BioSphings

BioSphings was a German biotechnology company focused on the development of small molecule therapeutics for oncology, viral infections, and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 2001 as a spin-off from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the company specialized in targeting enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, particularly phospholipases. Its research was heavily based on xanthogenate derivatives, such as D609, which were investigated for their ability to modulate signal transduction pathways. The company's lead programs included a Phase II-ready candidate for Herpes Simplex Virus and the viral gene expression inhibitor SPK-0601, which was licensed to Shogoo Pharmaceuticals. BioSphings operated under a licensing-driven business model before entering liquidation in 2018.