About us

We are a dynamic, biotech start-up on a mission to end organ failure, starting with the kidney. Our research into what causes organ dysfunction uncovered a new biological target: a known protein with a previously unknown function in how cells become programmed to die. Its role in this programmed, or regulated, cell death process only takes place under biological stress which causes it to disassemble or partially unfold (known as de-oligomerization) and bind to another protein present in the cell. This newly formed protein:protein complex ruptures the mitochondria starting a cascade that causes cell death and organ failure.

This research enabled us to engineer a number of peptide-based drugs that target only the altered, dissembled form of this critical protein and designed some of these to specifically target kidney cells to prevent the death-inducing protein:protein interaction that causes kidney failure. Our pre-clinical data suggests this approach could become a safe and effective solution and we plan to first tackle a form of it known as Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). This can manifest itself in many situations, including the millions it affects each year who are undergoing transplant, heart surgery and liver surgery. It can have life threatening consequences, currently can’t be prevented and there is no treatment available for it today.

Our research into better understanding functional proteomics in kidney failure has also revealed novel protein biomarkers that could change how patients are diagnosed, and allow detection of early stage kidney failure before traditional, surrogate endpoints are currently able to. In short, we are only just beginning!

Our People

Like our approach to drug development, the Atorvia team is well differentiated: in addition to world class scientists with backgrounds in industry and academia, the team is strong in discovery, translation, clinical development and commercialization - including market access and reimbursement. We ensure our cutting-edge science programs incorporate commercial strategies from the onset and start with the end in mind: a focus on the patient, the physician, and the payer.

We believe that being unique is powerful, and this applies as much to our people as it does to our strategy, so we are building a company that celebrates diversity and a culture where difference is valued.  Although we are small, we are mighty, and we approach our work fearlessly. A women- and BIPOC- founded and led company, we have an inclusive workplace with a global mindset and welcome brilliant people to join us on our journey who will be themselves.

If you’re driven to perform, you’ll fit right in. We are nimble, learn quickly, improve constantly, and celebrate our wins at every turn.

Put simply, we hire the best, then let you shine.

If you are interested in Atorvia’s journey and believe you could complement the team, help accelerate and advance our work and make a difference to patients with organ failure, please contact us here.