Incorporated in May 2002 by 2 scientists from the University of Geneva School of Medicine and 2 private investors, Athelas SA is a startup biotechnology company devoted to the development of the antibiotics of tomorrow. Its outstanding scientific team uses innovative approaches to drug development which have been discovered and patented by the University of Geneva.

Athelas SA succeeded in closing its first round of financing in December 2002, and has been fully operational since January 2003 in its new facilities located close to the University Medical Centre in Geneva.

A spokesperson for Athelas says, "Athelas is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering an innovative approach to bacterial anti-virulence drug discovery. The company is developing a novel class of drugs to treat life-threatening infections caused by major human bacterial pathogens. To achieve this goal, Athelas is using advanced cell-based screening technology to first evaluate drug candidates and then to optimize their safety and efficacy."

More info on Athelas and invitation at www.athelas.com