On June 7, 2023 Neomabs Biotechnologies reported that developing new generations of immunotherapies to treat still incurable pediatric leukemias: this is the objective of Neomabs Biotechnologies, a new Montreal biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of innovative therapies in oncology (Press release, Neomabs Biothechnologies, JUN 7, 2023, View Source [SID1234636476]).

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The result of a strategic and innovative partnership between key players in the life sciences ecosystem, the creation of Neomabs was made possible thanks to pre-seed financing of $2M led by Theodorus, with the participation of Eureka Investment Fund. Neomabs also counts CQDM, Immune Biosolutions and the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center among its partners.

Neomabs is working to develop therapeutic antibodies directed against new targets – neo-antigens – against acute pediatric leukemia, of which 20% to 30% of affected children still die today. The discovery of these targets is made possible thanks to the expertise of researcher Étienne Caron, his associate Isabelle Sirois and Dr. Sonia Cellot at CHU Sainte-Justine. Indeed, Étienne Caron, also an assistant professor in the pathology department of the University of Montreal, uses high-performance methods of proteomics, immunopeptidomics and computational mass spectrometry which he pairs with a unique biobank of leukemic specimens, xenografts derived from patients and artificial human leukemia models led by Dr. Sonia Cellot , hemato-oncologist and clinician-researcher at CHU Sainte-Justine. It is this combination of expertise which is the source of the antibodies developed by Neomabs.

The company has thus concluded an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement on the neo-antigens identified at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, through Axelys, partner of CHU Sainte-Justine for the management and marketing of its active ingredients. intellectual property.

"We are delighted with the launch of this new company in Montreal. This is the culmination of a unique partnership between Theodorus and CQDM, launched in 2021, which aimed to identify innovative research programs in the development of new therapies and to accelerate their commercialization through the creation of new companies. in life sciences in Quebec, declared Patricia Escoffier , Director at Theodorus. We are proud to be able to lead this round of financing and to participate in this unique partnership which will promote the creation of a real commercial opportunity for this promising technology."

"The Eureka Fund was set up with the objective of supporting the development of new innovative technology companies at the pre-seed stage such as Neomabs. We are proud to support promising young companies operating in key sectors of our economy, such as life sciences, and which develop technologies through close collaboration with the community. », Underlines Benoit Leroux , president of the Eureka Investment Fund.

"The Eureka Fund propels young innovative technological companies like Neomabs Biotechnologies, which work to improve the well-being of the Quebec population. By supporting their creation, we enable the emergence of new therapies from public research centers which will have a real effect on people’s health," says Pierre Fitzgibbon , Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy. , Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal region.

"The CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center is pleased to actively contribute, through its academic and clinical excellence, to the emergence of this new partnership model dedicated to transforming the care pathway for children with cancer," says Dr. Jacques L. Michaud , director of research at CHU Sainte-Justine.

"We are proud to join this unique group of partners to support the growth of Neomabs and accelerate the development of new treatments to fight pediatric cancers," said Jesse Paterson, Senior Director of Business Development at CQDM. This is a perfect example of how CQDM contributes to the development of a solid Quebec ecosystem in the field of life sciences by bringing together the right partners and the most promising innovations.

"This strategic partnership with NeoMabs will help identify the next generation of therapeutic antibodies to treat pediatric leukemias. Thanks to our common passion and our shared resources, we are convinced that we can improve the quality of life of young patients as well as their families," underlines Luc Paquet , President and CEO of Immune Biosolutions and Chairman of the Board of Immune Biosolutions. administration of Neomabs.

"Neomabs fully illustrates the quality of the Quebec biotechnology ecosystem that Axelys wishes to support in its growth and maturation, in order to create, grow and shine leaders offering therapies for patients suffering from serious illnesses and often without a therapeutic alternative," explains Catherine Gagnon , vice-president, business development and investments at Axelys.