Summary
Research originating from Harvard University and supported by the Harvard Blavatnik Biomedical Accelerator (BBA) has helped produce one of the most promising new approaches to treating previously “undruggable” diseases.
Chemical biologist Greg Verdine developed a novel technology known as stapled peptides, or helicons, that enables therapeutics to reach and target proteins long considered inaccessible to traditional drugs. Early support from the Blavatnik Biomedical Accelerator helped de-risk the technology through proof-of-concept development, providing three grants totaling $450,000 between 2011 and 2013.
That early investment ultimately helped launch Fog Pharmaceuticals, now Parabilis Medicines. In June 2026, Parabilis completed a public offering raising $770.5 million, one of the largest venture-backed biotech financings in recent years. The company’s lead therapeutic candidate, zolucatetide, has demonstrated tumor reductions in 100% of patients in early-stage clinical trials for desmoid tumors and received FDA Fast Track designation in 2025.
For GAP leaders, the story illustrates a core lesson repeatedly observed across the innovation ecosystem: relatively modest translational funding can de-risk breakthrough science, attract substantial follow-on investment, and accelerate therapies toward patients.
Read More Here: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2026/06/finding-ways-to-drug-the-undruggable-diseases/
Realizing GAP Impact (Mind the GAP Impact Horizons)
| Impact Area | Reported Impact Outcome |
|---|---|
| Validation and Commercialization Outcomes | Harvard Blavatnik Biomedical Accelerator provided $450,000 in early-stage translational funding that helped de-risk stapled peptide technology and launch Parabilis Medicines |
| Capital Attraction and Strategic Partner Outcomes | Parabilis completed a $770.5 million public offering and advanced a therapeutic candidate demonstrating tumor reductions in 100% of patients in an early clinical trial |
Related Areas / Keywords:
Biomedical accelerator, translational research, gap funding, proof of concept funding, biotechnology commercialization, startup formation, venture development, drug discovery, technology transfer, life sciences innovation
