Imagine living with a rare metabolic condition that causes a persistent, fish-like odor, regardless of hygiene, lifestyle choices, or personal care. For individuals living with Trimethylaminuria (TMAU), this is an everyday reality. The condition often leads to social isolation, anxiety, and significant emotional distress, yet it remains poorly understood and underserved.

At Esperance Healthcare, we believe that rare conditions like TMAU deserve more scientific attention, thoughtful innovation, and compassionate engagement.

We are a student-founded biotechnology startup based at Florida State University, focused on advancing research approaches related to rare metabolic conditions, beginning with TMAU. Our work explores how advances in microbiome science and synthetic biology could be applied to better understand and support normal metabolic processes in the gut. We are early in this journey, but we have already generated promising preliminary laboratory data and built strong relationships with academic mentors and patient advocates.

Over the past year, our team has had the opportunity to present our work internationally, including at the iGEM Startup Showcase in Paris, where we connected with researchers, founders, and industry professionals from around the world. These experiences reinforced both the scientific relevance of this work and the clear need for continued research in rare, overlooked conditions.

We are now entering an important research phase.

Over the next few months, we are raising funds to support ongoing research and development, including:

Funds raised through this campaign will be used to support ongoing research, development, and early operational needs as Esperance Healthcare continues advancing its work in rare metabolic conditions.

This mission is deeply personal to us.

My name is Zachary Asarnow, co-founder of Esperance Healthcare and a senior at Florida State University. I lost my mother to cystic fibrosis when I was 16. Watching her navigate a rare genetic disease shaped my desire to work in rare disease research and to help ensure that families facing similar challenges are not overlooked. Esperance Healthcare represents my commitment to contributing to this space.

By supporting this campaign, you are helping enable early-stage scientific exploration in an area that has received limited attention. Your contribution supports students, researchers, and mentors working to expand knowledge and explore new approaches related to rare metabolic conditions.

If you are able, please consider donating or sharing our story. Every contribution helps us continue this work.

Thank you for your support and for standing with the rare disease community.

With gratitude,

Zachary Asarnow and The Esperance Healthcare Team