DEBRA Research and Nonsense Therapeutics Launch ReadOn Therapeutics to Accelerate Novel Therapies for Epidermolysis Bullosa

DEBRA Research and Nonsense Therapeutics Launch ReadOn Therapeutics to Accelerate Novel Therapies for Epidermolysis Bullosa

Munich, Germany and London, United Kingdom, 22 September 2025 – DEBRA Research gGmbH, a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research and drug development for those affected by Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), and Nonsense Therapeutics (Nonsense Tx), a biotechnology company developing read-through therapies based on small molecules targeting nonsense mutations, today announced the formation of ReadOn Therapeutics, a new non-profit company dedicated to advancing treatments for EB, initially focusing on Dystrophic EB, one of the more severe forms of EB caused by defective type VII collagen.

ReadOn Therapeutics represents a pioneering joint venture between patient advocacy and biotech innovation in the EB field. The initiative is designed to progress promising preclinical science through the critical early stages of development, de-risking programs so they are ready to advance into clinical development.

Alex Hersham, Managing Director of ReadOn Therapeutics and Co-founder of Nonsense Tx, commented: “As the father of a child with dystrophic EB, I know firsthand the urgency of finding new treatments. ReadOn Therapeutics was born from that urgency – a patient-driven mission that combines the power of advocacy, cutting-edge science, and entrepreneurial execution. By working together, we can move beyond ideas and bring real hope closer to patients and families who need it most.”

Focus on nonsense mutations in dystrophic EB now – potential for many rare diseases

Around one-third of patients with recessive dystrophic EB carry nonsense mutations in the collagen VII gene, which lead to incomplete, non-functional protein products and thus often cause the most severe cases of the disease. ReadOn Therapeutics will focus on the development of small molecules that target the translation machinery, enabling full protein expression. The approach aims to restore type VII collagen production that could significantly reduce - or potentially suppress - disease symptoms. In this regard, ReadOn Therapeutics will carry out a comprehensive preclinical program and IND-enabling studies, intending to be ready for the clinic in less than 3 years. Since nonsense mutations not only cause EB but also many other genetic diseases, this approach could be translated to other rare conditions if successful.

Innovative business model

As a non-profit biotech, ReadOn Therapeutics has a unique structure that allows it to fund and advance multiple preclinical programs in parallel, in ways traditional biotech or non-profit models cannot. By comparing and evaluating several therapeutic approaches from diverse sources, the company can select the most promising candidates for accelerated advancement into early clinical trials, thereby opening multiple pathways, including spin-out opportunities attracting venture capital, and out-licensing opportunities for interested pharma and biotech companies.

Dr. Martin Steiner, Managing Director of ReadOn Therapeutics and DEBRA Research, concluded: “Through this innovative model, DEBRA Research consolidates drug development activities for read-through molecules within a dedicated non-profit biotech. This structure allows us to focus resources and expertise on advancing promising therapeutic strategies that could benefit many patients in urgent need of effective treatment. Our approach directly addresses critical gaps in the therapeutic landscape of EB, while also serving as a blueprint for future focused initiatives and a catalyst for further collaboration with scientists, entrepreneurs, biotechs and pharma driving rare disease innovation.”

About DEBRA Research

DEBRA Research is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing treatments and cures for EB, a rare life-limiting genetic condition. As the research arm of DEBRA Austria - a patient organization established in 1995 to support individuals living with EB – DEBRA Research collaborates globally with academia, biotech, pharma, patient organizations, and regulatory bodies to drive innovation. DEBRA Research focuses on translational research and clinical development to address the unmet needs of people living with EB. Its goal is to accelerate the discovery and development of treatments improving their quality of life, while striving for a future where EB is curable – a “world without EB.”

For more information, please visit www.debra-research.org and follow us on LinkedIn.

About Nonsense Therapeutics

Founded in 2023 in London, Nonsense Tx is a biotechnology company focused on developing small-molecule-based therapies that address diseases caused by nonsense mutations, which account for an estimated 10-12% of rare genetic conditions worldwide. The company’s lead program targets Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB), a severe inherited skin disorder. By advancing a therapeutic platform designed for ribosomal read-through of premature termination codons, Nonsense Tx aims to expand treatment options across a broad range of genetic diseases.

For more information, please visit Nonsense Tx. – Making Sense of Nonsense and follow us on LinkedIn.

Contacts

DEBRA Research gGmbH
Martin Steiner, PhD, Managing Director
Email: info@debra-research.org

Nonsense Tx
Alex Hersham, Co-Founder
Email: alex@nonsensetx.com

Media Inquiries

MC Services
Dr. Cora Kaiser, Dr. Johanna Kobler
Phone: +49 89 210 2280
Email: debra-research@mc-services.eu