Transforming cancer treatment with smart RNA therapeutics

RXcel's encouraging pre-clinical data in Glioblastoma

Our VISION is to revolutionize cancer treatment by developing smart RNA molecules capable of precisely distinguishing cancer cells based on the absence of specific genetic markers, rather than their presence. 

This innovative approach aims to establish a completely new set of therapeutic targets, offering hope for improved outcomes in patients with few existing options.

Glioblastoma - RXcel's primary target

At RXcel, we are committed to addressing some of the most challenging and underserved diseases in oncology. Glioblastoma — the most aggressive and lethal form of brain cancer — is a key focus area for us. Why?

Molecular Target identified

CDKN2A is a known negative prognostic marker in glioblastoma that frequently undergoes homozygous deletion (between 40% to 60% of the patients). RXcel's smart RNA molecules turn this gene into a therapeutic target  which offers a rational for a transformative approach to treatment, laying the foundation for a more precise clinical intervention.

Unmet medical need

Despite current standard-of-care treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide), median survival for patients with glioblastoma remains just 12 to 15 months. There have been few advances over the past two decades, and recurrence is almost inevitable. Novel, targeted therapies are urgently needed.

Limited trial activitiy

Compared to other solid tumors, glioblastoma sees disproportionately low clinical trial activity — despite its severity and poor prognosis. This highlights a major gap in innovation and investment that RXcel is aiming to address.

Behind the science
In glioblastoma, a deletion on chromosome 9 leads to the loss of the tumor suppressor gene CDKN2A. Smart RNA molecules alter their half-lives based on the CDKN2A expression, so that  production of the therapeutic effector protein is concentrated primarily in the tumor cells.  This selective response is enabled by the RNA’s engineered stability — it remains active and therapeutically effective only when CDKN2A is absent, and is rapidly degraded when the target is present, ensuring precise control and minimizing off-target effects.

In collaboration with our academic partners RXcel has now proven that this is no longer a hypothesis. We have successfully delivered RNA probes in vitro with conditional stability and delivered cytotoxic signals.

Timeline

 

Founding RXcel as GmbH

An idea is born, Simon and Michal lay the foundation in Basel, Switzerland.

06/08/2023
 

Concept feasibility with Innosuisse

In collaboration with FHNW (University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland) , RXcel has successfully conducted a proof-of-concept experiment, funded by Innosuisse. This study demonstrated a statistically significant difference of effector protein production in specific cell lines with and without CDKN2A, using fluorescent reporter constructs (eGFP). The underlying concept has been discussed with scientists in the relevant fields, who have expressed confidence in its potential.

01/03/2024
 

Expansion and Validation

Dr. Marion Salvador joins as a Scientific Consultant. Private funding has enabled us to revalidate and optimize in vitro results in close collaboration with FHNW.

05/01/2025
 

Collaboration with Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences

RXcel signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the Czech Academy of Sciences. This also marks the beginning of our collaboration with Prof. Petr Svoboda and his group.

08/01/2025
 

Expanding collaborations

Prof. Ghazaleh Tabatabai joins as another Strategic Consultant and brings long-standing experience from clinical practice and research in the field of neuro-oncology.

11/27/2025
 

Close in vivo optimization during Q3/4 2026

In close collaboration with our academic partners, we are currently optimizing our target RNA, aiming to reach in vivo readiness by Q1 2027. This includes the integration of new RNA designs to build a versatile therapeutic platform, along with ongoing validation of the molecular mechanism and assessment of potential off-target effects. To advance into in vivo studies, additional funding will be required, and RXcel has initiated early-stage discussions to secure the necessary resources.

12/31/2025

Team

To further strengthen our vision and operations, we are partnering with scientific and medical experts as strategic advisors and consultants.

Simon Buerssner

Founder

Biologist with experience in lipid nano carriers and RNA therapeutics

Michal Kloc

Founder

Physicist and passionate data scientist, extensive experience in cancer biology

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Petr Svoboda

Strategic Consultant

Molecular biologist specialized on post-transcriptional regulations and RNA processing, professor at Charles University and a group leader at Institute of Molecular Genetics

Ghazaleh Tabatabai

Strategic Consultant

A neurologist, a physician scientist and a professor of Neurology and Neuro-oncology at the University of Tübingen,

Marion Salvador

Scientific Consultant

Cancer biologist and translational cancer researcher with passion for innovation

Contact

  • Vogesenstrasse 32, Basel, Schweiz