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20-minute presenters

CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
​[​NASDAQ: CNSP]

CNS Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:CNSP) is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of anti-cancer drug candidates for the treatment of primary and metastatic cancers of the brain and central nervous system.

cnspharma.com/

Herantis Pharma Plc
[HEL: HRTIS]

Herantis Pharma Plc is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing disease modifying therapies for Parkinson’s disease. Herantis’ lead product HER-096, is an advanced small synthetic chemical peptidomimetic molecule developed based on the active site of the parent CDNF protein. It combines the compelling mechanism of action of the CDNF protein with the convenience of subcutaneous administration. The ongoing Phase 1a clinical study will assess safety, tolerability, and blood-brain barrier penetration of subcutaneously administered HER-096. Top-line data is expected in Q4-2023.

The shares of Herantis are listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland.

herantis.com

Iama Therapeutics S.r.l.

IAMA stands at the forefront of drug discovery, revolutionizing the treatment landscape for complex CNS diseases. Pioneering a groundbreaking platform targeting chloride cotransporters, IAMA’s lead compound, IAMA-6, selectively targets NKCC1, offering an innovative approach. Fueled by compelling preclinical evidence and backed by €8M in funding from prestigious entities, including Telethon and Angelini, IAMA secured an additional €12M round in 2022, led by Claris Ventures and CDP Venture Capital. In under two years, the company advanced IAMA-6 to Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers, marking a swift trajectory toward clinical development in patients. With a robust pipeline addressing significant unmet needs, IAMA is strategically positioned for substantial impact in both rare and broad market applications. Leveraging deep expertise, the company is committed to developing treatments for patients battling neurological diseases without a cure.​​

www.iamatherapeutics.com

MetrioPharm AG

MetrioPharm is a Swiss clinical-stage company developing first-in-class self-regulating immunomodulators for inflammatory and infectious diseases. MetrioPharm has developed a platform of oral small molecule immunomodulators that target the pathologically dysregulated (reprogrammed) mitochondrial metabolism in macrophages without being immunosuppressive.

MetrioPharm's lead candidate MP1032 demonstrated preclinical & clinical efficacy (three Phase II studies) in several inflammatory and infectious diseases with an excellent safety profile.

As a monotherapy, MP1032 produces therapeutic effects similar to corticosteroids (cortisone-based therapeutics), but without serious side effects.

MP1032 has demonstrated synergistic/supra-additive effects in combination with an ultra-low dose (10% of the normal dose) of corticosteroids, showing the potential to create a new class of "super corticosteroids" that are more effective and have no serious side effects.

MetrioPharm focuses its R&D on orphan diseases such as Duchenne muscular disease (DMD) to replace the anti-inflammatory standard therapy of high-dose corticosteroids causing severe side effects. MP1032 recently received the Orphan Drug Designation and the Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for DMD by the US FDA.

In addition, MP1032 has demonstrated broad host-directed antiviral activity in preclinical studies against 6 tested COVID-19 variants and multiple influenza virus variants, as well as antibacterial activity against multiple bacterial strains. This novel approach of host-directed therapies has the potential to treat emerging and even completely novel viruses without the need for prior adaptation, which is essential for future pandemic preparedness.

The results of a Phase IIa Covid study with 131 hospitalized patients, financed by an EU-grant of EUR 7.9 million, were recently published in Lancet-Europe.

In addition, MP1032 has potential for the treatment of Long Covid. Its host-directed mechanism of action addresses four key drivers of this new indication: a persistent virus, mitochondrial immune dysregulation, microemboli and pulmonary fibrosis.

MetrioPharm recently raised CHF 18 million in 2023 and targets a second closing in 2024.

​www.metriopharm.com/

Nouscom AG

Nouscom is a private clinical stage immuno-oncology company developing next-generation, off-the-shelf and personalized cancer immunotherapies. Our proprietary viral vector platform has the capacity to encode for large payloads of neoantigens or other immunomodulators and is clinically demonstrated to safely and potently harness the power of the immune system. The company recently closed an oversubscribed Series 'C' financing, to advance the clinical development of its wholly owned programs. These programs include NOUS-209, an off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy for the treatment of MSI-H solid tumors in combination with pembrolizumab in randomized phase 2 trials, with readouts expected in 2025.  In January 2023, Nouscom announced a clinical trial collaboration and pembrolizumab supply agreement with MSD (Merck & Co). A Phase 1b study of NOUS-209 monotherapy in Lynch Syndrome Carriers with potential to ‘intercept cancer’ before it occurs is running with the National Cancer Institute, with the first interim data reported at SITC Conference in November 2023. A randomized pivotal trial in Lynch Syndrome is expected to be initiated in 2025.

Nouscom's second clinical program is NOUS-PEV, a personalized cancer immunotherapy for the treatment of advanced melanoma and lung cancer that will be entering randomized Phase 2 trials in 2025. Nouscom has also exclusively out-licensed VAC-85135, an off-the-shelf immunotherapy developed under a multi-project agreement, which is currently under evaluation in a Phase 1 trial for the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms sponsored by Janssen Research & Development and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

nouscom.com

Oryzon Genomics, S.A.
[BME: ORY​]

A public clinical-stage biopharma developing epigenetics for CNS disorders and Oncology. c.50 highly-qualified professionals located in Barcelona, Boston and San Diego. Listed in Spain, aiming at NASDAQ-listing.

Two uncorrelated Phase II compounds: iadademstat (oncology) and vafidemstat (CNS).

Iadademstat, a best-in-class LSD1 inhibitor, is in clinical development for AML and solid tumors. PoC with strong clinical activity in combo with azacitidine in a Phase II in unfit AML patients, and encouraging signals in 2L-ED-SCLC. Two ongoing trials in R/RFlt3mut+ AML and neuroendocrine tumors, preparing a new trial in SCLC. Additional trials under CRADA agreement with NCI-NIH. Further expanding clinical development through investigator-initiated trials.

Pioneering development of epigenetic drugs in CNS with vafidemstat, a safe LSD1 inhibitor. Positive results reducing aggression in a Phase IIa basket trial in psychiatric patients. Two Phase IIb trials, one in borderline personality disorder (completed, topline data published, final data to be presented at ECNP-2024) and the other in schizophrenia (actively recruiting). Plans to expand to precision medicine in rare CNS disorders, starting with a Phase I/II trial in Kabuki syndrome.

www.oryzon.com/en

STALICLA SA

Stalicla, founded in 2017, a precision neuro clinical stage company, has raised $80m with Novartis, Pitcted, Edmond de Rothschild, and SPRIM as shareholders. Preparing for a $65m Series C to support Phase 2 trials and advance its neuro precision pipeline.​

stalicla.com

TME Pharma
[EPA: ALTME​]

TME Pharma is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing novel therapies for treatment of the most aggressive cancers. We specialize in approaches targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME). 

The lead anti-CXCL12 compound, NOX-A12, has recently been granted Fast Track designation by the FDA for newly diagnosed, chemotherapy refractory glioblastoma. A phase 2 trial is planned to test multiple doses of the drug in combination with anti-VEGF and radiotherapy where a Phase 1/2 expansion group has shown exceptional data with a 10-fold increase in survival at 18-22 months vs. a standard of care reference cohort (50% vs 5%) and a near doubling of median OS 19.9 months vs 10.5 months.

NOX-E36 is a second clinical stage asset with established clinical safety, tolerability and PK/PD with exciting potential as an anti-fibrotic in the ophthalmology space. The company plans to monetize this asset via a spinout or similar structure.

www.tmepharma.com

10-minute presenters

Ageronix SA

Ageronix SA is a clinical-stage life sciences company that is developing therapies for diseases of the PNS and CNS. Ageronix's lead program is focused on Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A (CMT 1A). Ageronix has also programs in development for Neuropathic Pain and Alzheimer's Disease.

​
www.ageronix.com

Alder Therapeutics AB

At Alder Therapeutics we develop affordable regenerative stem cell therapies. 

Traditional approaches to bringing cell therapies to market are fraught with challenges. Alder’s unique drug development philosophy de-risks development bringing advanced cell therapies to market, faster, and more reliably.

Our two promising allogeneic therapies in the pipeline are supported by a comprehensive preclinical data package showing they treat disease in relevant large animal models. 

We are raising funds to deliver clinical proof-of-concept in Retinitis Pigmentosa for our lead program.

www.aldertx.com

Atamyo Therapeutics SAS

Atamyo Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharma focused on the development of a new generation of effective and safe gene therapies for muscular dystrophies and cardiomyopathies.

A spin-off of gene therapy pioneer Genethon, Atamyo leverages unique expertise in AAV-based gene therapy and muscular dystrophies from the Progressive Muscular Dystrophies Laboratory at Genethon.

Atamyo has a clinical-stage pipeline with first-in-class vectors which include new capsids, new promoters, and organs-detargeting technologies:
- ATA-100 is in phase 1b/2b in LGMD-R9/LGMD2I associated to deficiencies in the protein FKRP.
- ATA-200 has received clinical trial clearance for LGMD-R5 related to deficiencies in γ-sarcoglycans,
- ATA-300 is in IND-enabling studies and targets LGMD-R1/ LGMD2A or calpainopathy;
- The cardiomyopathy programs pursues several targets in Dilated Cardiomyopathies

Atamyo’s seasoned management has a unique expertise in developing biotech products from Research to late stage clinical development:
- Stephane Degove, its CEO, is a biotech entrepreneur with 25 years’ experience in pharma/biotech and strategy.  
- Isabelle Richard, PhD, its Chief Scientific Officer, heads the Muscular Dystrophy department at Genethon and a pioneer in the research on gene therapy targeting muscular distrophies.
- Dr Sophie Olivier, its Chief Medical Officer, has extensive clinical development experience in large and small pharma organizations and has overseen multiple regulatory interactions with both the FDA and the EMA, particularly in regard to pediatric development and rare diseases.
- Catherine Cancian, its Chief Technical Officer, has 25 years CMC development in biologics, including gene therapy

The name of the company is derived from two words: Celtic Atao which means “Always” or “Forever” and Myo which is the Greek root for muscle. Atamyo conveys the spirit of its commitment to improve the life of patients affected by neuromuscular diseases with life-long efficient treatments.

www.atamyo.com

Atopia Therapeutics

Atopia Therapeutics is a Geneva-based biotech startup developing a revolutionary biological treatment for type 2 allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and food allergy, based on a natural immunomodulatory protein.​

www.atopiatx.com

Avata Biosciences

Avata Biosciences is conducting an expedited clinical development program in adult focal seizures with its lead asset AVAT-021, using the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway. The objective is to launch Avata CBD capsules into the US epilepsy market (adult focal seizures) in 2029, driving revenues, which is the basis of the core Avata value proposition.
 
Avata Biosciences has recently achieved:                                                              
• Positive comparative bioavailability results in a Phase 1 crossover study compared to Epidiolex®.
• Pre-IND meeting feedback that enables pursuit of a 505(b)(2) pathway with Epidiolex® as the reference drug.
• Completion of a selection process to determine the optimum US manufacturing site for a Tech Transfer.
 
In addition to the epilepsy program, Avata has recently agreed a collaborative partnership with Oxford University to develop AVAT-021 for patients with schizophrenia.

Avata recently launched a $110m funding round to support clinical and corporate development beyond Phase 3 studies. Avata is already in discussions with US venture capital groups and has received expressions of interest from neuropsychiatric strategic pharmaceutical companies interested in joining the round.

www.avatabio.com

BiPER Therapeutics

BiPER Therapeutics is developing oral First In Class small  molecules against cancer. BPR001-615 our lead clinical candidate, at 9 months from the clinic, pushes cancers cells to burn out - a unique mechanism of action. BPR001-615 pave the way for new therapeutics based on our unique science and technology overstressing pathological cells to cure patients.

​biper-tx.com/

Bloom Science, Inc.

Bloom Science is a clinical-stage company, trailblazing a path to transformative, novel therapeutics for patients with rare and complex neurological and metabolic disorders.

Bloom is advancing a deep pipeline of programs, including Dravet syndrome, other rare epilepsies, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), neurodegenerative and cardiometabolic disorders.

www.bloomscience.com

CIS BIOPHARMA AG

CIS BIOPHARMA helps cancer patients live longer and better lives. We are a biotechnology company dedicated to revolutionizing cancer treatment through novel targeted therapies. We are located in the area of Basel, Switzerland, a global hub for life sciences innovation. In our state-of-the-art laboratories, we pioneer groundbreaking technology to change the standard-of-care in oncology.​

www.cisbiopharma.com

Cullgen Inc.

Cullgen Inc., is a San Diego based biotechnology company developing small molecule therapeutics based on our proprietary targeted protein degradation (TPD) technology, uSMITE™. Our TPD technology is a type of precision medicine that has the potential to address a broad range of intracellular disease targets, such as oncology, inflammation, pain, and other diseases that cannot be addressed by existing therapies, commonly referred to as “undruggable” targets.   We are currently developing a number of TPD based therapeutics in-house, primarily for oncology, that are available for co-development or licensure. Our most advanced candidate, CG001419,  is now in a phase I/II clinical trial for cancer and we are preparing to start a phase I clinical trial for this product in pain applications.

In addition to our internal pipeline of TPD programs, we are also discovering and developing novel E3 ligands in order to enhance the overall robustness and effectiveness of TPD therapeutics.  We believe that the development of novel E3 ligands will be one of the key long-term success factors for this technology.  Through the use of novel E3 ligands, we will be able to design TPDs that are capable of recruiting and binding to one of the hundreds of existing E3 ligases that have never been utilized as part of TPD therapeutic.  Designing a TPD that has the capability to bind to different E3 ligases will likely provide a therapeutic solution with reduced toxicity, enhanced tissue selectivity and overcome existing drug resistance.

Cullgen is also actively developing  degrader - antibody conjugates (DACs) based on the conjugation of some of our highly potent degraders with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). The use of a degrader as a payload will provide additional drug specificity to increase overall efficacy and safety.

www.cullgen.com

​éclateral Ltd.

éclateral's o~pal platform combines two robust technologies that are already manufactured at scale to deliver a low-cost, clinical grade health and wellbeing testing platform suitable for use in the home or at point of care.

Our first test, for C-reactive protein (CRP), is intended to be used to guide the prescription of antibiotics for patients with respiratory tract infections. There is considerable regulatory push and market pull for this test globally. Three tests have been approved for use in the UK and a clinical care pathway is in place, but the competitor tests are too expensive. Our combination of electrochemistry and lateral flow testing means that we have produced a best-in-class semi-quantitative test that is attractive to users in primary care as well as in care home settings. CRP testing is already used to guide antibiotic prescriptions in countries across Europe and our low cost will allow us to compete effectively in these markets. It is also worth noting that CRP is probably the most tested protein in medicine, and that there are opportunities for a fully-quantitative CRP test to guide treatments in chronic diseases settings too, notable in rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.

Our planned second test will initially be marketed at women experiencing symptoms of the perimenopause. At any given time this affects 3 million women in the UK and there is clear demand for a test to explain the distressing symptoms that affect a large proportion of women, 10% of whom have to leave work early when symptoms are very severe. The test will measure 4 sexual health hormones, 4 dietary markers, 3 thyroid markers and cortisol (the ""stress hormone"") and so will be useful beyond the initial target market for men experiencing general tiredness as well as for women seeking fertility testing.

www.eclateral.com

eleva GmbH

Eleva is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical that strives to bring novel therapies to patients in need together with partners as well as independently. We harness the outstanding capabilities of our moss-based expression platform to create candidates few or no one else can and advance them into clinical development.

Our current two proprietary programs currently focus on complement disorders and enzyme replacement therapies.

Factor H is a key complement control protein in humans. Eleva is advancing its proprietary, moss-expressed Factor H (CPV-104) program into clinical development with an initial focus on C3 Glomerulopathy (C3G). It has the potential to restore the natural balance in the complement system, thereby controlling over-activation while retaining its protective properties. Beyond C3G, the program has shown therapeutic potential in a range of indications including atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and the dry form of age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD). Recombinant human Factor H (Factor H) indicated for complement-associated disorders has been developed to precommercial GMP scale and will be entering clinical trials in Q4/2024.

Eleva’s glyco-improved form of alpha Galactosidase - aGal (RPV-001) expressed in moss, has shown promising effects in a clinical Ph1b trial.  Eleva’s proprietary aGal (RPV-001) exhibits superior cell uptake, prolonged efficacy and improved long-term safety. The recombinant aGal (RPV-001) program is a prime example for the positive impact of our proprietary expression system on key product capabilities otherwise unattainable with conventional production cell lines.

Eleva’s team combines decades of scientific and industry experience. We take on the challenge to successfully develop almost any complex, difficult protein with efficient and effective human glycosylation!  We relentlessly pursue those therapeutic opportunities, where our technology and expertise can make a key difference and deliver the next-level medicines to patients.

www.elevabiologics.com

FoRx Therapeutics AG

FoRx Therapeutics is a preclinical-stage company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative, next-generation oncology drugs that target DNA Damage Response (DDR) pathways in cancer.

Our lead program is a potent and selective PARG inhibitor (FORX-428) with strong evidence for best-in-class potential, which was recently declared as Development Candidate and is currently progressing to IND.

www.forxtherapeutics.com

Fusix Biotech GmbH

Fusix Biotech is an early-stage university spinout based in Munich, Germany. They are developing a completely novel, synthetic oncolytic virus platform that offers potent tumor cell killing via a unique mechanism of action, modulatory activity in the tumor microenvironment and induction of systemic anti-tumor immunity, and optimal gene delivery in an all-in-one therapeutic approach that is delivered intravenously for solid tumors. Their pipeline of "armed" vectors are effective as standalone therapies or as components in combinatorial immunotherapy approaches.

Fusix is currently raising a Seed financing round in order to bring its lead development candidate to IND-readiness. They are interested in meeting relevant potential investors and strategic partners.

www.fusixbiotech.de

Laverock Therapeutics Ltd.

Laverock is a gene-silencing company with a uniquely powerful proprietary technology for the development of a new generation of more effective, safer and more accessible advanced therapies to tackle major diseases. We harness the power of the cell’s own control system – naturally occurring microRNA – and re-purpose it to conditionally regulate genes in a way which is programmable, tunable, stable and specific. This means that the target genes are expressed, at the right level, in the right cell and at the right time to have a transformative therapeutic effect. It’s truly innovative and addresses significant challenges with existing approaches. We are applying our approach through our own pipeline – targeting regenerative medicine and oncology – and through partnerships.

Laverock has a highly experienced leadership team with proven track records in biotechnology, pharma and academia and an exceptionally strong Board. Laverock completed a £13.5m seed round in September 2023. Its high-calibre investors include Calculus Capital, Eli Lilly and Company, Mercia Ventures, Maven Capital Partners, Eos, UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund and Tekfen Ventures.

https://www.laverocktx.com/

LIfT BioSciences Ltd.

LIfT Biosciences is a biotech bringing to market a first-in-class alpha neutrophil cell therapy that overcomes the limitations of current therapies in solid tumours by destroying tumours both directly and indirectly. LIfT’s Immunomodulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs) turn the tumour microenvironment against the tumour as they recruit the rest of the immune system to destroy the tumour to give a durable response and lasting immunity.

The patented breakthrough N-LIfT platform is produced from a patented process using exceptional stem cells (iPSC or HSC), a proprietary enhancement media and genetic engineering (e.g. CARs). The resulting CAR-IMAN cells give cancer patients potentially hundreds of times the cancer killing ability they naturally possess.

The company is working with a range of pharmaceutical license partners to develop a portfolio of CAR-IMAN cell therapies to deliver complete remission across all solid tumours before the decade is out. LIfT BioSciences was founded by Alex Blyth following the death of his mother to pancreatic cancer.  

Technology
Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophil progenitors (IMANs) produced from iPSCs or HSCs using our N-LIfT Platform
Stage
Pre-clinical work completing, IND filing
Focus
Solid Tumours with high unmet medical need, starting with SCC-NSCLC, PDAC, HNSCC, UCC
Patents
2016 Filing Granted, 6 Patents with FTO
Current Raise
£25m+ Series A. Pharma license discussions underway.
Recent Achievements
- Successful production from iPSCs and GMP ready production from HSCs at 10L
- Increase T-cell and NK cancer killing 250% in Lab-on-chip tumour model
- Unmodified IMANs shows comprehensive solid tumour organoid killing (superior to Keytruda & Abraxane) in NSCLC, PDAC
- HER-2 CAR IMANs increase cancer cell killing x5 over the already potent unmodified
LIfT IMANs have preclinical validation of all of the characteristics required to overcome the challenges to achieving sustained remission in solid tumours.

www.liftbiosciences.com

Mabylon AG

Mabylon, a Swiss Biotech company, builds on its understanding of antibody responses in allergic patients to develop single multispecific antibody molecules that neutralize the allergens and prevent allergic reactions.

The first of such products, MY006, is a potent trispecific antibody with half-life extension being developed for peanut allergy and poised to start clinical trials in 2025. MY006 is designed to provide rapid, safe, and long-lasting protection against peanut allergen exposure. 

A clinically-validated MoA and a high-yielding and stable product produced by Pfizer, offer together a greatly de-risked development path. The focus of our current fundraising is to show efficacy POC in a phase 1b, an inflection point rendered even more valuable by the adoption of the same endpoint in early and late clinical development.

Shortly following, MY010 and MY011 target multiple tree pollens or grass pollens respectively, to relief seasonal allergy symptoms with one single injection before start of the season. 

Mabylon is positioned to revolutionize the allergy therapeutic landscape by providing effective therapies with simple dosing, allowing allergic patients to regain control of their lives.

www.mabylon.com/

NanoCell Therapeutics, Inc.

Innovative Non-Viral DNA-based In Vivo Gene Therapy

At NanoCell, we envision a future where cell engineering is transformed by pioneering vectors, adept at safely and precisely modifying target cells right within the patient’s body. Our ambition is distinct and audacious. While many in the field focus on viral or RNA-based methods, we uniquely harness the lasting potential of DNA, delivered through our advanced non-viral vector technology. Our goal is to revolutionize current cell and gene therapy practices, primarily CAR and TCR therapy, by eliminating the need for ex-vivo cell manipulations. With the power of DNA and cell-directed lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) – a combination that sets us apart from others – we’re trailblazing a path to durably modify immune-effector cells, such as T cells, directly within patients. This isn’t just innovation—it’s a leap forward, paving the way for cell and gene therapies that are more affordable, scalable, and accessible to individuals across the globe.

https://nanocelltx.com

Onward Therapeutics SA

We are a clinical stage oncology company, focusing on the identification of innovative technologies and the development of truly breakthrough medicines for the treatment of cancer. 

Our company, led by an experienced team in translational science and drug development, acquires licenses for potential development candidates and invests in partners with transformative technology platforms.

We are located at Biopôle, a life sciences campus in Epalinges near Lausanne, Switzerland, we have an affiliate in Paris, France, and also operate from Taipei, Taiwan.

www.onward-therapeutics.com/

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PDC*line Pharma SA

Founded in 2014 as a spin-off of the French Blood Bank (EFS), PDC*line Pharma is a Belgian-French clinical-stage biotech company that develops an innovative class of active immunotherapies for cancers, based on a GMP-grade allogeneic therapeutic cell line of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells (PDC*line). PDC*line is much more potent than conventional dendritic cell-based vaccines in priming and boosting antitumor antigen-specific cytotoxic T-cells, including the T-cells specific for neoantigens, and is synergistic with checkpoint inhibitors. The technology can potentially be applied to any type of cancer. Following a first-in-human phase I feasibility study in melanoma, PDC*line Pharma focuses on the development of PDC*lung01, a candidate for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) currently in phase I/II trials, and PDC*neo with neoantigens in preclinical development. The company has a staff of 42, with an experienced management team. It has raised close to €61M in equity and non-dilutive funding. In March 2019, PDC*line Pharma granted an exclusive license to the LG Chem Life Sciences company in South Korea and an exclusive option in other Asian countries, for the development and commercialization of the PDC*lung01 cancer vaccine for lung cancer. The total deal is worth €108M, plus tiered royalties on net sales in Asia.​

www.pdc-line-pharma.com

Pilatus Biosciences SA

Pilatus Biosciences, a US/Swiss -based R&D startup originating from the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (Lausanne), stands on the cutting-edge of developing First-in-Class Biologics, focusing on metabolic checkpoints. Our pioneering approach, backed by the Cancer Research Institute (New York), targeting Immunometabolism triggers immune microenvironment reprogramming to combat cancer.​

www.pilatusbio.com

PulseSight Therapeutics

PulseSight Therapeutics, launched early 2024, is an ophthalmology clinical-stage biotech company developing disruptive non-viral vectorized therapies with minimally-invasive delivery technology for AMD.

PulseSight has developed a proprietary platform that uses a user-friendly electro-transfection system to deliver DNA plasmids encoding therapeutic proteins into the ciliary muscle to treat eye diseases. The company’s lead program PST-611 in GA is ready to enter the clinic by the end of 2024, whilst its second program, PST-809 in wet AMD is at the very late stage of preclinical IND-enabling studies.

Both first-in-class candidates benefit from a solid preclinical package showing their ability to address multiple pathological pathways involved in these two forms of AMD, thus providing a higher efficacy compared to current treatments. 
First clinical trials have been performed (PST-606 in non-infectious uveitis), showing the very good safety profile of both the plasmid and the delivery procedure as well as the long lasting expression of the therapeutic proteins, allowing to significantly reduce the frequency of injections (4 to 6 months). 

Pulsesight Therapeutics is managed by a highly experienced executive team and board of Directors; it is financed with seed investment from leading venture capital investors Dominik Escher, PhD, founding partner of Pureos Bioventures and Kostas Kaloulis, PhD, Venture Partner at ND Capital.

https://pulsesight.com/

Reconnect Labs AG

Reconnect Labs is a Swiss, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company on a mission to disrupt the cycle of illness that underlies mental health conditions.

Leveraging decades of expertise and a world-class network of leaders in clinical drug development, Reconnect Labs is progressing the development of rapid-acting precision psychiatry designed drug candidates with the potential to transform the treatment landscape for insomnia and psychiatric conditions such as PTSD and substance use disorders.

reconnect-labs.com/

SurgiMab S.A.S.

SurgiMab develops fluorescent molecules that enable real-time visualization of tumors during fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS). These molecules help oncologic surgeons see tumors, micro-tumors, and tumor spread in real-time, reducing both under- and over-treatment.

The lead molecule, SGM-101, currently in phase III trials, targets various digestive tumors and has also shown effectiveness in visualizing some lung tumors. SurgiMab is also developing additional products through ongoing collaborations.

SurgiMab’s technology uses tumor-specific antibodies linked to a near-infrared fluorescent dye optimized for small tumor nodules. After injection, the molecule targets tumor surface markers, and the fluorescent dye allows visualization of tumors and precise resection by the surgeon.

In cases of recurrent cancer, where fibrotic tissue can impair vision, SurgiMab’s molecules help surgeons detect tiny lesions or positive margins that could lead to recurrence if left untreated.

Intraoperative imaging with SurgiMab’s molecules improves differentiation between normal and cancer tissue, enabling more precise and radical surgery, better patient outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs.

www.surgimab.com/

rising biotech stars

ABYOLO AG

ABYOLO: Biosimilars for Everyone, Everywhere

ABYOLO is a global biosimilar company committed to making biological medicines accessible and affordable to everyone, everywhere. Our mission is to bridge healthcare gaps through cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. With an agile, asset-light approach, we swiftly adapt to market changes while maintaining operational efficiency.

Headquartered in Switzerland, ABYOLO leverages extensive industry experience and rational thinking to drive the next phase of growth in the pharmaceutical sector. Our team of experts is committed to delivering high-quality, cost-effective biosimilars that meet the needs of patients worldwide.

At ABYOLO, we are powered by purpose, and we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to transform healthcare, navigating regulatory rigidity with a flexible and responsive approach, and revolutionizing industry timing through disruptive technology. 

Join us on our journey to make biosimilars accessible to everyone, everywhere.

www.abyolo.com/

​AIPTO TechBio GmbH

Brain tumors, both primary and metastatic, are devastating diseases with a five-year overall survival rate of less than 35%. Despite over 1,000 clinical trials to date, effective treatments remain elusive. The grand challenge is that current drug development and clinical trials are not based on preclinical models that accurately capture disease heterogeneity and most importantly, predict patient responses.

AIPTO TechBio addresses this challenge with its revolutionary platform, featuring clinically validated, next-generation patient avatar technology. This technology precisely replicates the cellular and molecular pathology of patients' tumors, including the complex tumor microenvironment. By harnessing the power of generative AI, AIPTO fully exploits patient drug response data, enabling the creation of state-of-the-art AI models.

The AIPTO platform represents a paradigm shift in cancer research and drug development, transforming key processes such as target discovery, lead validation, biomarker identification, and patient population stratification. Ultimately, AIPTO is poised to revolutionize drug discovery and deliver groundbreaking therapies for brain cancer patients.

www.aiptobio.ch/

Akribion Therapeutics GmbH

At Akribion Therapeutics we have developed an entirely new modality of cancer cell killing applicable to a broad range of indications, including solid tumors (head and neck, colorectal, pancreatic, lung, brain et al) and hematopoietic malignancies, always characterized by specific RNA biomarker expression.​

www.akribion-genomics.com/

Ariya Bio c/o ETH Zürich

Ariya Bio is a proto NewCo spinning out of the laboratory of the CRISPR-Cas pioneer Prof. Jacob Corn at ETH Zürich.

At Ariya Bio, we are pioneering a next-generation gene therapy platform, harnessing blood stem cells, also known as Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs), as living, in-vivo biotherapeutic protein factories.

The CRISPR-Cas-based cell and gene therapy platform we are developing is versatile and promises to be easily reprogrammable. We combine two powerful technologies: hematopoietic stem cell therapies and CRISPR-Cas gene editing to develop transformative genomic medicines.

More specifically, we use CRISPR Cas to reprogram HSCs to express protein or peptide drugs specifically in red cells and their progenitors. The cargo is expressed either to stay within red cells or to be secreted into the bloodstream, delivering the drug via the vasculature at stable levels, lifelong after one application.

This is a novel and transformative treatment modality offering the potential for multiple one-time cures.

Our platform is applicable to a wide range of diseases, including Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, Hemophilia, Pompe disease, and Hemoglobinopathies.

www.ariyabio.ch

Cantoni Therapeutics BV

Cantoni Therapeutics is a private pharmaceutical company based in Leiden, the Netherlands dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of first-in-class small molecule inhibitors towards Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase, NNMT, a promising and novel target for cardiometabolic disease.​

cantonitx.nl/

CaSRevolution S.r.l.

CaSRevolution identified a novel upstream therapeutic target for a disease-modifying approach against Alzheimer’s disease: in fact, pharmacological inhibition and genetic manipulation of its new target - which is promising also because it can be modulated with a small molecule - prevent neurodegeneration in disease-relevant in vitro & in vivo models.

The management team and the board of directors have broad experience in company creation & successful exits, neurodegeneration, and drug development. 

It plans to develop First-in-Class compound(s) to treat early-stage AD, MCI, and dementia due to AD. Therefore, it designed a capital-efficient lead-to-candidate drug discovery plan to be ready for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application on the best candidate within 3 years.

casrevolution.com/

Curaxon AG

Curaxon was founded in 2020 with the goal of developing innovative drugs for severe neurometabolic / neurodegenerative diseases with high medical need and no satisfactory therapeutic options.

Company has in-licensed compound CXN-101, a combination of a ProTide iminosugar, to facilitate delivering optimal dose to treat Niemann Pick Type C, Batten Disease and possibly additional rare Lysosomal Storage Disorders with neurological manifestations such as GM1, GM2, Spinocerebellar Ataxia etc.

In addition to rare diseases, there is scientific rationale for addressing disease such as Parkinson's GBA1 as well as Alzheimer's Disease.

The team works closely with University of Cardiff to in-license additional assets using the ProTide technology.
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​www.curaxon.com/

FluoSphera SA

FluoSphera developed a unique proprietary set of drug discovery technologies mimicking the clinical response to drugs under systemic conditions to accurately predict drug safety and efficacy, thus decreasing the time and costs of drug development while reducing animal experimentation.​

https://www.fluosphera.com/

Modiblast Pharma GmbH

Modiblast pursues a novel in vivo cell reprogramming approach to treat hematological malignancies and other cancers. Our proprietary strategy aims to drive leukemia-specific innate & adaptive immune responses and establish memory cells. With our lead pipeline program progressing towards a first clinical trial in AML, we are in the process of raising a seed round. Our long-term vision is to establish a cancer backbone therapy capable of prolonging phases in remission. We aim to enable patients to self-administer this novel drug combination at home, drastically improving their quality of life.

www.modiblast.com

NatIgGs GmbH

At NatIgGs, we are developing a platform that merges the inherent advantages of natural antibodies and the power of machine learning. This powerful combination is unlocking new potentials in therapeutic antibody discovery. Our products, an evolving suite of optimised antibodies, are engineered to precisely target misfolded proteins without disturbing their properly folded counterparts. Misfolded proteins are fundamental pathological agents in numerous age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

www.natiggs.com

​PROSION GmbH

PROSION Therapeutics is an academic biotech spinoff based in Cologne and Berlin, germany. The team pioneered the first approach capable of disrupting the most common communication between disease relevant proteins, making many notorious undruggable targets finally druggable. They are introducing the ProM technology - a new modality capable of transcending the boundaries of small molecules and biologics to engage complex intracellular targets with high specificity.​

https://www.prosion.eu/

Roca Therapeutics

Roca Therapeutics is a biotech start-up headquartered in Nice, France, with a groundbreaking ophthalmology program.

Our lead candidate, RCT002, is less than 18 months from IND/CTA submission and has shown promising pharmacological data. Developed for topical administration, RCT002 offers a unique pharmaco-economic profile. It complements the current standard of care administered via intravitreal injections (meaning no direct competition), potentially modifying the disease by blocking resistant angiogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis.

RCT002 is backed by solid translational and mechanistic data. We have designed a robust disease, clinical, and regulatory strategy targeting Radiation-induced Maculopathy (an orphan niche market for accelerated approval) and Diabetic Macular Edema (upside market opportunity).

Roca Therapeutics has already secured a international VC (3B Future) for the seed financing who is now looking to co-lead the current Series A funding round to develop RCT002 until the end of Phase 2a (and extend the pipeline). 

We believe RCT002 represents a compelling investment opportunity.

www.roca-therapeutics.org

Seekyo Therapeutics

Seekyo, a pre-clinical biotechnology company is developing a disruptive Tumor Micro-Environment (TME) Targeted Therapy for solid tumors : Tumor Activated TherapyTM.

Shifting to a new paradigm, we target specific functional proteins selectively produced within the TME.

This overcomes the heterogeneity of cancer cells to induce tumor self-destruction.

Our vision is to provide solid cancer’s patients with safe and efficient treatments.

We aim at improving Patient’s quality of Life.

www.seekyo-therapeutics.com/

THERAtRAME S.A.

THERAtRAME discovers and develops new small molecule inhibitors targeting the tRNA epitranscriptomics to cure patients with untreatable cancer. The THERAtRAME discovery platform integrates unique sets of technologies to discover, develop and position new drugs to beat reluctant cancers. tRNA epitranscriptomics represents a new promising area for drug discovery in oncology. THERAtRAME's ambition is to become a leader in the development and positioning of novel cancer therapies, bringing new hope to patients.​

theratrame.com

virtual showcases

Brenus Pharma

Brenus Pharma is a French clinical-stage biotech developing a pioneering technology platform, Stimulated-Tumor-Cell (STC) designed to generate 'first-in-class', 'off-the-shelf' therapeutic cancer vaccine leading the way to a new precision medicine in immuno-oncology.  

Brenus Pharma is on the brink of a breakthrough and will start its first-in-human study in 2024 in colorectal cancer (mCRC), 2nd cause of cancer-related deaths wordlwide. 

We are building a strong portfolio in solid tumors, leveraging our patented STC platform, to change a paradigm in oncology.

www.brenus-pharma.com

NovaPump GmbH

The NovaPump GmbH develops highly innovative solutions for catheter-based circulation support, produced it in clean environment and brings them to market. The interdisciplinary team of experienced experts in cardiology, medical technology and international product approval is dedicated to saving lives through novel solutions in the field of interventional cardiology. The PERKAT RV is a catheter-based, percutaneously implantable short-term heart pump. It is driven by the proven IABP technology in a pulsatile manner. The main component is a self-expanding nitinol pump chamber, combined with an innovative, patented foil valve system. The entire pump is folded into an 18F catheter and can be minimally invasively implanted in acute emergency situations (off-pump while beating heart) due to its compact size within less than 5 min under X-Ray control.

NovaPump - Innovation at Heart

www.novapump.de