From Idea to Biotech Startup

Growing up, Sophia Lee ’25 may have considered her dad a bit overprotective. He just wanted to keep his “little girl” safe. As she matured, he educated her about the risks of drink spiking, emphasizing the dangers of accepting open drinks from strangers. These substances, commonly known as date rape drugs, are often colorless and odorless, making them extremely difficult to detect.

Taking their conversation to heart, Sophia wondered if there was a medication to counteract such drugs. Her research revealed that an antidote exists but is only available in IV form for use in hospitals, mainly to reverse anesthesia. “Since the medication was already FDA approved,” Sophia explains, “I thought, why not reformulate it into a portable form that can be carried with you in case it’s ever needed, like an EpiPen or Narcan?” 

Sophia’s proposed portable antidote would be the size of a dissolvable breath mint strip. “If someone suspects their drink has been spiked, they would quickly self-administer a strip under their tongue. As it dissolves, the medication travels through the bloodstream to the brain and neutralizes the effects of the drugs. The person would stop losing consciousness, enabling them to escape the situation and seek help.” she explains.

Driven by her passion for neuroscience and entrepreneurship, Sophia founded Mithradote Bio, Inc., where her idea has evolved into the product M-101. With a patent filed, Mithradote has partnered with a pharmaceutical company to develop the formulation prototype before moving into proof-of-concept studies. 

Sophia’s love for cognitive sciences started when she was young. “The TV show Brain Games [by National Geographic] sparked my lifelong interest in how the brain works,” she shares. “There were interactive games and experiments designed to mess with your mind. I also carried this book of optical illusions everywhere as a kid. The idea that optical illusions can alter our perceptions of the world fascinates me.” 

Now a senior, Sophia explains why Upper School Science Educator Renna Wolfe, Ph.D., is her mentor: “She’s such a dynamic person and an amazing teacher. Dr. Wolfe’s AP Biology class was challenging last year, but her enthusiastic and engaging teaching style fueled my passion for learning even more. I am so happy to have her again for Neuroscience Honors this year, and I’m very grateful for her encouragement and support of me and my new venture. She always has this glow of positivity about her that’s uplifting and wonderful to be around.”

Dr. Wolfe returns the adoration, “Sophia is a problem solver. She isn’t fearless, but she overcomes her fears. Many aspects of the startup process have been stressful and daunting, but she puts one foot in front of the other, works tirelessly, and tackles those challenges head-on. Sophia is curious, helpful, humble, and grateful to those who support her. She’s incredibly sharp-minded, brilliant, and always willing to help others.”

Looking ahead to graduation, Sophia plans to continue running her company while in college. “I’m excited about the future. I never realized that I could take my idea and grow it into an actual biotech company that has the potential to help so many people. Even if my invention could help protect just one person, it would mean everything to me.”