About

At Akasi Pharma, we are dedicated to developing safe and efficacious non-opioid therapeutics to treat peripheral neuropathic pain. Inspired by the fish-hunting marine cone snails, we have developed the most potent and selective activators of the somatostatin receptor 4, an intriguing new pain target that was recently clinically validated.

Our initial target indication is diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP), a detrimental persistent pain condition with a lifetime incidence in diabetics of 50% - 66%, that is currently affecting 100 million patients world wide. DPNP has proven notoriously difficult to treat, with fewer than half of patients finding sufficient relief from current treatments. The dedicated team at Akasi Pharma is working to provide best-in-class solutions for these patients.

Team

Advisors

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Walden Bjørn-Yoshimoto, PhD

CEO & Founder

Drives Akasi Pharma with a unique blend of scientific depth and entrepreneurial drive. As one of the inventors behind Akasi’s core IP, he has led the project from academic discovery through startup formation—recruiting the founding team, shaping development and business strategy, and securing early funding and IP positioning.

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Helena Safavi, PhD

Founder, CSO

Peptide drug discovery expert and leading researcher in nature-inspired pharmacology. Helena brings deep scientific expertise in venom-derived and somatostatin-like peptides, supported by high-profile publications, numerous patents, and major international grants. She co-founded her second venture, Akasi Pharma, to apply this knowledge toward selective SSTR4 agonists for pain.

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Sophie Heiden Laugesen, PhD

COO

Scientist and operations lead with a background in biochemistry and early-stage drug discovery. Sophie combines scientific insight with a sharp eye for structure, ensuring disciplined planning and follow-through in a fast-moving startup environment. Her ability to align priorities, implement effective workflows, and keep projects on track is central to Akasi Pharma’s progress.

Pipeline

Pipeline overview (desktop)
Pipeline overview (mobile)

Our novel pain asset, AP-1001, is currently undergoing lead optimisation. Our initial focus indication is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). We expect first-in-human in 2028 and completion of our Phase 2a trial by 2031.

Contact Us

If you’d like to get in touch, feel free to reach out via email or visit us at our office.

contact@akasipharma.com

Ole Maaløes vej 3
2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark

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