Advancing first-in-class CYP26B1 inhibitors for dry eye disease.

Engineered to precisely modulate retinoic acid signaling and address the underlying biology of dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.

About Us

26 Therapeutics Inc. (26Tx) is a Montréal-based life sciences company developing first-in-class therapies for dry eye disease and meibomian gland disorders, high-prevalence conditions that remain poorly addressed by today’s treatments.

We are advancing a novel topical small-molecule program designed to directly target the biological drivers of evaporative dry eye.

26Tx’s lead candidate selectively inhibits CYP26B1, a key regulator of retinoic acid metabolism within the meibomian gland. In preclinical models, this approach has demonstrated restoration of gland structure and function, increased tear production, and reduced corneal damage, highlighting its potential to move beyond symptomatic relief toward true disease modification.

Approach

26Tx’s approach builds on decades of research in retinoic acid (RA) biology.

Meibomian glands produce the lipid layer that prevents tear evaporation and protects the ocular surface. In dry eye disease, gland dysfunction disrupts this barrier, driving instability and inflammation, a process influenced by retinoic acid (RA), which helps regulate epithelial differentiation and lipid production within the gland.

Within the meibomian gland, RA signaling is tightly controlled by CYP26B1, which regulates local RA metabolism. Rather than delivering exogenous retinoids, 26Tx selectively inhibits CYP26B1 to enhance endogenous RA signaling within its natural tissue context.

This targeted, non-retinoid strategy is designed to restore meibomian gland function, promote healthy lipid production, and support long-term ocular surface stability, while maintaining the safety profile required for chronic topical therapy.

Pipeline

Pipeline
Lead Candidate Indication Discovery Preclinical POC IND-Enabling Clinical Trial
26T-001* Dry Eye
Preclinical POC
* Back-ups currently under early discovery stage.

Leadership

26 Therapeutics benefits from the expertise of seasoned life science executives.

Image of Frédéric Lemaître Auger

Frédéric Lemaître Auger

M.Sc., Ph.D., MBA
Executive Chair
Bio
Frédéric Lemaître Auger
M.Sc., Ph.D., MBA
Executive Chair

Dr. Frédéric Lemaître Auger leads adMare’s investments and manages its portfolio companies. He brings more than 20 years experience in life sciences investment management, including extensive health sciences venture capital expertise gained through his prior involvement with Accel-Rx, Desjardins Venture Capital, and CDP Capital – Technology Venture (Sofinov), where he was involved in both biopharmaceutical and medical device deals. In his career, Frédéric was also engaged in project-based investments, as well as developing licensing and spin-off opportunities at MSBi Valorisation (now Axelys). He currently serves on the board of directors of Find Therapeutics, KalGene and Specific Biologics. Notable exits include Inhibitex, Enobia Pharma, Tranzyme and Inversago.

Frédéric holds an MBA in Finance and International Management from HEC Montréal, a MSc in organic chemistry, and a PhD in polymer physical chemistry, both from Université de Montréal.

Image of Martin Petkovich

Martin Petkovich

Ph.D.
Co-Founder
Bio
Martin Petkovich
Ph.D.
Co-Founder

Dr Petkovich is Professor of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Queen’s University. He is a distinguished academic researcher with 30+ years’ experience, focused on understanding paracrine vitamin A signaling to regulate differentiation, patterning and tissue organization, and deep expertise in studying retinoic acid receptors and the CYP26 enzymes that inactivate retinoic acid. His discoveries initiated the development of 26T-001. Dr Petkovich also has previous entrepreneurial experience, having founded Cytochroma in 1997 (acquired by OPKO Health in 2013) to advance Rayaldee from preclinical development to FDA approval.

Image of Jacob Rullo

Jacob Rullo

M.D., Ph.D., FRCSC
Co-Founder
Bio
Jacob Rullo
M.D., Ph.D., FRCSC
Co-Founder

Dr Rullo joined Queen’s University Department of Ophthalmology as a Research Clinician and Assistant Professor in 2020. His research is focused on understanding the immune biology of the external ocular surface and characterizing novel biomolecules/biomarkers within the ocular microenvironment. He has led the ophthalmic development of CYP26B1 inhibitors. To date Dr Rullo has published 45 articles.

Image of Joe Mancini

Joe Mancini

Ph.D.
Head of Research
Bio
Joe Mancini
Ph.D.
Head of Research

Dr Mancini has led adMare’s collaborative R&D efforts to advance development of 26T-001. He brings 30+ years’ experience in drug discovery, including 20 years at Merck, where he was responsible for developing novel therapies to treat inflammation, diabetes, and obesity – including being key in the discovery of Vioxx™ and Arcoxia™, and for four INDs and human proof-of-concept trials. As Head of Pharmacology and Biology Project Leader at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, he led the team that developed a Crohn’s disease therapy (licensed to Takeda) and initiated new programs in ADPKD and a rare muscular disease. He holds an Adjunct Professor position at McGill University and is credited with 94 publications and 7 patents.