MetaLead Secures CHF 1M to advance treatment for Wilson's disease

Zurich-based startup metaLead Therapeutics has raised CHF 1M from the UZH Life Sciences Fund to accelerate the development of a new treatment for Wilson disease, a rare condition caused by copper buildup in the body. The company is using a novel peptide-based platform to improve metal-binding therapies.

MetaLead Therapeutics, a spin-off from the University of Zurich, is developing a new class of metal-binding drugs aimed at overcoming the shortcomings of existing chelation therapies. Its proprietary peptide-based platform offers greater selectivity, targeting toxic metals while preserving essential ones—a key limitation in current treatments.

The company is currently focused on Wilson disease, a genetic disorder that leads to toxic copper accumulation, causing serious liver and neurological damage. Existing therapies often fall short in efficacy or tolerability, leaving patients with limited options.

Backed by the new CHF 1 million investment from the UZH Life Sciences Fund, metaLead plans to advance its lead candidate through preclinical development and toward IND-enabling studies. According to founder and CEO Michal Shoshan, the funding will support further validation of the therapy’s potential as a best-in-class treatment for metal-related disorders.

The Biotech startup participated in Venture Leaders Biotech and won Venture Kick.


metaLead team