Karla Therapeutics

Karla Therapeutics aims to treat mood disorders with antibodies that neutralize a newly discovered circulating protein secreted by T-Cells (Imood). Data in mice from this team demonstrates that increased Imood expression leads to anxiety-like behaviours, and blocking Imood expression regresses anxiety-like behaviours, while patients with psychiatric disorders exhibit increased levels of Imood. Approximately one in five people experience a mood disorder at some point in their life, and currently, up to 50% of treatment regimens are ineffective. Karla offers a therapy (i.e., an antibody) that is specific to those with elevated Imood protein, which contrasts the current approach where patients experience trial and error over years before finding an effective treatment.