Valfard Therapeutics is advancing a targeted, enzyme-responsive injectable therapy for chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) — a $14.4B global unmet need. Their lead candidate delivers transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in response to elevated MMP-9 levels in chronic wounds, promoting optimal healing conditions and reducing amputation risk. With a biomaterials-driven approach and strong scientific leadership, Valfard aims to transform wound care with a true disease-modifying therapy.
Lead Program & Pipeline
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Lead candidate: Subcutaneous injectable therapy delivering TGF-β for DFU treatment
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Uses enzyme-responsive biomaterial to trigger drug release in MMP-9-rich chronic wounds
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Targets inflammation resolution and tissue regeneration, addressing root causes of chronic DFUs
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Preclinical stage with in-vitro optimization and primate model studies underway
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IP strategy in development; provisional patent filings planned
Technology Differentiators
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First DFU therapy to leverage MMP-9–triggered drug release for responsive, localized healing
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Provides sustained release of bioactive TGF-β, enhancing wound resolution
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Designed to overcome limitations of current DFU treatments, which only manage symptoms
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Platform may be applicable to other chronic wound types in dermatology and endocrinology
Stage & Investment
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Stage: Preclinical (in-vitro optimization and primate model development)
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Funding Raised: <$500K
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IP: Not yet filed; provisional applications in progress
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Collaborations: In discussion with CRO partners for non-clinical development
What's Next
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Finalize optimization of in-vitro release kinetics
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Initiate and complete primate model studies
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File provisional patents for biomaterial platform
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Form an independent Board of Directors with clinical and business leaders
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Raise seed funding and pursue strategic partnerships with hospitals, payers, and pharma
Leadership
Zikria Saif
CEO & Co-founder
Neha Chauhan, PhD
Co-founder