KAHFBIOTECH™
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We focus on cancer-cell surface receptors that support tumor survival and progression. Our research aims to turn these vulnerabilities into new therapeutic possibilities.
Cancer cells depend on biological signals to survive and progress. Our science begins by identifying a receptor that helps sustain those behaviors.
Cell-surface receptorAntibodies recognize the receptor. Conjugates and other therapeutic modalities expand the ways we can act on that same biological vulnerability.
Receptor-directed therapeuticsBy directly targeting the receptor, our research seeks to drive tumor-cell death and reduce the capacity for continued tumor growth.
Tumor-cell deathOur goal is to limit metastatic spread and prevent tumor formation, including new metastatic growth—addressing cancer at multiple stages of disease.
Metastasis & tumor preventionPioneering a Target-Centric Therapeutic Ecosystem to Transform Cancer Treatment Across Diverse Tumor Types and Disease Stages.
At KAHF, we develop multiple therapeutic and diagnostic modalities from a single biological discovery. By selectively targeting the drivers of tumor progression, metastasis, treatment resistance, and recurrence, we aim to transform the treatment of solid and hematological malignancies.
KAHF™ is Redefining the Future of Cancer Treatment Through Next-Generation Therapeutic Platforms Targeting Aggressive, Metastatic, and Dormant Tumors.
Recognize the targetAntibody candidates directed against cancer-relevant targets form a foundation for KAHF’s therapeutic platform.
Connect targeting and deliveryOur platform includes ADC approaches that connect antibody targeting with therapeutic payloads, alongside additional antibody conjugate modalities.
Connect targeting with protein degradationDAC approaches combine antibody-directed delivery with protein-degrader payloads, expanding KAHF’s investigational platform into targeted protein degradation.
Explore immune-directed approachesCAR-T cells and T cell engagers extend the platform into cellular and immune-directed therapeutic opportunities.
Expand the therapeutic toolkitRNA-based approaches, including DsiRNA and antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates, are among the platform’s therapeutic directions.
Bring biology into focusCompanion diagnostics and precision oncology applications complement KAHF’s therapeutic development strategy.
Metastatic tumors arise when cancer cells spread from the original tumor to distant organs, forming new, often aggressive growths. These tumors are responsible for the vast majority of cancer deaths and are notoriously difficult to treat.
At KAHF, we are committed to targeting the root drivers of metastasis to stop cancer.
Dormant cancer cells lie inactive in the body—often undetectable and resistant to conventional therapies. Though silent, they can awaken months or even years later to cause relapse and metastasis.
At KAHF, we believe targeting these elusive cells is key to achieving long-term remission and true cancer cures.
KAHF is progressing lead programs through preclinical development while preparing for future IND-enabling activities and clinical advancement.
Preparing for future
IND-enabling studies.
New publication identifies UNC5B as a key regulator of pancreatic cancer metastasis.
KAHF is pleased to highlight a study published in Oncogene, a Nature Portfolio journal, co-authored by founder Muhammad Sadeqi Nezhad and collaborators at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Read the publication ↗“Cancer patients deserve more than the silence of being told, ‘There’s nothing more we can do.’”
Our name is rooted in the timeless story of KAHF—a story of resilience, refuge, and unwavering faith in the face of great adversity. Just as the youths sought shelter in a cave and were granted protection and time, we strive to offer a refuge for patients and families navigating the storm of cancer.
We believe that every scientific breakthrough is a form of divine timing—that healing comes through both persistence and trust in a higher plan. Our work is more than just medicine; it is a mission to bring hope, strength, and life-saving innovation to those who need it most.
Our mission is to establish KAHF as an industry leader in the development of innovative therapies for cancer treatment, with a particular focus on metastatic disease and aggressive cancers with significant unmet medical need. We are committed to advancing transformative therapeutic approaches that aim to improve patient outcomes, expand treatment possibilities, and bring hope to patients and families facing some of the most challenging forms of cancer.
Our vision is to become a global leader in cancer therapeutics by revolutionizing the treatment of metastatic and aggressive cancers through impactful, effective, and accessible therapies. We strive to overcome advanced disease and deliver innovative solutions worldwide, improving survival, quality of life, and long-term outcomes—especially for those who need them most, no matter where they are.
Our team combines translational and clinical expertise with experience in preclinical models, IND strategy, clinical trial design, and business development.
Founder
Read biographyClose biography ＋Dr. Muhammad Sadeqi Nezhad is a cancer scientist, inventor, and founder of KAHF Biotech. He earned his Ph.D. in Translational Biomedical Science through the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at the University of Rochester Medical Center, conducting his doctoral research at the Wilmot Cancer Institute.
His work focuses on next-generation antibody- and RNA-based therapeutic platforms for cancer, particularly metastatic disease. His expertise includes gene and protein editing, target discovery and validation, recombinant antibody development, and translational cancer models.
His technology experience spans CRISPR systems, degron and protein-proximity labeling methods, CAR design, DsiRNA therapeutics, antibody–drug conjugates, antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates, and degrader–antibody conjugates.
Industry & Business Advisor
Read biographyClose biography ＋Dr. Ronald Lee Krall brings more than 25 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, including service as Chief Medical Officer of GlaxoSmithKline. Across roles at Lorex Pharmaceuticals, Abbott Laboratories, Zeneca/AstraZeneca, and GlaxoSmithKline, he oversaw the approval of more than 20 medicines.
His expertise includes drug development, regulatory science, drug safety, and the ethics of research involving human participants. He was a founding member of the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership and led its research subcommittee.
He holds a B.A. in mathematics from Swarthmore College and an M.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, and completed neurology and clinical pharmacology training at the University of Rochester.
Scientific Advisor
Read biographyClose biography ＋Dr. Aram F. Hezel is a medical oncologist and Chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He holds the John and Ethel Heselden Professorship and focuses on the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
His research interests include new therapeutic approaches in clinical trials and the genetics and biology of pancreatic and liver cancers. His clinical work informs his translational research and commitment to physician-scientist training.
He earned his M.D. at the University at Buffalo, completed internal medicine training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and a medical oncology fellowship at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Scientific Advisor
Read biographyClose biography ＋Dr. Darren R. Carpizo is a surgeon-scientist specializing in pancreatic cancer and developmental therapeutics. He brings more than 20 years of cancer research experience, including six years of p53 research under the mentorship of Dr. Arnold Levine.
His work connects cancer biology with the development of new treatments. His research has included zinc metallochaperones, a class of small molecules designed to reactivate mutant p53. He also has experience developing and conducting investigator-initiated clinical trials.
His clinical expertise includes pancreatic, liver, gallbladder and bile duct cancers, metastatic colorectal cancer involving the liver, gastric cancer, and gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors.
Our science is supported through collaborations with leading institutions and research partners.
A new Oncogene publication, co-authored by KAHF’s founder and collaborators at URMC, identifies UNC5B as a key regulator of pancreatic cancer metastasis.
Read the study ↗Dr. Muhammad Sadeqi Nezhad and Dr. Darren Carpizo share the scientific journey behind their UNC5B and pancreatic cancer metastasis research on Springer Nature Research Communities.
Read Behind the Paper ↗KAHF is advancing preclinical studies of novel monoclonal antibody candidates targeting a receptor involved in tumor progression and metastatic disease. Ongoing research includes proof-of-concept, efficacy, mechanism-of-action, and initial safety evaluations to support next-generation oncology therapeutics.
KAHF continues to strengthen collaborations with academic institutions, scientific advisors, contract research organizations, and contract development and manufacturing organizations to support its oncology pipeline and platform technologies.
KAHF continues to advance its target-centric therapeutic ecosystem focused on cancer progression, metastasis, treatment resistance, and tumor recurrence. The platform supports the development of potential first-in-class modalities, including monoclonal antibodies, ADCs, CAR-T cells, T cell engagers, RNA therapeutics, and precision oncology applications across solid and hematological malignancies.
Help advance new possibilities in oncology.
KAHF is advancing a patent-pending therapeutic oncology platform addressing metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and tumor recurrence. We welcome discussions with investors, strategic partners, scientific advisors, and organizations interested in accelerating next-generation cancer therapies.
Multiple therapeutic and diagnostic opportunities are emerging from our platform as we progress lead programs through preclinical development and prepare for future IND-enabling activities.
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