Transforming Cancer, Autoimmunity & Inflammation
We created ODC™ (Oligonucleotide-Dependent Cytotoxicity) - a new therapeutic class where a single DNA/RNA molecule can both find specific cells and trigger a targeted effect, with built-in immune modulation. Unlike ADCs (an antibody plus a separate drug payload), ODCs combine these functions, plus dual specificity and dual mechanism of action, in one synthetic oligonucleotide.
About Us
Forta Bio is a private, California-based biotech developing ODC™ (Oligonucleotide-Dependent Cytotoxicity) - a therapeutic class we created to selectively eliminate pathogenic cells while aiming to preserve healthy immunity. Built on deep foundational research at City of Hope and supported by multi-million-dollar grant funding, our platform spans oncology (FortaOnc™), autoimmune disease (FortaReg™), and aptamer-targeted delivery (FortaApt™), supported by our internal screening and optimization engine FortaGuideAI. It's 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.
Our approach enables formulation-free delivery by targeted uptake through scavenger receptors - a natural cellular entry pathway that is often upregulated in cancer cells and inflamed immune cells. In parallel, we are building an aptamer-targeted delivery capability designed to direct ODC™ therapeutics to specific tissues; our first aptamer program has already shown brain penetration and is being developed for glioma and glioblastoma.Together, this supports highly selective activity in cancers and immune-driven diseases, while aiming to preserve healthy tissue.We focus on high-burden, underserved conditions - particularly those affecting women and children - and pursue accelerated regulatory pathways.Our most advanced oncology candidate, FORTA-02, is in preclinical IND-enabling development for hematological malignancies and solid tumors, with a target to achieve clinical proof-of-concept in under 24 months.
ODC™ = ADC-like targeting, with oligo simplicity and modularity
ODCTM (Oligo-Dependent Cytotoxicity)
Simpler chemistry – faster, cost-effective (COGS 1% vs. 25%), scalable
Higher payload density – more drug per molecule
Dual specificity– targeting domain + TERT activation
Dual MoA – cytotoxicity + immunomodulation
Programmable / modular – adaptable to many payloads
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.
For Investors
Publications
- 1. Cell-selective telomere damage by thiopurine-based oligonucleotide for diffuse large B cell lymphoma immunotherapy. Yu C, Kang EY, Wang D, Liang Y, Swiderski P, Feng Y, Li H, Synold T, Forman S, Kwak L, Kortylewski M. Mol Ther. 2025 Oct 1;33(10):5028-
- 2. Clinical applications of oligonucleotides for cancer therapy. DeFranciscis V, Amabile G, Kortylewski M. Mol Ther. 2025 Jun 4;33(6):2705-2718.
Let’s Connect
For investment, partnerships, or media inquiries - reach out anytime.
A Smarter, Safer Approach to Treatment
Forta Bio develops ODCTM breakthrough medicines that target the actual drivers of cancer, autoimmune disease and inflammation - 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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