Developing innovative preventive therapeutics
The company is committed to developing innovative preventive therapeutics for a range of human diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes (T2D), and their related cardiovascular complications.
Pioneering Preventive Therapeutics
AcroPharma AB is a holding company rooted in research from Lund University, founded in 2023 by scientific founders Associate Professor Albert Salehi and Dr. Masoud Khayyami. The company is committed to developing innovative preventive therapeutics for a range of human diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes (T2D), and their related cardiovascular complications. These therapeutics are based on a deep molecular and genetic understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms.
Given that the tissue target is expressed across multiple organs, AcroPharma is also expanding its research into new therapeutic categories aimed at improving neuronal dysfunction, which plays a key role in depression. The lead compounds developed by the company could enhance the effectiveness of already existing antidepressants or possibly could even replace them. Additionally, AcroPharma is also working on therapies to prevent the spread of cancer (metastasis) in affected patients.
MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome
Type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular complications
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome
Type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular complications
Market
The type 2 diabetes pharmaceutical market was valued at $66 billion in 2023, according to Predence Research. It is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 6.5%, reaching $132 billion by 2034. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, typically affects adults who become resistant to insulin or produce insufficient insulin. It affects an estimated 450 million people globally, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. Rising obesity rates, especially among youth, have led to increased cases in children and adults alike. It is a lifelong disease requiring ongoing medical treatment.
Pipeline
2024
2025
2026
2027
about us
AcroPharma is a biotechnology startup, spun out from research conducted at the Lund University Diabetes Center in 2023, founded by Associate Professor Albert Salehi, a world-renowned expert in diabetes and diabetic cardiovascular complications and Dr. Masoud Khayyami. AcroPharma focuses on developing innovative therapies targeting β-cell and endothelial cell dysfunction under pathophysiological conditions, with a specific focus on activating the G-protein coupled receptor 56 (GPR56). Activation of GPR56 has shown promise in protecting β-cells and endothelial cells, which are critical for maintaining glucose homeostasis and vascular health, thereby preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its associated cardiovascular complications.
Our research has demonstrated that GPR56 enhances cell adhesion, a property that may contribute to reducing cancer cell metastasis. This effect likely arises from GPR56’s dual functional properties, combining cell adhesion with its characteristic GPCR signaling role regulating cell function.
Building on the central role of GPR56 in human tissue development, AcroPharma AB is advancing a small molecule platform aimed at treating β-cell and endothelial dysfunction, with dual objectives: preventing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity-related vascular plaque formation, depression as well as potentially inhibiting cancer cell metastasis.
AcroPharma AB is committed to translating these scientific insights into therapeutic solutions that address significant global health challenges, including diabetes, obesity, depression and cancer.
