Our Story

Ague Biosciences is an Australian biotechnology company translating breakthrough antibody science into next-generation therapeutics. Founded from collaborative industrial research at La Trobe University, we harness i-body technology — humanised single-domain antibodies inspired by sharks — to create potent, long-acting biologics. Our lead molecule, WD34, is the world’s first pan-malaria biologic with proven cross-efficacy across apicomplexan parasites. With multiple phage display platforms, we are discovering and developing novel i-bodies to combat a wide range of infectious and immune-driven diseases, redefining the future of biologic innovation.

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WD34 - One i-body to cure them all

WD34 is a first-in-class, pan-malaria biologic developed using Ague Biosciences’ advanced i-body platform. Engineered to target the highly conserved Apical Membrane Antigen-1 (AMA1), WD34 demonstrates potent inhibitory activity across multiple Plasmodium species and cross-reactivity with related apicomplexan parasites such as Babesia and Toxoplasma. Its broad-spectrum efficacy, long-acting potential, and proven preclinical performance position WD34 as a transformative therapeutic candidate for both human and veterinary applications in combating parasitic diseases.

Figure: X-ray crystallographic structure of the AMA1–WD34 complex. AMA1 is shown in cyan, and the i-body WD34 is shown in purple.

Unmet need in treating apicomplexan diseases

Malaria, babesiosis, and toxoplasmosis continue to cause major global health and economic burdens. Current malaria therapies mainly target P. falciparum, leaving P. vivax and other species under-addressed. Babesiosis is emerging across North America and Europe, with treatments still reliant on antibiotics, while toxoplasmosis lacks any effective biologic therapy for acute infections.

Development Progress

Preclinical in vitro and in vivo proof-of-concept studies have been successfully completed, demonstrating potent activity across species. Ongoing validation studies continue to show strong efficacy, and humanised in vivo studies are now being finalised to support progression toward controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) trials.

Founders

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    Professor Michael Foley

    FOUNDING SCIENTIST & CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER

    Professor Michael Foley is a world-leading biotechnologist and the pioneering force behind i-body technology. With decades of experience spanning antibody engineering, molecular immunology, and therapeutic development, he has led multiple translational programs from discovery through to preclinical validation. At Ague Biosciences, Michael drives scientific strategy and innovation, guiding the advancement of next-generation i-body therapeutics aimed at tackling complex infectious and immune-mediated diseases.

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    Dr Paul MacLeman

    DIRECTOR

    Dr Paul MacLeman is an accomplished biotechnology executive with extensive experience in company formation, commercialization, and governance across the life sciences sector. He has held senior leadership roles in several ASX-listed biotech companies and has been instrumental in bringing early-stage discoveries to market. As a Founding Director of Ague Biosciences, Paul provides strategic oversight and commercial leadership to translate the company’s breakthrough i-body platform into globally impactful therapeutics.

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    Professor Robin Anders

    FOUNDING SCIENTIST

    Professor Robin Anders is an internationally recognized parasitologist whose pioneering research has shaped global understanding of malaria vaccine and antibody biology. His contributions to apicomplexan immunology and protein engineering laid the scientific foundation for the development of WD34 and related i-body molecules. At Ague Biosciences, Robin continues to guide discovery efforts and mentor the next generation of scientists advancing biologics against infectious diseases.

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    Dr Dimuthu Angage

    FOUNDING SCIENTIST

    Dr Dimuthu Angage is a veterinarian and molecular biologist specialising in the design and development of i-body molecules. His research integrates synthetic biology and phage display platforms to generate potent, long-acting biologics against malaria, babesiosis, influenza, and other zoonotic and emerging pathogens. As a Founding Scientist at Ague Biosciences, Dimuthu leads discovery programs that bridge veterinary and human health, translating advanced i-body platforms into transformative therapeutics.

Advisory Board

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    Professor James McCarthy

    Professor James McCarthy is Director of the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Professor of Medicine at the Doherty Institute. A global leader in translational infectious disease research, he pioneered Australia’s human malaria challenge model and led first-in-human clinical trials for multiple investigational antimalarial drugs. His expertise in clinical development and infectious disease biology provides invaluable guidance to Ague Biosciences’ translational strategy.

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    Dr Stewart Washer

    Dr Stewart Washer brings over 20 years of leadership experience as CEO and board member across biotechnology, agri-food, and medical sectors. He has chaired and directed numerous ASX-listed companies, including iSonea, Resonance Health, Hatchtech, Cynata Therapeutics, Minomic International, and Orthocell. At Ague Biosciences, Stewart contributes strategic and commercial insight, leveraging his deep experience in company growth, governance, and technology translation.

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    Professor Stephen Thomas

    Professor Stephen Thomas is Chief of the Division of Infectious Disease at SUNY Upstate Medical University. A former Deputy Commander and Chief of Virology at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and Director of Dengue Vaccine Development for the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences in Bangkok, he brings unmatched expertise in global infectious disease leadership and vaccine development. His experience informs Ague Biosciences’ translational and clinical development roadmap.

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    Cameron Jones

    Cameron Jones is a finance executive and chartered accountant with extensive experience in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. He has served as CFO and company secretary for ASX-listed and venture-backed companies, guiding them through IPOs, capital raisings, and M&A transactions. As Managing Director of Bio101, Cameron provides financial and strategic advisory services to Ague Biosciences, supporting sustainable growth and investment readiness.