Harvard's Office of Technology Development and LabCentral invite you to the first Guppy Tank of 2026, where Harvard life-science innovators will pitch their early-stage concepts to a panel of entrepreneurs and investors for constructive, in-depth feedback.
Please join us on Thursday, May 7, from 4 PM to 6 PM at LabCentral to hear the presentation, learn from experts on startup formation, and participate in giving audience feedback. The event is accompanied by a reception with food and drinks. All are welcome!
PRESENTED BY
Andrew Kruse, Ph.D.
Professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology
Harvard Medical School
Research in my lab aims to elucidate the molecular basis of transmembrane signaling through the use of biochemistry, pharmacological studies, and structural biology. We are particularly interested in signaling pathways with connections to human health and disease, including G protein-coupled receptors and other transmembrane receptors. In the long term, we aim to leverage a detailed molecular understanding of these pathways to facilitate the development of new and better therapeutics.
Jeffrey Smith, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Brigham and Women's Hospital
I am a physician scientist and practicing dermatologist focused on translating advances in receptor biology into the clinic. Clinically, I specialize in seeing patients with rare autoimmune skin and connective tissue diseases. In the laboratory, I have a particular interest in G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are the target of ~1/3 of FDA approved medications. There are two primary arms to my research focus, and basic science component and translational/clinical component.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) plays a key role in regulating melanin production, which determines skin pigmentation. Peptide agonists targeting MC1R enhance melanin production, leading to increased pigmentation, with one FDA-approved to treat skin damage caused by porphyria. Unfortunately, the clinical utility of current MC1R peptides is significantly limited by their rapid clearance and cross-reactivity with other receptors within the melanocortin receptor family. Given the role of skin pigmentation in various diseases and skin cancer prevention, a selective and potent MC1R agonist could have multiple clinical uses: significantly improving upon current standard of care and expanding indications for a variety of ‘sunless tanning’ applications. We have created a molecule with high affinity and selectivity for the MC1R that may address this need.
THE PANEL
Chaya Patel PhD, Principal, Mission BioCapital
Elias Quijano, Ph.D.
Principal, NorthBound Ventures
Gunes Bozkurt PhD,
Director of Venture Investments, Beiersdorf
Mike Schlabach, PhD
SVP, CSO Partner Team, Curie.Bio