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Biomedical/pharma

Biomedical/pharma, Infectious disease, Oncology

eTheRNA and China Grand Pharma enter a strategic collaboration in the Greater China Region focussed on eTheRNA’s proprietary mRNA development products and manufacturing capabilities

Niel, Belgium, 1 December 2020 - eTheRNA immunotherapies NV (“eTheRNA”) announced it has entered into a strategic cooperation and product license agreement with China Grand Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Holdings Ltd (“China Grand Pharma”) to establish a new joint venture company, Nanjing AuroRNA Biotech Co., Ltd. (“AuroRNA Biotech”) in Mainland China to deploy eTheRNA’s proprietary mRNA technology for pharmaceutical research and development and production in the Greater China Region.

Newton Biocapital I invests in Perseus Proteomics Inc. in Japan to develop therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of blood cancers

Brussels, Belgium / Tokyo, Japan – 1 December 2020 – Newton Biocapital I (“Newton”), a life sciences investment fund active in Europe and Japan and focused on the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases, has announced its third investment in Japan. Newton invested EUR 1.2 million (JPY 148 million) in Perseus Proteomics Inc. as part of a total round of EUR 8.1 million. With this investment, Perseus Proteomics will continue its research and development of PPMX-T003 - a key growth driver antibody - and other antibodies in the pipeline.

A life-changing discovery: CRISPR scientists awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

After several years of nominations, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna have finally been awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their development of CRISPR/Cas genetic editing. These ‘genetic scissors’ can be used to can change the DNA of animals, plants and microorganisms with unprecedented precision. CRISPR technology has already had a revolutionary impact on the life sciences, but the technique and the Nobel prize itself aren’t without controversy.

An insightful solution to eye injections

Developing new therapies is sometimes not enough: for retinal indications, accurate delivery is key to making a drug work. Lowering the patient burden by minimizing injections is also an important factor to consider. Oxular, an Oxford-based biotech and V-Bio Ventures portfolio company, has developed a technology platform to address the unmet need for less frequent dosing and better drug delivery in retinal diseases.

Vascular dysfunction meets immune suppression

Tumors create complex microenvironments where they suppress the normal functioning of the immune system. Blood vessels and macrophages are an important part of this environment. A new VIB-KU Leuven startup called Montis Biosciences is working to enhance anti-tumor immunity by investigating interactions between perivascular macrophages and the tumor vasculature.

New initiative to promote transition to Organ-on-Chip technology

In an effort to raise awareness for alternatives to animal models, BioVox is helping to promote an Organ-on-Chip initiative by Dutch startup Bi/ond. The initiative aims to increase awareness and adoption of Organ-on-Chip technology, to improve in vitro research models and reduce animal testing.

V-Bio Ventures invests in new start-up Animab in a EUR 3.4 million Seed Financing to improve health and performance of livestock animals

Gent, Belgium, 27 October 2020 – Today V-Bio Ventures announces its investment in Animab, a new venture spin-off from VIB, in a EUR 3.4 million Seed financing round. The company develops monoclonal antibodies for oral administration to ensure intestinal health of livestock. The initial focus is on improving the resilience of piglets during the fragile post-weaning period. The start-up will use the seed capital to develop its first oral antibody product for protection against ETEC and initiate a product portfolio for the livestock industry.

Get to know Lewis Cantley: winner of the 2020 Dr. Paul Janssen Award

Every year, the Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research is granted to a scientist who embodies the eponymous man’s dedication to his patients and unfailing curiosity and passion for scientific progress. The 2020 winner of this prestigious award is Dr. Lewis Cantley, who discovered the family of PI3K enzymes, thereby increasing our understanding of a wide range of diseases including cancer and diabetes. Nearly 30 years on from this seminal discovery, Dr. Cantley’s research has resulted in more precise cancer therapies that have saved patient lives, making him a true champion of science.

UAntwerp researchers find cause for mysterious nodding syndrome

For decades, researchers have been trying to uncover the cause of nodding syndrome, a mysterious and deadly form of epilepsy that only affects children on the African continent. In a collaboration between Belgian and African scientists, researchers from the University of Antwerp have now discovered the root cause of the disease. In a cascade of events, nodding syndrome is triggered by another disease called river blindness, which in turn is caused by parasitic worms spread by blackfly bites. As complicated as it sounds, this is great news for the children, as it means that nodding syndrome can easily be controlled by administering the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin and exterminating blackflies.

Montis Biosciences appoints Karen Zinkewich-Péotti as Chief Executive Officer

Leuven, Belgium, 29 September 2020 - Montis Biosciences, a discovery stage biotech company focused on novel immuno-oncology therapeutics targeting the interactions between perivascular macrophages and the tumor vasculature, has named Karen Zinkewich-Péotti, Ph.D., as its Chief Executive Officer.  Dr. Zinkewich-Péotti brings strong R&D leadership experience from both international biopharmaceutical companies and smaller biotech.  Over the course of her career she has developed extensive expertise in different therapeutic modalities, including antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates and small molecules.

Countering COVID-19 with llama antibodies

In July 2020, VIB spin-off ExeVir Bio raised €23 million to advance a llama-derived antibody against COVID-19. The company is based on the work of VIB researchers, who showed that these nanobodies can protect against the coronavirus in lab animals. ExeVir has now announced it will start testing the drug in COVID-19 patients in the coming months. The scientists are aiming to have the therapy ready for widespread use by spring 2021.

A novel approach to neurology could bring relief to people in pain

In August 2020, V-Bio Ventures announced their investment in Biodol Therapeutics, a French start-up looking to make a difference to people suffering from chronic pain. The company is developing a drug to treat neuropathic pain by addressing the interplay between nerves and the immune system. In a billion-dollar market dominated by ineffective and dangerous painkillers, their unique approach could reduce the suffering of millions.

Belgian stem cell company GST bought by German pharmaceutical giant

The German pharmaceutical giant Boehringer Ingelheim has acquired GST, a stem cell specialist based in Belgium. A part of the Anacura Group, GST’s main focus is in animal health, with its main product being a stem cell therapy for injured horses. Despite the acquisition, the company will remain in its labs near Ghent, keeping its research and production rooted in Flemish soil.

Drug combos: how much is 1 + 1?

Many of our current antiviral, antibacterial and anti-tumour medications are comprised of combinations of two or three active substances, selected on the basis that these combinations slow down emergence of drug resistance. We are currently witnessing a rapid expansion of disease indications for which exploratory drug combos are being tested, as well as of the rationales for combining drugs. In this article, we examine the drivers behind this trend and the inherent caveats and complexities of drug combo development.

Biodol Therapeutics receives EUR 4.5 million to progress its novel pain medication in a Series A led by V-Bio Ventures

V-Bio Ventures, a leading Belgian life sciences VC, invests in Biodol Therapeutics, a French biotech specialized in next-generation chronic pain treatments. Biodol Therapeutics receives EUR 4.5 million to develop novel FLT3 inhibitors for the treatment of chronic and neuropathic pain, aiming to reach the clinic by early 2023.