Zymedyne

Zymedyne is creating a new approach to the treatment of chronic pain. Founded by Dr. Gerald Zamponi, professor from the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, and Dr. Chris Bladen, alumnus of the Cumming School of Medicine’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute, the company holds the intellectual property on a newly discovered molecular mechanism that causes increased T-Type calcium channel expressions that are crucial in pain signalling. The company is developing compounds that regulate this mechanism and create a class of valuable, non-opioid based and non-addictive pain medications that will significantly improve the quality of life for chronic pain sufferers. By increasing the target specificity, it hopes to lower the risk of side effects like weight gain, respiratory depression and addiction. If successful, Zymedyne would help a broad range of patients with painful conditions, such as diabetes and shingles.

Established in July 2020, the company received funding from UCeed, which Bladen says has been critical to early-stage development and evolution. UCeed funds provided the means for patent filings, licensing and various testing stages. 

“Having the backing of UCeed has undoubtedly legitimized Zymedyne in the eyes of potential investors," says Bladen. "We have leveraged UCeed’s support to attract further investment and keep our momentum going.”

Over the next year, the Zymedyne team aims to conduct structure activity relationships (SAR). The SAR will create novel drugs. And, with more in-vivo results, the company will be able to patent, develop and license to pharmaceutical companies in the future. Once efficacy has been proven, further studies will be carried out before applying for Phase I clinical trials.

Visit Zymedyne’s website for more information.

Zymedyne has received investment from UCeed, a venture philanthropy fund accelerating UCalgary and community-based startup companies to advance problem-solving research, create jobs and fuel the economy. A key program in the UCalgary innovation ecosystem, UCeed bridges the gap between innovation, demonstration and commercialization, and is managed by UCalgary’s knowledge-transfer and business incubator, Innovate Calgary.

UCeed Health Fund is supported by the generosity of the River Fund at the Calgary Foundation and its mission to build a healthy and vibrant community where everyone belongs.

UCeed Child Health is funded by the generosity of our community through the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and its mission to inspire our community to invest in excellence in child health, research and family centred care.