using transglutaminases form Zedira’s latest product field.