Transforming Cancer, Autoimmunity & Inflammation

Forta Bio

Pioneering ODC™ (Oligonucleotide-Dependent Cytotoxicity), a new class of naked, ligand-targeted oligonucleotide therapeutics that integrate precision delivery, TERT⁺-activated cytotoxicity, and programmable immunomodulation. Unlike ADCs, gene-modulating oligonucleotides, viral therapies, or small molecules, ODCs™ integrate all functional domains directly into one oligonucleotide backbone, enabling precision targeting with controllable safety and potent activity.

About Us

Forta Bio is a next-generation biotech company developing ODCTM (Oligo-Dependent Cytotoxicity), a new class of precision and programmable DNA/RNA medicines that selectively eliminate disease-driving cells - without compromising healthy immunity.ODCTM combines targeted delivery, intracellular activation, and immune modulation in a single, synthetic molecule:Each ODC integrates:1. Targeting domain (short CpG oligo or aptamer) that enables selective uptake by specific cells.
2. Cytotoxic switch that activates only inside TERT+ pathogenic cells.
3. Immunomodulatory sequence capable of activating or suppressing immune pathways.We are building FortaGuideAI™, an integrated AI engine to design and optimize our ODCs. FortaGuideAI is designed to perform generative, multi-objective optimization of focused ODC libraries within Forta Bio’s chemistry space and to continuously learn from high-throughput screens and in vivo studies.This approach enables vector-free delivery, brain penetration, and highly selective activity in cancers and immune-driven diseases - all while preserving healthy tissue.We focus on high-burden, underserved conditions - particularly those affecting women and children - and pursue accelerated regulatory pathways.Backed by validated science from City of Hope and led by a team with 7+ INDs, 30+ pharma deals, and multiple biotech exits, Forta Bio is on a mission to bring smarter, safer, and more targeted therapies to patients who need them most.

Revolutionary Targeted Technology

ODCTM (Oligo-Dependent Cytotoxicity)

  • Proprietary 6-thio-deoxyguanosine-based oligonucleotides (FORTA-6tdGOs)

  • Short ssODNs containing 5-40 6tdG moieties, with or w/o conjugation to RNA aptamers or antibodies, without the risk of 6tdG aggregation

  • Naked formulation

  • Serum stability and endosomal escape of 6tdG facilitated by established oligonucleotide chemistry

  • High dual specificity to cells expressing a specific target receptor (e.g. SR-A1) together with an active telomerase

  • Telomerase (TERT) is active in ~90% cancer types, autoreactive lymphocytes and inflamed stroma

  • Potential expansion ODC strategy to other toxic nucleoside analogues (e.g. DNA/RNA polymerase inhibitors, epigenetic inhibitors)

The Team

Dr. Zoya Gluzman-Poltorak

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

A biotech veteran with 25+ years of experience leading drug development in gene and cell therapy, genome editing, and targeted biologics. She has taken multiple programs from early research to the clinic, serving as lead on seven FDA INDs and overseeing development across immunology, oncology, hematology, neurology, rare diseases, and cardiology. She’s built and led cross-functional teams, secured over $250M in public and private funding, and managed key partnerships with NIH, DoD, BARDA, and research collaborators.

Dr. Valeria Povolotsky

Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer

Biotech and Pharma executive, ex-Roche / Genentech, Valeria has closed over 30 strategic partnerships and licensing deals. She brings deep expertise in business development, global partnering, pharma alliances, and strategic growth to biotech companies.

Dr. Marcin Kortylewski

Co-Founder & Scientific Lead

A renowned immunologist and oligonucleotide expert with 100+ publications and 20+ patents. He leads Forta Bio’s scientific direction, with prior innovative research leadership at City of Hope and co-founder roles in multiple biotech ventures.

Let’s Connect

For investment, partnerships, or media inquiries — reach out anytime.

A Smarter, Safer Approach to Treatment

Forta Bio develops DNA breakthrough medicines that target the actual drivers of autoimmune disease and cancer — without hurting healthy immune cells. Our therapies are precise, well-tolerated, and designed for people who don’t respond to current options.

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