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Biomedical/pharma

Biomedical/pharma, Oncology

V-Bio Ventures leads €20 million Series A financing of Precision oncology company Flindr Therapeutics to advance first-in-class small molecule inhibitors

Using patient data to enable personalized healthcare, ATHENA shows us how!

Personalized healthcare is characterized by tailoring treatments to each individual patient’s needs. Despite evident benefits, implementing such a system is not straightforward. The ATHENA project consortium has successfully devised a set of building blocks to address the challenges associated. Both technological and governance tools were developed that can now be used on a larger scale to catalyze the transition towards personalized medicine and care.

From successful conception to a healthy family – Belgian research raises the bar for IVF

Belgium is one of the top countries in the world for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Despite the high cumulative success rates of these interventions, disproportionally little attention has been given to the health of both mother and child during and after pregnancy. With the HEART (High risk for pre-Eclampsia after Assisted Reproductive Technology) project, Belgian researchers strive to understand why some women have an increased risk for pre-eclampsia after IVF and whether biomarkers can be identified to estimate these risks early in pregnancy or even before conception. They aim to raise the standard from successful conception to improved child and maternal health.

This vagina-on-chip model holds the potential to advance yeast infection research

While a vast majority of women experience vaginal yeast infections, research has fallen short in providing an effective treatment approach. However, hope has emerged recently with the development of new model systems that allow exploration of the complex vaginal environment. Organ-on-chip models enable researchers to examine the interactions between human cells and microbes in a more accurate manner, offering the potential for the development of new therapies.

Fund+ portfolio company Cardior Pharmaceuticals to be acquired by Novo Nordisk in potential 1-billion-euro deal

Novo Nordisk will acquire Cardior Pharmaceuticals for up to 1.025 billion euros, including upfront and additional payments if certain development and commercial milestones are achieved. Cardior is a leader in RNA-based therapies that have the potential to prevent, repair and reverse diseases of the heart. The company’s approach targets distinctive non-coding RNAs to address the root causes of cardiac dysfunctions and achieve lasting patient impact.

Fund+ Portfolio Company Tubulis Closes Upsized EUR 128 Million Series B2 to Accelerate Clinical Development of Solid Tumor-Focused ADC Pipeline

  • Financing round co-led by EQT Life Sciences and Nextech Invest1, with participation from current and new leading global biotechnology investors
  • Proceeds will support clinical evaluation of lead solid tumor ADC candidates, TUB-030 and TUB-040, further technology development and expansion into the US

Bridging the immunity gap: improving animal welfare without antibiotics

Antibiotic resistance is a major concern for humans and animals. Increasing pressure to move away from antibiotics has created space for new solutions for disease management. Animab’s oral monoclonal antibody platform is a promising alternative, effectively guarding against infection during a vulnerable period in an animal’s development.

Beyond gluten-free: a hopeful future for those who suffer from Celiac disease

Gluten-free dietary products contain more sugar and fats but fewer nutrients and are generally more expensive. A gluten-free diet can even lead to social isolation and stigmatization. Scientists are thus looking for a way that allows people with celiac gluten intolerance disease to enjoy the benefits of gluten in a safe manner.

QbD Chair for Precision Oncology Research in Glioblastoma extended for three years

The QbD Chair supports the research of Professor Frederik De Smet on glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Behind the establishment of the Chair lies a personal story.

V-Bio Ventures-funded Tanai Therapeutics develops first-in-class therapeutics for obesity

VIB, Flanders’ leading life sciences institute, together with lead investor V-Bio Ventures has launched a new spin-off company based on research at the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research. With an initial seed financing round supported by V-Bio Ventures, Qbic and VIB, the spin-off company is entering the obesity space with an entirely novel therapeutic approach.

Obulytix is developing a revolutionary solution for antibiotic resistance

Obulytix, a spin-off based on research results from Ghent University and KU Leuven, has built a platform that creates new ways to tackle bacterial infections. The innovative, phage lysin-based platform – leveraging the power of artificial intelligence – attracted a significant four-million-euro investment from Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, Qbic, and Gemma Frisius Fund.

Azalea Vision announces first on-eye test of ALMA, its revolutionary smart contact lens

In a significant milestone, Azalea Vision, pioneering start-up on a mission to revolutionize the treatment of ocular disorders, announces the successful demonstration of ALMA Lens, the first functional prototype of the Azalea smart contact lens’ platform.

Pioneering Belgian project ATHENA paves the way for Real-World Data reuse in research and personalized care

ATHENA, a VLAIO-funded multi-stakeholder project, clears the path for increased reuse of Real-World Data in scientific research and healthcare, by introducing innovative solutions and responding to current technical and governance challenges. The project has made significant strides in the field of oncology by developing groundbreaking privacy-preserving machine learning techniques for predictive analytics. The project findings will be presented and discussed at the ATHENA symposium on November 23rd, 2023.

Belgium – nurturing innovation at the interface of biology and technology

The ´Science for health´ congress gathers local and global experts in Brussels on November 28 to discuss how to adapt healthcare to current challenges, combining cutting-edge technology with biology and place Belgium at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

Belgian breakthrough in endometriosis research captures investors’ attention

Even though endometriosis impacts millions of women globally, the condition remains poorly understood and researched, leading to delayed diagnosis and lack of effective treatment. Encouragingly, there are promising recent developments in the field coming from Belgium. Professor Hugo Vankelecom’s research group at KU Leuven uses advanced cellular models, known as organoids, to delve into the disease and expedite the drug discovery process. The Danish BioInnovation Institute now offers the team an incubation program to pave the way towards industrial success.