Monash research drives launch of new biotech targeting genetic kidney disease

Image of a murine kidney with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Green represents collecting duct epithelia and their derived cysts. Blue represents DAPI staining of nuclei. Tissue preparation, sectioning and staining were performed by Dr Allara Zylberberg and image acquired with the fluorescent slide scanning services of the Monash Histology Platform.

30 March 2026

Monash University researchers are advancing a new therapeutic approach for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) through biotechnology company xCystence Bio, supported by a syndicated pre-seed investment.

Launched in 2023 with grant funding from Brandon BioCatalyst’s CUREator incubator, the company brings together Monash University expertise in kidney disease biology and medicinal chemistry to develop new therapies for the condition. It builds on research led by scientists across the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (MNHS) and the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) within the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The investment round is backed by the Monash Ventures Pre-Seed Fund – a participant in Breakthrough Victoria’s $100 million University Innovation Platform (BVUIP) – alongside Australian investors Breakthrough Victoria, Uniseed and BioCurate, and will enable optimisation of the company’s lead therapeutic programs and progression toward the clinic.

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