WATERTOWN, Mass., June 22, 2026 — Abkyu, Inc. today announced a strategic discovery agreement with Synap Biotech under which Synap  will nominate therapeutic targets and Abkyu will apply its proprietary VHH discovery platform to identify, engineer, and develop the resulting clinical assets. The arrangement is designed to give Synap a direct pipeline into Abkyu’s discovery capabilities, and expertise, enabling rapid translation of nominated targets into high-quality antibody candidates optimized for clinical advancement.

Central to the collaboration is Abkyu’s approach to VHH discovery, which is grounded in proprietary immunization strategies purpose-built to overcome the inherent variability and limited diversity that have historically constrained camelid immunization programs. By pairing this immunization approach with advanced repertoire analysis and hit prediction, Abkyu generates panels of VHH candidates that are rigorously matched to each program’s target product profile from the outset, reducing downstream attrition and compressing timelines to candidate selection.

“What drew us to this collaboration is how well the teams complement each other. Synap brings the therapeutic vision and clinical development experience; we bring the discovery infrastructure and a command of the VHH format. They know what these molecules need to do therapeutically, and that clarity shapes everything we do — from how we design the immunization to how we engineer the final candidates. Beyond the program itself, we’re genuinely excited about what it represents for VHHs. These are targets where the format can shine, and we’re eager to help demonstrate that.”

— Travis LeGuyader, Co-founder, Abkyu

“At Synap Biotech, our mission is to unlock neurological recovery by developing next-generation nanobody therapeutics designed to promote the brain’s intrinsic repair mechanisms. As we advance our multispecific nanobody platform, identifying the right discovery partner was critically important. We were impressed by Abkyu’s scientific rigor, VHH expertise, and innovative discovery capabilities. Just as importantly, we felt there was a strong fit between our organizations. Both teams are highly focused, entrepreneurial, and committed to moving science forward with urgency and purpose. We look forward to working together to generate the therapeutic candidates that will form the foundation of Synap’s pipeline.”

— Glenn Block, Co-Founder, President & CEO, Synap Biotech Inc.

— Pallavi Tawde, PhD, Co-Founder, CSO, Synap Biotech Inc.

About Abkyu, Inc.

Abkyu, Inc. is a VHH discovery company headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts. The company’s platform is built around a core belief that properly engaged natural immune systems, through advanced genetic immunization, produce the antibody diversity that therapeutic programs require. By pairing this immunization foundation with next-generation repertoire analysis and proprietary hit-prediction workflows, Abkyu generates VHH candidates matched to partner target product profiles with the precision and reproducibility needed for clinical success. For more information, visit www.abkyu.com.

About Synap Biotech, Inc.

Synap Biotech is a neuroscience company developing novel VHH based multispecific therapeutics designed to promote recovery following stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological disorders. The company’s multispecific platform is focused on targeting biological pathways that limit neural repair, with the goal of restoring function and improving quality of life for patients living with neurological disability. Synap Biotech is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia.  For more information, visit www.synapbio.com.