Tevard Biosciences was founded by MIT Molecular Biologist and Professor Harvey Lodish, along with Daniel Fischer and Warren Lammert, with the goal of developing transformational therapies for rare diseases.
We are developing unique tRNA-based therapies with the potential to provide durable cures for rare diseases.
In normal protein production, tRNAs recognize and decode each codon in the mRNA, adding the specified amino acid to the growing protein until a stop codon terminates production.
Nonsense mutations encode a premature stop codon that halts translation and prevents formation of a functional full-length protein.
Suppressor tRNAs can target a class of mutations rather than a specific gene, allowing our therapies to treat multiple diseases. This unlocks the potential for cost-effective development using basket clinical trials and label expansions.
Advantages of tRNA therapeutics
At Tevard, we continue to push our technology forward to find cures for all inherited human diseases caused by nonsense mutations that affect millions of people worldwide.
From cardiomyopathy to epilepsy, our platform has proven to restore protein levels across a range of organs and tissues by targeting and overcoming the underlying disease-causing mutation.
Titin (TTN) is the largest protein in the human body and is essential for cardiac function. Truncating mutations in TTN are the most frequent genetic cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and are associated with more severe outcomes in patients of all ages. More than 70,000 people in the US are estimated to be living with DCM caused by nonsense mutations in TTN. There are currently no disease-modifying therapies for these patients. Our suppressor tRNA technology has demonstrated the ability to restore full-length TTN protein in a mouse model.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes dystrophin, a protein required for muscle function. There are more than 1,700 people in the US living with DMD caused by nonsense mutations. Existing therapeutics, and those currently under development, produce shortened versions of dystrophin. Our suppressor tRNA technology has demonstrated the ability to restore full-length dystrophin protein and rescue muscle deficits in a mouse model of DMD.
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are the most severe category of genetic epilepsies. More than 10,000 people in the US are living with DEEs caused by nonsense mutations. Our suppressor tRNA technology can potentially treat DEEs caused by nonsense mutations through a basket clinical trial.
Tevard has assembled a team of scientific, clinical, and industry leaders to drive tRNA therapies to patients in a timeframe that matters.
Co-Founder, Chair of the SAB, and Board Member
Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board
Scientific Co-Founder, Scientific Advisor
Co-Founder, President and CEO, Board Member
Scientific Advisor, Board Member
Scientific Advisor
Scientific Advisor
Board Member
Scientific Advisor
Board Member
Board Member
Scientific Advisor
Scientific Advisor
Scientific Advisor, Board Observer
Scientific Advisor
CFO
VP of Development Operations
Director of Research
Advisor
Board Observer
Scientific Advisor
Scientific Advisor
Board Member
August 13, 2024, Cambridge, MA — Tevard Biosciences, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company pioneering tRNA-based therapies to cure a broad range of genetic diseases, today announced that it will be moving its corporate headquarters to Lilly Gateway Labs (LGL) located in the Seaport District in Boston. Tevard was selected to join the LGL community […]
June 24, 2024, Cambridge, MA — Tevard Biosciences, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company pioneering tRNA-based therapies to cure a broad range of genetic diseases, today announced the appointment of John Maraganore, Ph.D., as a Strategic Advisor and Board Observer. Dr. Maraganore brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of RNA therapeutics. […]
At Tevard we are looking for highly-qualified and passionate professionals to join our team. As a member of our team you will become a part of our mission to develop novel tRNA-based gene therapies to transform patients’ and families’ lives.
Research Associate – in vivo Pharmacology
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Research Associate – mRNA Biology
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