A biomarker-defined approach to metabolic vulnerability in pancreatic cancer.
Mito Laboratories is a seed-stage biotechnology company developing a synthetic metabolic lethality platform in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Our strategy focuses on glycolytic tumors characterised by elevated LDHA and PDK1 expression, where coordinated metabolic disruption can expose exploitable apoptotic dependencies.
Our Scientific Rationale
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains one of the most lethal solid tumors. While genomic drivers such as KRAS are well characterised, many pancreatic tumors exhibit a pronounced glycolytic phenotype with elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) expression. These metabolic adaptations enable tumor survival under hypoxia and nutrient stress.
Mito Laboratories is built on the hypothesis that simultaneous inhibition of LDH and PDK1 forces mitochondrial oxidative flux and reactive oxygen species accumulation in this metabolic subtype. Under such stress conditions, tumor cells become increasingly reliant on anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins for survival.
By combining metabolic disruption with concurrent pan–anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family inhibition, our platform aims to induce non-linear, subtype-selective tumor cell death. The objective is to achieve meaningful apoptotic activation at reduced BH3 mimetic exposure, expanding the potential therapeutic window through metabolic sensitisation.
Our Strategy
Biomarker Definition
Identify and validate LDHA-high / PDK1-high pancreatic tumor models to define a metabolically vulnerable patient subset.
Platform Validation
Demonstrate simultaneous triple-inhibition synergy in vitro and in vivo, quantifying mitochondrial stress, ROS generation, and apoptotic activation.
Proprietary Asset Development
File intellectual property covering biomarker-defined combination therapy, followed by staged proprietary inhibitor discovery programs targeting LDH, PDK1, and Bcl-2 family proteins.
Our Mission
Our mission is to build a precision metabolic oncology company focused on translating mitochondrial biology into clinically actionable therapeutic programs. We aim to combine rigorous mechanistic validation with disciplined capital strategy, advancing from preclinical proof-of-concept to institutional-grade development.
Mito Laboratories is currently raising seed capital to advance preclinical validation and expand intellectual property in pancreatic cancer.