Our Science

Targeting hidden proteins encoded in the genome

Velia was created to uncover the dark matter of the human proteome. Our scientific founders built the technologies to identify novel, protein coding sequences hidden within the human genome. Their pioneering work has uncovered the importance and therapeutic potential of these small proteins.  To date, Velia has identified >2,500 novel “microproteins” and the list continues to grow.  Early studies highlight that these small proteins mediate rich and diverse human biology.  

Velia deploys cutting edge technologies including computational biology, human genetics, and advanced automation to bring together the work of our Scientific Founders in order to explore broad biology. In parallel, the team is conducting focused therapeutic discovery in a few key areas. Our discovery requires bold scientists, placing smart bets to unleash the unexplored therapeutic potential of the human proteome.

Velia’s purpose is to generate transformative therapeutics.  We aim high: focusing on disease drivers - targets that will have the most significant impact on human health.  Our President and CEO, Dr. John McHutchison, has an outstanding track record of advancing transformational therapeutic discovery.  He is responsible for three of the most successful drug launches in pharmaceutical history, the curative treatments for HCV.  Under his leadership, Velia will translate early discovery into life changing therapeutics for patients.

At Velia, we are at the forefront of biology. Our therapeutics, by definition, will be first in class. To be successful, Velia hires only brave, innovative scientists and thought leaders. If this describes you, come join us!

Foundational Publications

Our founding team has defined this field through pivotal work over the last 10 years.

March 6, 2020
Pervasive functional translation of noncanonical human open reading frames
July 13, 2022
Standardized annotation of translated open reading frames
November 26, 2021
The dark proteome: translation from noncanonical open reading frames
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