AFTx

AFTx is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of first-in-class small molecule inhibitors for the treatment of cancer. The company’s research centers on the Alternative Form of TERT (AFT), a specific protein isoform that is distinct from the canonical telomerase reverse transcriptase involved in telomere maintenance. AFT is highly expressed across a broad spectrum of human cancers and plays a vital role in promoting tumor cell proliferation and survival, yet it is largely absent in normal adult tissues. By selectively targeting this tumor-specific protein, AFTx aims to develop potent oncology therapies with a superior safety profile compared to traditional treatments. The company was founded by pioneers in gene regulation and is backed by leading life science venture capital firms.