DnaK Therapeutics

DnaK Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing selective small-molecule inhibitors of bacterial DnaK, a chaperone protein produced by tumor-associated bacteria that is linked to colorectal and gastric cancers and chemotherapy resistance. Founded in 2024 by Dr. Robert C. Gallo, Dr. Davide Zella, and Dr. Francesca Benedetti, the company is based at USF CONNECT's Tampa Bay Technology Incubator in Tampa, Florida. DnaK Therapeutics is advancing a three-part research strategy that includes small-molecule inhibitor development, combination therapy studies with standard chemotherapies (such as 5-FU and oxaliplatin), and a companion diagnostic test to measure DnaK in tumors. The company's approach aims to restore the tumor's natural p53-mediated apoptosis pathway, thereby overcoming chemotherapy resistance driven by cancer-associated bacteria.