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The University of Colorado Connection

iMembrane Therapeutics is a Colorado biotechnology company developing AI-designed miniproteins as first-in-class therapies for severe inflammatory disease.

The iMembrane team pairs cytokine biology with protein engineering. Suzhao Li, co-founder, CEO and , is a leading expert on IL-18 and IL-37. Jingshi Shen, co-founder, CSO and professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology at CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï, specializes in protein design and engineering. , advisor and , discovered the first interleukin and founded the cytokine field. iMembrane's technology was invented by Li, Shen, Chun Wan, research associate in the Shen Lab at CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï, and , research assistant in the Shen Lab at CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï.

iMembrane's technology centers on minibinders—computationally designed de novo miniproteins of 8-12 kDa, enabled by generative AI and GPU computing. These minibinders offer greater stability against antibodies and native proteins, compact size for superior tissue penetration, lower manufacturing cost and potential oral or topical delivery. iMembrane’s integrated discovery platform spans computational design, in silico and high-throughput screening, validation and lead optimization, enabling repeatable binder generation across targets.

The lead program targets interleukin-18 (IL-18), a driver of immune overactivation elevated in inflammatory disease and linked to reduced survival. No approved therapy selectively targets IL-18 signaling. The company’s in vivo studies show blocking IL-18 receptor signaling alleviates hyperinflammation and mitigates organ damage. Initial indications include Still’s disease, secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and IL-18-associated sepsis—a combined U.S. opportunity estimated at $2.3–11.5B annually. A second program uses bispecific minibinders to agonize the IL-37 receptor, activating an endogenous anti-inflammatory pathway.

Suzhao Li joined the 2026 Equalize Startups cohort to advance iMembrane, and the company received a .

Funding Status and Investment Opportunities

• Industry Applications: Biotech, Therapeutics
• Funding Round: Pre-Seed
• Contact for Investment Inquiries: Suzhao Li, CEO, sli@imembranetherapeutics.com

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2026 Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase

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Technology Development Funding

U.S. National Institutes of Health

ÌýÌý ÌýThis page was last updated on July 31, 2026. Please email vpnews@colorado.edu for corrections or updates