Indel Bioinnovations is developing non-viral genomic medicines to restore the tumor-suppressor functions cancer has lost. Our lead program, INDEL-53, starts with p53.
Cancer therapies often inhibit an overactive driver. Indel takes a different starting point: restoring a protective function that cancer cells have lost.
Elephants show lower-than-expected cancer rates despite their large size and long lifespan.
Their expanded TP53 gene family contributes to a heightened DNA-damage response, helping damaged cells undergo apoptosis.
Abegglen et al., JAMA, 2015; Sulak et al., eLife, 2016.TP53 encodes p53, a protein that helps cells respond to DNA damage. When its function is impaired, damaged cells can survive and continue dividing.
INDEL-53 is designed to deliver functional human TP53 DNA into tumor cells through a non-viral system.
Genomic integration is designed to support sustained TP53 expression, enabling cells to produce functional p53.
The intended response is restored p53 activity that helps damaged cells stop dividing or undergo apoptosis, a controlled form of cell death.
Intended cellular responseExplore the preclinical evidenceTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tests negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2. These three biomarkers guide treatment in other breast cancer subtypes. TNBC’s aggressive biology and fewer receptor-directed treatment options create a significant unmet need.
TP53 is mutated in approximately 80% of TNBC tumors across published studies, creating a genetically concentrated entry point for INDEL-53.
Depending on stage and biomarkers, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, antibody-drug conjugates, and selected targeted therapies.
INDEL-53 demonstrated antitumor activity in a preclinical TNBC xenograft study, supporting continued translational development.
At Day 17, relative to vehicle control, with tumor growth normalized to each group’s baseline.
Clinical safety and efficacy have not yet been established.
Early regulatory engagement alongside a focused preclinical development program.
Delivery optimization and therapeutic architecture.
Efficacy assessment across TNBC models.
Safety, biodistribution, manufacturing development, and further regulatory interactions.
Initial clinical development in TNBC with expansion potential.
Planned stages remain subject to further development.
INDEL-53 is the first application of a platform designed to restore the genomic functions cancer cells have lost.
TP53 alterations occur in approximately 50% of cancers. TNBC is the initial indication for INDEL-53, with a broader opportunity in tumors with impaired p53 function.
Lead program · Preclinical developmentExplore whether the platform can support restoration of other tumor-suppressor functions and loss-of-function cancer drivers.
Future development conceptsDevelop a flexible foundation for genomic medicines that address the protective functions lost across different cancers.
Long-term platform visionPrograms beyond INDEL-53 are future development concepts. They have not been clinically validated.
Founded by BYU-trained scientists and entrepreneurs, Indel Bioinnovations builds on technology originating in research at Brigham Young University.
Indel is now an independent biotechnology company directing its own research, business operations, and therapeutic development.
Provisional patent application filed in October 2026.
A focused core team supported by industry, commercialization, and strategic advisors.
BYU-trained in genetics and biotechnology and a former genetics lab manager. Leads company strategy, fundraising, and business development.
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PhD student at BYU with more than six years of research experience and drug design training at OHSU. Leads scientific strategy and the preclinical advancement of INDEL-53.
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Cancer pharmacologist whose prior research includes postdoctoral work at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, guiding translational strategy and oncology model development.
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CEO of Valitor and former founder and CEO of Aurion Biotech, acquired by Alcon in 2025. Brings experience in company building, clinical development, and commercialization.
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Independent biotech executive and advisor to INGENIA, with more than 20 years of commercial experience. Brings expertise in business development, market access, and growth strategy.
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Partner at McCarter & English with a PhD in biochemistry. Brings scientific and legal expertise to technology commercialization and long-term company strategy.
View background↗We welcome investors, strategic partners, and scientific collaborators interested in advancing INDEL-53 and exploring the broader platform.
