What if we could silence disease-causing proteins not by targeting the protein itself, but by preventing its mRNA from ever being translated—using small-molecule drugs?
In this episode, David Weitz, Co-founder, President and CEO of Syrna Therapeutics, shares how his company is pioneering a revolutionary approach: 3D structure-guided drug discovery for mRNA, coupled with covalent translation inhibitors that block disease-causing proteins before they're even made.
What we discuss:
• Why mRNA represents an untapped class of small-molecule drug targets
• How covalent translation inhibitors work to silence protein expression
• 3D structure-guided drug discovery: revealing druggable domains in mRNA
• Lead programs in immunology and neurodegeneration
• The universal mechanism that can be applied to any mRNA with a druggable structured domain
• Coming out of stealth: building Syrna and attracting top-tier investors
• Personal reflections on pioneering a fundamentally new drug discovery approach
This isn't traditional RNA therapeutics. This is small-molecule drug discovery targeting mRNA—a completely new frontier in precision medicine.
About the Guest: David Weitz is Co-founder, President and CEO of Syrna Therapeutics, a biotechnology company pioneering 3D structure-guided drug discovery for mRNA targets using covalent translation inhibitors.
About the Show: Innovating Tomorrow's Medicine features conversations with biotech leaders, researchers, and innovators who are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact in healthcare and life sciences.
🔗 Connect:
• Syrna Therapeutics: [https://www.syrnatx.com/]
• David Weitz: [https://linkedin.com/in/david-weitz-25ba]
• Host Jeff Trickett: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-trickett]
📧 Questions or guest suggestions? [jeffreytrickett@gmail.com]
#Biotech #mRNA #DrugDiscovery #SmallMolecule #Immunology #Neurodegeneration #PrecisionMedicine #Innovation #RNATherapeutics
