Aspera

Aspera Biomedicines is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing first-in-class therapies that target cancer stem cells (CSCs) to prevent disease relapse and extend human healthspan. The company utilizes a unique "space-accelerated" discovery platform, leveraging the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS) to compress years of disease evolution into days. Its lead candidate, Rebecsinib, is a small molecule ADAR1 inhibitor designed to block malignant regeneration and immune evasion in myeloid malignancies and solid tumors. Rebecsinib has received FDA IND clearance for Phase 1/2 clinical trials in patients with relapsed/refractory myelofibrosis and secondary acute myeloid leukemia. Founded by pioneers from the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego, Aspera integrates structural biology and space-based research to address previously intractable targets in oncology.