Novel Therapeutics:
Handshake Bio: Avidity-Based Biologics That Selectively Target Toxic Amyloid Conformations
Marc I. Diamond, M.D.
- Professor, UT Southwestern
- Founder (Handshake Bio)
Jaime Vaquer-Alicea, Ph.D.
- Assistant Professor, UT Southwestern
- Founder
Handshake is addressing amyloid diseases by targeting the toxic (pathological) conformations of proteins that drive conditions like Alzheimer’s, ALS, Parkinson’s, and Type 2 Diabetes, rather than targeting all forM.S. of the protein indiscriminately.
The platform uses proprietary cell-based biosensors and binder discovery to detect, validate, and engineer conformation-selective biologics against tau, TDP-43, α-synuclein, and IAPP while sparing native functional proteins.
In ALS-relevant models, the lead TDP-43 program is an AAV9-delivered RING–VHH gene therapy designed to ubiquitinate and degrade TDP-43 aggregates, restoring function and protecting cells.
In Alzheimer’s/tauopathy models, the lead anti-tau antibody program (MD5.1) reduced tau burden and limited long-range propagation in mice, supporting a disease-modifying mechanism.
Handshake presents as a scalable platform across central and peripheral amyloidoses and is positioning prograM.S. for development candidate selection and IND progression, supported by a planned Series A raise.
