Liferna 2.0 Website Launch

We’re refreshing the Liferna website with updated content, enhanced functionality, and a stronger focus on our science, pipeline, and vision. Stay tuned for more updates.

Developing Life-Changing Medicines to Treat Autoimmune and Fibrotic Diseases with No Cure

Pioneering innovative platform technology to deliver novel targeted products for Patients.
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Our Vision

Make a transformative difference in the lives of patients battling with autoimmune and fibrotic diseases with no cure.

Our Mission

Develop and launch first-in-class safe and effective products globally to treat patients with autoimmune and fibrotic diseases.

Our Approach

Developing Validated Platforms. Targeting Disease-Modifying Pathways. Accelerating Products to Market.

Liferna combines scientific excellence with strategic development, leveraging a unique and proprietary platform technology, and novel targeted drug delivery approaches to create transformative therapies for autoimmune and fibrotic diseases. By focusing on validated disease-modifying pathways, Liferna is accelerating the development of breakthrough treatments that address unmet patient needs and bring innovative products to the market rapidly.

Our Approach

Precision Medicine and Execution are at The Core of Our Mission.

At Liferna, we believe that understanding disease biology is only part of the solution—equally critical is delivering therapies precisely where they’re needed. Our approach pairs a deep knowledge of validated disease-modifying pathways with novel targeted drug delivery and our proprietary platform technology solutions, enabling us to reach the right cells and tissues with greater accuracy and minimize unintended off-target effects. With precision medicine and execution at the core of our mission, we are not only advancing a new generation of safe and effective therapies for autoimmune and fibrotic conditions but also navigating the regulatory process for first-in-class product, and accelerating development from the clinic to the market.

Our Focus

The Impact of Autoimmune and Fibrotic Diseases on Patients and Caregivers: A Call for Safer and More Effective Treatments

Autoimmune and fibrotic diseases, such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), profoundly affect patients and their caregivers, leading to significant physical, emotional, and economic burdens. Affecting more than 2.5 million people globally, SSc is a rare and devastating autoimmune disease characterized by immune system dysregulation, tissue fibrosis, and vascular dysfunction, resulting in the hardening and tightening of the skin and, in many cases, internal organ damage.

Our Focus

Impact on Patients

For patients, the manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc) can severely impair daily activities and quality of life. The thickening of the skin, particularly on the hands and feet, can limit mobility and dexterity, making simple tasks challenging. Pulmonary complications, such as interstitial lung disease (ILD), are common and can lead to decreased lung function, resulting in fatigue and breathlessness. Beyond the lungs and skin, SSc often affects internal organs, with serious consequences. Cardiac involvement may include myocardial fibrosis, arrhythmias, and pericardial effusion, which can lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac death. These manifestations may be asymptomatic in early stages but become life-threatening as the disease progresses. Renal involvement, notably scleroderma renal crisis (SRC), is a potentially life-threatening complication characterized by acute hypertension and rapidly progressive renal failure, requiring prompt medical intervention.
*Pictures of hands provided by Dinesh Khanna, MD, MSc

Our Focus

The Hidden Strain of GI Symptoms

Gastrointestinal manifestations are among the most frequent and can affect any part of the GI tract, from the esophagus to the rectum. Patients often experience difficulty swallowing, acid reflux, bloating, malabsorption, and altered bowel habits, including severe constipation or diarrhea. These symptoms not only contribute to discomfort but also nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.

Our Focus

Impact on Caregivers

Caregivers of individuals with SSc also face considerable challenges. They often assist with daily activities, manage medical appointments, and provide emotional support. This responsibility can lead to caregiver fatigue, financial strain, and social isolation. The progressive nature of SSc means that caregiving demands may increase over time, necessitating ongoing adjustments and support.

Our Focus

Impact on Patients

Beyond physical symptoms, SSc patients frequently experience psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, stemming from the chronic nature of the disease and its visible effects on appearance. The unpredictability of disease progression further exacerbates emotional strain, highlighting the need for comprehensive care approaches that address both physical and mental health aspects.

Our Approach

Improving Lives Through Innovation

At Liferna Biotech, we are committed to pioneering research and development efforts aimed at discovering and delivering more effective treatments for autoimmune and fibrotic diseases. Our goal is to alleviate the multifaceted burdens faced by patients and their caregivers, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and providing hope for a healthier future.

Our Pipeline

Pipeline Overview

Pipeline Update

Our development pipeline is currently being updated to reflect recent strategic portfolio advancements and program prioritization. An updated pipeline overview will be available with the relaunch of our website.

Thank you for your interest in Liferna as we continue to advance innovative medicines for patients worldwide.

Our Team

Management Team

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Dushyant Varshney, PhD

Chief Executive Officer
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Kiyoshi Tachikawa, PhD

Chief Scientific Officer
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Wendy D. Taylor, MSc

Chief Operating Officer
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KC Kummerfeld, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Board of Directors

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Dushyant Varshney, PhD

Chairman of the Board & Founder
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KC Kummerfeld, CPA

Founder
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Wendy D. Taylor, MSc

Founder
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Kiyoshi Tachikawa, PhD

Founder

Scientific Advisory Board

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Dinesh Khanna, MD, M.Sc.

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Johann Gudjonsson, MD, PhD

Arthur C. Curtis Professor

Immuno-Dermatology

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Tomoko Maeda-Chubachi, MD, PhD, MBA

Commercial & Regulatory

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Wade Benton, PharmD

Scleroderma, Senior Advisor CONQUEST Clinical Trial

Clinical Development

Collaborators and Supporters

News and Updates

Recent News

Liferna Emerges from Stealth to Advance Transformative Therapies for Autoimmune and Fibrotic Diseases

San Diego, CA – [5th June 2025] — Liferna, a mission-driven company dedicated to developing life-changing medicines to treat autoimmune and fibrotic diseases with no cure, today announced its official launch from stealth mode.

“We are excited to introduce Liferna to the world,” said Dushyant Varshney, PhD, Chairman, CEO and Founder. “Our experienced founding team is dedicated to leveraging deep scientific expertise and an innovative platform technology to drive the development of novel targeted products that can have a transformational impact on our patients’ lives.

As part of our launch, we are proud to announce our lead product LFR-201 as a potential new treatment for systemic sclerosis corroborated by an exclusive in-licensed technology from the University of Michigan. LFR-201 with validated pre-clinical data has an accelerated path to enter clinical development in 2025. In parallel, we are actively building a broader pipeline of candidates to address other complex diseases.”

Liferna is grateful for the support of our investors, advisors, collaborators and partners who share the same vision of launching safe and effective first-in-class products globally to treat patients with autoimmune and fibrotic diseases.

To learn more about Liferna and follow our progress, continue to visit https://liferna.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn.

Publications

Contact Us

Partnering

Liferna leverages advanced scientific innovation to develop transformative therapies for autoimmune and fibrotic diseases. By targeting key molecular pathways with proven roles in disease biology, we accelerate the journey from research to regulatory approval. For business development and partnering inquiries, please email [email protected]

Advocacy

Advocacy

We believe collaboration fuels innovation. Liferna partners with researchers, healthcare providers, and patient communities to drive meaningful progress in treating autoimmune and fibrotic diseases. If you share our mission, let’s connect at [email protected]

Careers

Careers

Join us in shaping the future of medicine. Liferna is looking for bold thinkers and innovators to help accelerate groundbreaking therapies for patients in need. Explore opportunities with us by contacting [email protected]