Phase I (Years 1-2): Building the foundation
Premium GCE-engineered research proteins establishing revenue and scientific credibility.
Engineering Protein Medicines for the Diseases of Aging
Tiragena combines genetic code expansion, precision protein design, and translational delivery science to build durable therapies for neurodegeneration and age-related decline. We turn frontier biology into clinically focused programs with measurable patient impact.
Research & laboratory
About us
Our story
Our name reflects our mission—combining innovation in genetic technology with regenerative approaches to age-related disease.
Our mission
To revolutionize therapeutic development through proprietary Genetic Code Expansion (GCE) technology, advancing from precision-engineered research proteins to breakthrough antibody-drug conjugates and transformative in vivo protein editing therapies that prevent and treat age-related diseases.
Our vision
To become a leading biotechnology company that fundamentally changes how we treat aging and neurodegeneration by engineering proteins to maintain their function throughout life—preventing disease before irreversible damage occurs.
Our values
- Scientific Excellence — Rigorous, research-driven innovation built on 20+ years of GCE expertise
- Patient Focus — Every decision guided by creating meaningful impact for patients and families affected by devastating diseases
- Safety First — Developing transient, reversible therapies that prioritize patient safety
- Collaboration — Building partnerships across academia, industry, and clinical medicine
- Innovation with Purpose — Advancing breakthrough science to address critical unmet medical needs
Our approach: three strategic phases
Phase II (Years 3-5): Advancing cancer treatment
Next-generation antibody-drug conjugates for targeted oncology.
Phase III (Years 5+): Transforming neurology
Revolutionary protein editing therapies for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and age-related conditions.
Leadership team
Prof. Nediljko Budisa - Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer
- Pioneer in Genetic Code Expansion with 20+ years of research.
- 100+ peer-reviewed publications in synthetic biology and protein engineering.
- International recognition as a leader in non-canonical amino acid incorporation.
- Former positions at leading research institutions in Europe and Canada.
Dr. Hamid-Reza Karbalaei-Heidari - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
- Expert in protein engineering and biomanufacturing.
- Extensive experience in biotech development and commercialization.
- Deep expertise in GCE platform development and scale-up.
- Track record of translating academic research into commercial applications.
Scientific advisory board
Our advisory network combines translational neuroscience, protein engineering, clinical strategy, and regulatory expertise to guide program design, biomarker plans, and trial readiness.
Why Winnipeg?
- Access to world-class research institutions.
- Strong government support for biotech innovation.
- Cost-effective operations.
- Growing life sciences ecosystem.
- Strategic location for North American expansion.
Recognition & milestones
- Federally and Provincially Registered Corporation
- IRAP and NSERC funding eligibility.
- SR&ED tax credit qualification.
- Multiple patent applications filed.
- Strategic partnerships under development.
Contact
General, investor, partnership, and media inquiries: info@tiragena.com
Scientific and technical inquiries: science@tiragena.com