Startups 

Clear2Cure is an early-stage biotechnology startup spun out from Utrecht University, dedicated to developing therapies for severe viral infections and life-threatening inflammatory disorders. Our platform technology uses small, specialized antibody fragments known as VHH antibodies, that specifically capture harmful, disease-causing molecules. Our unique antibodies, called Clearbodies®, then guide the unwanted targets into the cell’s natural waste disposal system, the lysosome. In more detail: the Clearbodies® are llama derived antibodies with two functional ‘heads”, one binds to pathogenic extracellular molecules and the other targets the ubiquitously expressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR ) on non-immune cells. In vitro studies with HIV proteins and infectious viruses have shown that our Clearbodies® induce the cells to internalize and degrade the harmful proteins. This method bypasses the entire immune system, thereby also avoiding complicating and often harmful overreactions (like “cytokine storm”). Clearbodies ® are particularly well suited for combating pathogens that have evolved mechanisms to evade immune detection.

Our technology fits into a rapidly growing field known as Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD), which aims not only to inhibit harmful agents, but to eliminate them entirely from the body.

We have successfully demonstrated our technology in vitro and are currently advancing to in vivo testing as well as establishing collaborations with industry partners.

The Clear2Cure platform technology can be applied to rapidly eliminate virtually all harmful substances in the circulation for which antibodies can be generated, including bacterial toxins, deregulated cytokines, and toxic protein aggregates. While focusing on our core targets, we recognize the platform’s relatively straightforward design, enabling rapid adaptation to additional targets. We invite academic and industry partners to collaborate with us in advancing Clearbodies® technology toward clinical applications and addressing critical unmet medical needs.