Cellgebra is an Irish startup dedicated to discovering effective cancer drugs. With the goal of increasing the success rate of clinical trials, Cellgebra utilizes cutting-edge, data-driven mathematical algorithms to identify new drug targets for development. Their solutions involve developing computational models that accurately capture the behavior of cellular networks in disease. By simulating cell network behavior, Cellgebra can identify drug targets that are most likely to succeed and identify specific biomarkers for patients who will respond well to treatment.

Currently, Cellgebra's main focus is on developing a cell network model for melanoma, a type of cancer with a poor prognosis at the metastatic stage despite existing treatments. Their long-term vision is to create a novel therapeutic option for melanoma that significantly improves on current drugs. Led by Katja Rybakova, a PhD holder in Systems Biology, the team has a wealth of experience in molecular and systems biology research, as well as bioinformatics and wet lab experiments.

Cellgebra also benefits from a strong advisory board, including Norma Andresson, an experienced pharmaceutical industry veteran, and Alexander von Kriegsheim, an expert in proteomics and mathematical modeling. Additionally, Fiachra O Comhrai provides valuable guidance in corporate sales and business strategy.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cellgebra has participated in the EUvsVirus Hackathon, working alongside researchers from Ireland, France, and Scotland. They have applied computational methods and molecular modeling to explore possibilities for drug repositioning in order to treat the cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients. Cellgebra is actively seeking partners who have access to patient data or blood samples to further their research in this area.