With cancer and autoimmune diseases remaining some of the leading causes of illness worldwide, Australian startup Proxima Bio is opening new potential treatment pathways by developing pioneering technologies that identify and target disease-causing proteins resistant to existing drugs.
Think of it as a highly specialised “garbage truck” for cells, designed to target and remove harmful proteins from the cell surface. By de-grading disease-causing proteins, Proxima Bio’s approach could offer a more potent, cell-specific, and less toxic alternative to traditional treatments that could potentially reduce medical side effects.
Setting the foundations
Co-founders Jason Brouwer and Jonathan Bernardini were completing their PhDs in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Melbourne when they first met at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) before continuing their postdoctoral studies.
Deciding to take a break from academia, Jason embarked on a backpacking adventure around the globe with his partner. However, when the pandemic brought Jason back to Melbourne, he found himself unemployed and working from his mother-in-law’s garage, which he had turned into his office.
In this humble space, the idea for Proxima Bio, which he credits to his fresh, unbiased perspective and plenty of time for reading, was born. Excited by his idea’s potential, he quickly realised he needed people with the skills to bring it to life.
He first re-connected with Jonathan, whose expertise in transforming hypothetical ideas into actionable research would be crucial in establishing the company and preparing it for the next phase of translation and commercialisation.
Then, to further strengthen the team’s international connections and commercial capabilities, Jason and Jonathan reached out to Amanda Woon, who had recently returned to Melbourne after working with various biotech startups in the UK.
Together, the trio laid the foundations for the next stage of Proxima Bio’s growth.
Challenges along the way The trio’s first major hurdle was funding. In Australia, securing early-stage funding is often challenging, but a Medical Research Future Fund grant via the Brandon BioCatalyst CUREator program provided a critical early investment.
“We’re extremely grateful for this unique operational model, as it allows us, the founders, to remain actively involved in shaping what’s next for the company from an innovation and commercialisation perspective.”, said Jason Brouwer.
“Starting a new venture is challenging in every aspect. As an early startup, securing funds was one of the biggest challenges in the early days,” said Jonathan.
”Because we are founder-led, securing funding in this environment was harder. CUREator was among the first to see our potential. Brandon Capital Senior Investment Manager Bob Soh went out of his way with invaluable guidance beyond funding, which sharpened our industry mindset and helped us raise funds for the next round of development.”
The dream team and the vision Jason, Jonathan, and Amanda each bring unique expertise and perspectives, forming a strong team that values collaboration and shared purpose.
Jason has a background in structural biology and leading research projects, whereas Jonathan specialises in ubiquitin-based cell biology and is keenly interested in commercialising new technologies. Complementing Jonathan and Jason’s skill sets is Amanda, whose immunology and biochemistry background, combined with her drug development, biotech, and operational expertise, accelerated the company’s growth.
“The key to Proxima Bio’s success has been working with talented individuals who believe in our vision and the ability to leverage their broad advisory and VC networks to improve our chances of success and impact,” said Amanda Woon.
The team’s perspective on why their journey has been a success lies in a firm belief that collaboration is the lynchpin. “It’s about ensuring you’re in the right rooms with smart people who believe in your vision. Being bold, having a high tolerance for risk, staying humble, and being open to advice are the keys to success for this new wave of biotech startups.” Jason concluded.
This approach has laid the foundation for Proxima Bio’s next exciting chapter. The CUREator experience helped them secure a larger investment, which has enabled the core team to grow to seven (including Josephine Palandri, Aileen Kamal, Hamish McWilliam and Dale Calleja) and the company to establish new premises in the Jumar Bioincubator.
Their mission is rooted in delivering transformative medicines to patients in need, driving forward with plans to initiate their first clinical trials within the next three to four years.
Beyond this, they aspire to be catalysts for change, actively shaping and strengthening Australia’s biotech ecosystem, leaving a lasting impact on healthcare and innovation.
