Avast Therapeutics is developing first-in-class, non-invasive peptide therapeutics that safely cross the blood-brain barrier to restore mitochondrial function and protect neurons.
This breakthrough approach targets neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s at their earliest stages, with the potential to halt disease progression and transform brain medicine.
Avast Therapeutics, Inc. is a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class, non-invasive peptide therapeutics to treat neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Founded by University of Kentucky neuroscientists, Avast holds an exclusive license to a proprietary collection of small peptides capable of:
- Crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB)
- Restoring mitochondrial function
- Protecting and repairing neurons
Neurodegenerative diseases affect tens of millions worldwide, destroying brain function and costing the U.S. healthcare system hundreds of billions annually. No current therapies halt or reverse progression, primarily due to the BBB blocking most drugs from reaching neurons.
Avast directly addresses this challenge with non-invasive, BBB-penetrating peptides that restore mitochondrial health—a core driver of neuronal survival. Lead candidates have shown potent neuroprotective and restorative effects in rodent and primate models via intranasal administration, with no adverse effects.
Beyond therapeutics, Avast’s technology offers a transformative platform for brain drug delivery, potentially enabling broader CNS treatments. Avast aims to halt disease progression and redefine treatment for these devastating disorders.
Leadership & Expertise
Avast Therapeutics is led by a highly experienced team of neuroscientists and translational researchers from the University of Kentucky.
- Co-Founders
Drs. Luke Bradley (CEO), Don Gash, and Greg Gerhardt bring over 100 years of combined experience in neuroscience, preclinical drug development, and translational research. - Dr. Luke Bradley – CEO
Current Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Kentucky, stepping away from academic leadership to focus full-time on Avast.
The team is supported by advisors and consultants with expertise in intellectual property, business development, corporate law, and licensing—providing the multidisciplinary strength needed to advance first-in-class therapeutics toward clinical development.
Avast’s go-to-market strategy centers on de-risking lead candidates through IND-enabling studies to position the company for strategic partnership, licensing, or acquisition with an established biopharmaceutical company.
Key Elements
- Capital-Efficient Operations
Virtual company model leveraging CROs for preclinical research, GMP manufacturers for peptide synthesis, and regulatory consultants for FDA preparation. - Milestone-Driven Progress
Focus on generating robust efficacy, safety, and manufacturing data to validate the platform. - Partnership Focus
Cultivating relationships with biopharma companies, investors, and collaborators for co-development and licensing opportunities.
This flexible, partnership-driven approach accelerates development while maintaining agility to explore additional applications of the technology.
Avast’s revenue strategy focuses on strategic partnerships, licensing agreements, and milestone-based collaborations with larger biopharmaceutical companies.
Path to Revenue
- Near-Term
Advance lead candidates through IND-enabling studies to enable licensing, co-development, or acquisition. - Revenue Streams
Upfront payments, development milestones, and potential downstream royalties. - Advantages
Non-invasive delivery improves patient accessibility and streamlines development.
Investment is required to complete key milestones (GMP manufacturing, toxicology, formulation) essential for regulatory submission and partnership readiness. This milestone-driven model provides a capital-efficient path to value creation.
Investment Opportunity
Avast Therapeutics is raising a SAFE seed round to advance its lead non-invasive peptide therapeutic toward FDA IND-enabling studies.
Funds will complete critical preclinical milestones, generate regulatory-grade data, and position Avast for strategic partnership or acquisition with a mid- to large-cap biopharmaceutical company.
Use of Proceeds
| Purpose | Details |
|---|---|
| GMP Synthesis & Stability | Production and testing of lead candidate and formulation |
| Toxicology Studies | In vitro and preliminary in vivo studies with qualified CRO partners |
| Regulatory Preparation | Initial consulting and FDA pre-IND preparation |
| Intellectual Property | Expansion and new patent filings |
This investment will de-risk the lead asset while strengthening the broader CNS delivery platform for long-term impact.
Avast has developed a first-in-class collection of small peptides that cross the blood-brain barrier, restore mitochondrial function, and protect/repair neurons—addressing a major unmet need in neurodegenerative disease treatment.
Key Achievements
- Preclinical Validation
Strong neuroprotective and restorative effects in rodent and non-human primate models via intranasal administration, with no observed toxicity. - Intellectual Property
Exclusive University of Kentucky license covering composition of matter, biological actions, and delivery methods; supported by issued U.S./international patents and pending filings. - Current Status
Preparing for IND-enabling studies (GMP synthesis, toxicology, formulation optimization) and FDA pre-IND submission.
Supported by a leadership team with over 100 years of combined neuroscience experience and expert advisors, Avast is well-positioned to de-risk assets and advance toward clinical translation.
Avast Therapeutics has closed a pre-seed SAFE round (founders, friends, and accredited investors) to support early operations and preclinical development.
The company has also leveraged federal grant funding and internal research resources to:
- Establish a strong IP foundation
- Validate peptide technology in preclinical models
- Position lead candidates for IND-enabling studies
