Kernal Biologics

Kernal Bio creates mRNA 2.0 therapies that instruct specific cells on how to make their own medicine. Kernal Bio encrypts mRNA’s “message” in a language that only cancer cells understand. These tumor-specific mRNA therapeutics allow precise targeting of cancer cells, without harming normal cells or tissues. They have recently been validated in preclinical tumor models, showing high efficacy and safety as well as durable adaptive immunity. Kernal’s lead asset is effective in p53-deficient tumors, which represent half of all human cancers. With roots at MIT, Harvard and Biopharma, Kernal’s management team has deep expertise in mRNA therapeutics space. CEO, Yusuf Erkul, M.D. is a successful drug hunter whose research at Merck enabled an FDA-approved drug for ovarian cancer. President, Burak Yilmaz, M.S., previously founded Sentegen, Turkey's first synthetic biology company which manufactures synthetic DNA, RNA, and diagnostic kits for genetic and infectious diseases. CBO, Maria Grunwald, Ph.D., M.B.A, is a business development executive who led more than 25 BD deals at Dyax (acquired by Shire), Dicerna [acquired by Novo Nordisk], Genevant, and others. VP of R&D Manfred is a leader in immuno-oncology, who was most recently Scientific Senior Director at Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS).