About us
Australis is driven by the urgent need to minimize suffering among cancer patients with a better alternative to traditional treatments. With cancer cases rising globally, our compound, AUS_001, offers hope and has shown encouraging pre-clinical data in treating 24 types of cancer with few side effects in these pre-clinical models
Help us help others
Cancer affects everyone in one way or another. We’ve all seen the toll it takes on the body and on the spirit. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to developing AUS_001, a treatment with the potential to redefine cancer care.
But we can’t do it alone.
Together, we can offer hope to those who’ve been let down by current treatments and hopefully provide them with a safer and more effective alternative.
About the founder
Todd Robinson is the founder of Australis and the owner of the land where AUS_001 was discovered. He led the company’s operations until 2024, when he handed the reins over to current CEO Michele Korfin. While no longer involved in the day-to-day running of the business, Todd continues to provide strong strategic guidance, helping to shape the long-term direction of Australis.
It started with coincidence, but it’s becoming the potential key to unlocking a cure for cancer.
We are seeking investors and partners to join us in this mission. For more information, details on ongoing studies, and next steps, please reach out to us.
Our story
Over 10,000 years ago, an island separated from Australia and a unique ecosystem was born. In this environment, one grass plant adapted to produce a resin to fend off kangaroos. For thousands of years, this isolated island harbored this powerful compound. We didn’t know it yet, but it was a potential cure for cancer just waiting to be discovered.
Despite the global search for medicinal plants, less than 1% have been studied. Then, two scientists had a theory: What if nature was already searching for us? That’s where bees came in. After years of testing, the scientists found it: a potent compound in honeybee propolis from Kangaroo Island. This compound became AUS_001.
Extensive preclinical research points to AUS_001’s therapeutic potential against cancer with minimal side effects.
Our bioavailable formulation allows AUS_001 to cross the blood-brain barrier, enabling us to target difficult cancers like brain cancer.
AUS_001 is a medicine refined by nature over thousands of years, and now it’s almost ready for human trials.
In the near future, we could deliver this treatment to patients through the start of our clinical trials. With fewer resources dedicated to naturally discovered medicines, we’re raising funds to make this breakthrough a reality and seek to cure the incurable.
Harnessing nature to fight cancer
Our mission
To develop innovative, naturally derived treatments that improve patient outcomes by offering safer, more effective, and accessible cancer therapies.
Our vision
To see a world where fewer adults and children suffer.
Our timeline
We’ve come a long way since that day on Kangaroo Island back in the 2000s.
With your help, we can make even greater progress to get AUS_001 into the hands of those who need it.
2019-01-01
2009
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2011
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2012
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2015
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2019
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2020
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2021
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2022
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2023
2019-01-01
2024
2019-01-01
2025
Meet the team
Michele Korfin
CEO (RPh, MBA)
Michele Korfin, RPh, MBA, is the CEO of Australis and brings with her nearly 30 years of experience as a leader in the biotech sector. Her vast expertise in guiding biotech companies through growth and operational challenges has made her a highly respected figure in the industry. Michele Korfin has held senior leadership roles in major organizations such as Celgene, Kite, TYME, and Gamida Cell, where she demonstrated her capability in shaping business strategies and steering complex organizations towards success.
Caroline Carr
CFO (CPA)
Caroline Carr, CPA, serves as the CFO of Australis and brings a wealth of experience in financial management within the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. Her deep knowledge of financial strategy and oversight, particularly in highly regulated industries, allows her to provide critical insights that drive the company's financial health and growth. Caroline Carr's previous roles at Mycovia, Dara, Pfizer, and Deloitte have honed her ability to manage complex financial operations and contribute to the strategic direction of innovative biotech companies.
Todd Robinson
Founder
Todd Robinson is the founder of Australis and the owner of the land where AUS_001 was discovered. He led the company’s operations until 2024, when he handed the reins over to current CEO Michele Korfin. While no longer involved in the day-to-day running of the business, Todd continues to provide strong strategic guidance, helping to shape the long-term direction of Australis.
Marina Koutsioumpa
VP of Cancer Biology (PhD)
Marina Koutsioumpa, PhD, is the Vice President of Cancer Biology, with a PhD specializing in cancer biology and pharmacology. Her scientific expertise has been instrumental in advancing research in cancer therapies. Marina Koutsioumpa’s past experience at the UCLA Center for Systems Biomedicine has allowed her to contribute to cutting-edge research in oncology, focusing on improving treatment options and deepening the scientific understanding of cancer biology.
Herman Lelie
VP of Research and Development (PhD)
Herman Lelie, PhD, is the Vice President of Research and Development and specializes in analytical chemistry and pre-clinical development. With a PhD in the field, his research expertise plays a critical role in driving the company’s innovations in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Herman’s career has spanned prestigious institutions like MIT and UCLA, as well as roles at Bruin Biometrics and Constitution Labs, where his work has been pivotal in advancing pre- clinical research and translating scientific breakthroughs into actionable treatments.
Orphan drug and rare pediatric disease designations
In February 2025, we received exciting news: AUS_001 had received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for malignant gliomas. The next month, we heard more good news: AUS_001 had received Rare Pediatric Disease Designation from the FDA for the treatment of pediatric-type diffuse high-grade gliomas!
The Australis team is excited to continue our progress and complete our IND-enabling studies.
Allowing patients in need to access AUS_001, as fast as possible
We seek investors who are passionate about improving cancer treatment and eager to help bring AUS_001 to patients who need new treatments. Your support will be crucial in funding human trials.
Further scientific studies, collaborations, and additional details are available.