Structure-informed design
Structural insights and computational modeling guide molecules with pathway-selective activity.
A new direction in GPCR drug discovery
Precision signaling.
Transformative potential.
Banta Therapeutics is developing pathway-selective GPCR antagonists designed to inhibit drug-resistance pathways while preserving beneficial biology. Our current lead candidate, R321, is a peptide therapeutic for Alzheimer’s disease.
Our platform
Rewriting the rules
of receptor signaling
Traditional antagonists can block both harmful and beneficial receptor activity. Our platform is designed to selectively suppress disease-associated GPCR signaling while preserving pathways that may support normal function.
Multidimensional signaling
Parallel β-arrestin and G-protein readouts define bias, potency, selectivity, and therapeutic window.
Human-relevant translation
Advanced cellular systems help connect molecular mechanism to meaningful therapeutic response.
Development pipeline
Building a portfolio of
precision medicines
ProgramTarget / modalityIndicationStage
R321Pathway-selective CCR3 peptide antagonistAlzheimer’s diseaseLead candidate
BNT-101Potential small-molecule counterpart to R321Alzheimer’s diseaseDiscovery
BNT-201Pathway-selective GPCR antagonistSolid tumorsHit-to-lead
BNT-301Pathway-selective GPCR antagonistAsthmaDiscovery
All programs are in preclinical development. No product candidate has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory authority.
Therapeutic focus
Addressing diseases driven
by dysregulated signaling
Neurodegeneration
Developing pathway-selective approaches to address neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.
↗Oncology
Exploring GPCR signaling within the tumor microenvironment to support more effective antitumor immune responses.
↗Inflammatory disease
Targeting maladaptive signaling associated with airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in asthma.
↗Leadership
Deep scientific experience.
Shared ambition.
Our leadership team brings together expertise in receptor biology, translational neuroscience, structural biology, and therapeutic development.
Steven J. Ackerman, PhD
Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & President
Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago with more than 40 years of experience spanning immunology, allergic disease, inflammation, receptor biology, and diagnostics.
Vadim Gaponenko, PhD
Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer
Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago with more than 25 years of expertise in structural biology, molecular dynamics, GPCR biology, and novel antagonist development.
Sojin Shikano, PhD, DVM
Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer
Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago with more than 20 years of experience in membrane-protein trafficking, localization, and signaling pathways.
Trongha Xuan Phan, PhD
Chief Translational Science Officer
Dr. Phan leads Banta’s translational research strategy and oversees preclinical pharmacology, biomarker development, assay optimization, and therapeutic validation. He also directs the company’s scientific communications, digital infrastructure, and technology initiatives, integrating experimental and computational approaches to accelerate drug development.
Advisors
Guided by leaders in science and business
Michael Flavin, PhD
Business Advisor
Medicinal chemist, serial entrepreneur, and biotechnology executive with more than 35 years of drug discovery and company-building experience.
Paul Carlier, PhD
Scientific & Academic Advisor
Director of UICentre and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry, with deep experience across drug discovery, lead optimization, and candidate selection.
Jalees Rehman, MD
Scientific & Academic Advisor
Professor and Head of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the University of Illinois Chicago, specializing in inflammation, regeneration, metabolism, and computational biology.
Our company
Science-led.
Mission-driven.
We are building Banta around a simple idea: more precise control of receptor signaling can create better medicines for patients with complex disease.
Our multidisciplinary approach brings together translational neuroscience, chemical biology, pharmacology, and drug development.
Learn about our team →Connect
Let’s explore
what’s possible.
For partnering, investment, media, or general inquiries:
ceo@bantapharma.com ↗