About Us
7 Hills Pharma is a clinical-stage drug development company advancing first-in-class integrin-targeted agonists designed to safely augment immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and genetic diseases.
Our Vision
We champion patients by delivering innovative, accessible therapeutics.
We are building a world in which...
Treatment for cancer is safe and effective
Powerful medicine is accessible for all
Our healing tools magnify the natural intelligence of our bodies
And we believe in...
Compassion - We consider the patient's full experience, thoughtfully designing our therapies to minimize the patient’s health and financial burdens
Selflessness - We act with respect, humility, and patience
Integrity - We embody a culture of transparency and trust
Innovation - We take rational risks to break the status quo
Courage - We speak up and take action to deliver on our promises
Our Origin
Addressing a Critical Need
Upendra Marathi co-founded 7 Hills Pharma in the wake of the tragic death of his close friend's child at the hands of leukemia.
Despite the family's best efforts, the family was unable to find a matching bone marrow donor for a life-saving stem cell transplant due to significant racial, ethnic, and socio-economic disparities.
Driven by the urgent need for a cost-effective and accessible solution, Upendra set out to make curative therapies more inclusive and widely available.
Breakthrough Research at the Texas Heart Institute
Around the same time, a team of scientists at the Texas Heart Institute—Drs. Peter Vanderslice, Darren Woodside, and Ronald Biediger—were pioneering a new approach to stem cell therapy. Known for their expertise in targeting cell adhesion molecules called "integrins," the team transitioned from developing integrin inhibitors to creating integrin activators. By rationally designing the structural changes they have turned the integrin inhibitor into an integrin activator. Our molecules temporarily change the conformation of their target integrins, 7 Hills Pharma has invented a groundbreaking compound that activates VLA-4, a key integrin for directing stem cells to bone marrow. This innovation marked a significant leap in stem cell transplantation technology.
Founding 7 Hills Pharma
A Vision for Transformative Therapies
Dr. Marathi joined forces with the Texas Heart Institute team to co-found 7 Hills Pharma, bringing this first-in-class integrin activation technology to life. Their discovery extended beyond stem cell transplantation, revealing the potential to amplify anti-cancer drugs and vaccines, leveraging integrin activation to improve their effectiveness safely. Building on Dr. Woodside’s insights into T cell activation, the team developed their flagship clinical-stage drug candidate, Alintegimod, designed to overcome resistance to anti-PD-1 therapies. This advancement positioned 7 Hills Pharma at the forefront of immunotherapy innovation.
Returning to the Mission
Transforming Stem Cell Therapy
True to its original mission, 7 Hills Pharma is now advancing its 7HP935 program, leveraging selective integrin activation to revolutionize treatments for acute leukemias and genetic bone marrow disorders. With this approach, the company aims to deliver improved outcomes using cost-effective therapies that address longstanding healthcare disparities and provide hope to patients worldwide. The legacy of addressing an unmet need continues to drive the company’s groundbreaking work.
The Legacy Behind 7 Hills Pharma
A Name Rooted in Healing and Service
The name 7 Hills Pharma embodies a commitment to selfless service and healing for patients past, present, and future. It draws inspiration from the town of Tirupati in South India, home to seven sacred peaks represented in the company’s logo. These hills host a revered Hindu temple complex devoted to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu. This region also holds deep personal significance for founder Upendra Marathi, whose family—including his father—trained at the temple's medical school and provided care to pilgrims visiting the holy site.
Today, 7 Hills Pharma carries forward this family legacy of service by addressing critical gaps in healthcare. The company remains dedicated to improving therapeutic access for underserved populations and those with limited treatment options, continuing its mission to transform lives through innovation and compassion.
Leadership
Proven Experience from Molecule to Medicine
Our team at 7 Hills Pharma brings decades of expertise in drug discovery, clinical development, and translational medicine, ensuring a strong foundation for innovative solutions. With a proven track record of advancing first-in-class therapies, we are committed to transforming patient care through science and experience.
