Tolka AI Therapeutics

Research Associate Intern

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

🔬 Microbiology Internship at Tolka

Tolka is an AI-native biotech backed by Khosla Ventures and Draper Associates. We combine agentic AI, robotics, and phage therapy to deliver personalized medicine to patients left behind by traditional drug development.

By 2050, antibiotic-resistant bacteria are projected to kill more people than cancer. At Tolka, we believe phages—nature’s original nanobots, hyper-specific, self-replicating, and astonishingly adaptable—are our best shot at stopping this silent pandemic.

Johan Wikstrom

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 13:44:30 +1000

Pipeline

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

At Tolka AI Therapeutics, our pipeline is designed to move at the speed of software. Instead of the traditional linear hand-off from preclinical work to animal studies to Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3, we are building a platform for a continuous loop of preclinical development, expanded access, and one focused pivotal trial, so personalized therapies can reach the patients who need them sooner.

1. Discovery

We begin by isolating and characterizing bacteriophages from diverse natural resources, including soil and water samples. We identify and optimize phages with high efficacy against M. abscessus using state-of-the-art techniques and patient-specific isolates. Our discovery phase is bolstered by AI tools, enabling rapid phage selection and host-range analysis.

Phage Hunting Contest

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Tolka is pioneering phage therapy tackling antibiotic-resistant infections, with support from Khosla Ventures, the NIH, and Draper Associates.

Phages—the natural predators of bacteria—are Earth’s most abundant life form. They are used treat patients suffering from uncurable infections. With an estimated trillion phage species yet to be discovered, we’re inviting students and citizen scientists across South Florida to help us find them.

Rules

The rules are simple: collect soil samples, and if your sample contains a phage, you’ll earn:

Robert Hopkins, MD

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 13:44:30 +1000

Our Technology

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Tolka is an AI-native biotech. We are building the SWIFT Platform, which brings together LLM agents to author FDA-compliant batch records, robotics to perform manual laboratory work, and predictive models to learn from patient outcomes and continuously improve treatment efficacy.

At Tolka AI Therapeutics, we are revolutionizing phage therapy with bespoke, personalized cocktails designed to precisely target hard-to-treat infections such as Mycobacterium abscessus. By leveraging patient-specific isolates, we develop GMP-grade phages that are trained and optimized to effectively eliminate the pathogenic strain, offering a tailored therapeutic solution. Our phage formulations are designed for stability at 4°C, ensuring ease of use for patients.

Waqas Chaudhry, PhD

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 13:44:30 +1000

Biobank

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Help Us Build the Future of Personalized Treatment for Mycobacterium abscessus Infections

Tolka AI Therapeutics is conducting an IRB-approved research study to establish a patient-focused biobank for Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) respiratory isolates.
Your contribution could lead to the development of personalized bacteriophage therapy — a promising alternative for antibiotic-resistant infections.

Quick Eligibility Check

✅ 18 years or older
✅ Resident of the United States
✅ Mab isolated from respiratory specimens
✅ Able to produce sputum samples

How It Works

Sign Up – Provide your email and review eligibility
Consent – Complete electronic informed consent
Receive Kit – Get your home collection kit (no cost)
Collect Samples – Two morning sputum samples
Ship Back – Use the provided prepaid shipping materials
Stay Connected – Receive updates if phages are found

Your Privacy Matters

All samples are de-identified
Secure storage at our Miami laboratory
No sharing without your permission
You have the right to withdraw at any time

Potential Future Benefits

If we identify bacteriophages active against your Mab isolate, you’ll be notified about opportunities to participate in:

Expanded Access Program

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

At Tolka AI Therapeutics, we are committed to advancing personalized phage therapy for patients with Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease, with our initial focus on Mycobacterium abscessus complex. Because every patient’s infection is unique, each therapy is tailored to the patient’s own isolate, drawing on the world’s largest M. abscessus phage library. In alignment with our mission to address unmet medical needs, we offer a limited Expanded Access Program for patients who are in dire need of alternative medicine and may benefit from our investigational therapies.

Thomas Hunt

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 13:44:30 +1000

Volodymyr Kulchytskyi

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 13:44:30 +1000

Phage Therapy’s Neglected Potential Is Finally Being Realized

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Tolka AI Therapeutics tackles antibiotic resistance with cutting-edge therapy

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Ultimate Precision Medicine Story with Tolka AI Therapeutics CEO Johan Wikstroem

Tue, 02 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

About Us

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 15:15:34 +1000

Our Mission

At Tolka AI Therapeutics, we are pioneering phage therapy to combat hard-to-treat infections like Mycobacterium abscessus—a non-tuberculous mycobacteria known for its intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are responsible for only 0.03% of bacterial infections in the U.S. but account for an astonishing 15% of global antibiotic use. Found ubiquitously in soil, water, and medical environments, M. abscessus poses a severe threat to patients with cystic fibrosis, immunodeficiencies, or preexisting lung conditions like bronchiectasis. Current treatments are lengthy, toxic, and increasingly ineffective, underscoring the urgent need for innovative alternatives.

Success

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Affordable housing chat near Converge Miami