iMembrane Therapeutics Inc.

The University of Colorado Connection

iMembrane Therapeutics is a Colorado biotechnology company developing AI-designed miniproteins as first-in-class therapies for severe inflammatory disease.

The iMembrane team pairs cytokine biology with protein engineering. Suzhao Li, co-founder, CEO and associate research professor of infectious disease at CU Anschutz, is a leading expert on IL-18 and IL-37. Jingshi Shen, co-founder, CSO and professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology at CU Boulder, specializes in protein design and engineering. Charles Dinarello , advisor and distinguished professor of infectious disease at CU Anschutz, discovered the first interleukin and founded the cytokine field. iMembrane's technology was invented by Li, Shen, Chun Wan, research associate in the Shen Lab at CU Boulder, and Jingyi (Elisa) Wu , research assistant in the Shen Lab at CU Boulder.

iMembrane's technology centers on minibinders—computationally designed de novo miniproteins of 8-12 kDa, enabled by generative AI and GPU computing. These minibinders offer greater stability against antibodies and native proteins, compact size for superior tissue penetration, lower manufacturing cost and potential oral or topical delivery. iMembrane’s integrated discovery platform spans computational design, in silico and high-throughput screening, validation and lead optimization, enabling repeatable binder generation across targets.

The lead program targets interleukin-18 (IL-18), a driver of immune overactivation elevated in inflammatory disease and linked to reduced survival. No approved therapy selectively targets IL-18 signaling. The company’s in vivo studies show blocking IL-18 receptor signaling alleviates hyperinflammation and mitigates organ damage. Initial indications include Still’s disease, secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and IL-18-associated sepsis—a combined U.S. opportunity estimated at $2.3–11.5B annually. A second program uses bispecific minibinders to agonize the IL-37 receptor, activating an endogenous anti-inflammatory pathway.

Suzhao Li joined the 2026 Equalize Startups cohort to advance iMembrane, and the company received a SPARK Award at CU Anschutz.

Funding Status and Investment Opportunities

• Industry Applications: Biotech, Therapeutics
• Funding Round: Pre-Seed
• Contact for Investment Inquiries: Suzhao Li, CEO, sli@imembranetherapeutics.com

2026 Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase

Technology Development Funding

U.S. National Institutes of Health

    This page was last updated on July 31, 2026. Please email vpnews@colorado.edu for corrections or updates