Azkarra Therapeutics

Azkarra Therapeutics is a precision oncology company focused on the discovery and development of next-generation synthetic lethal therapies. The company was co-founded by Dr. Alan Ashworth, a renowned pioneer in the DNA Damage Response (DDR) field who was instrumental in the development of PARP inhibitors. Azkarra's primary research efforts are centered on targeting Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 1 (USP1), an enzyme that plays a critical role in DNA repair pathways utilized by certain cancer cells. By developing potent small molecule inhibitors, the company aims to provide new treatment options for patients with homologous recombination deficient (HRD) tumors, particularly those who have developed resistance to first-generation DDR therapies. Azkarra is backed by leading life sciences venture capital firms and operates at the intersection of deep biological insight and advanced drug discovery.