Neomabs Biotechnologies, a company dedicated to developing new immunotherapies for cancer treatment launches in Montreal
MONTRÉAL, June 7, 2023 – Developing new generations of immunotherapies to treat currently incurable pediatric leukemia is the mission of Neomabs Biotechnologies, a new Montreal-based biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of innovative oncology therapies.
The creation of Neomabs, the result of a strategic and innovative partnership between key players in the life sciences ecosystem, was made possible thanks to a $2M pre-seed funding led by Theodorus, with the participation of the Fonds d’investissement Eurêka. Neomabs also has partnerships with CQDM, Immune Biosolutions and the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre.
Neomabs Biotechnologies is developing therapeutic antibodies against novel targets, called neoantigens, for acute pediatric leukemia. The mortality rate for children affected by pediatric leukemia is currently twenty to thirty percent. The discovery of these neoantigens was made possible thanks to the expertise of researcher Étienne Caron, his associate Isabelle Sirois, and hematologist and clinician-researcher Dr. Sonia Cellot, at CHU Sainte-Justine. Étienne Caron who is also an assistant professor in the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology at Université de Montréal, uses high-performance proteomics, immunopeptidomics and computational mass spectrometry methods coupled with a unique biobank of leukemia specimens, patient-derived xenografts and artificial human leukemia models piloted by Dr. Cellot. This combined expertise provided the basis for the antibody development by Neomabs.
Neomabs Biotechnologies has signed an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement for the neoantigens identified at the CHU Saint-Justine Research Centre with Axelys, the CHU Sainte-Justine’s partner in managing and commercializing its intellectual property assets.
“We are very excited about launching this new company in Montreal,” said Patricia Escoffier, Principal at Theodorus. “This is the culmination of a unique partnership between Theodorus and CQDM, launched in 2021 with the objective of identifying innovative research programs in the development of new therapies and accelerating their commercialization by creating new life sciences companies in Quebec. We are proud to lead this round of funding and to have a role in a unique partnership that will create a real business opportunity for this promising technology.”
“The Fonds Eurêka was created to support the development of innovative technology companies like Neomabs at the pre-startup stage. We are proud to support promising startups in the life sciences and other key economic sectors that are developing new technologies through close collaboration with industry partners” said Benoit Leroux, President of the Fonds d’investissement Eurêka.
“The Fonds Eurêka is a driver for young and innovative tech companies such as Neomabs Biotechnologies that are working to improve Quebecers’ well-being. By supporting the creation of companies like these, we are facilitating the emergence of new therapies stemming from our public research facilities, which will have a real impact on people’s health,” said Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for Montreal and the Metropolitan Region.
Dr. Jacques L. Michaud, Research Director at CHU Sainte-Justine, stated: “The CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre is happy to contribute actively, through its academic and clinical excellence, to the emergence of this new partnership model dedicated to transforming the course of treatment of children with cancer.”
“We are proud to join this unique group of partners to support the growth of Neomabs and to accelerate the development of new therapies to combat pediatric cancers,” said Jesse Paterson, Senior Director, Business Development at CQDM. This is an excellent example of how CQDM supports the development of a strong Quebec life sciences ecosystem by bringing together the right partners and the most promising innovations.
“This strategic partnership with Neomabs will identify the next generation of therapeutic antibodies to treat pediatric leukemias. With our shared passion and resources, we believe we can improve the quality of life for young patients and their families,” said Luc Paquet, President and CEO of Immune Biosolutions and Chair of the Board of Directors of Neomabs.
“Neomabs is an excellent example of the quality of the Quebec biotechnology ecosystem whose creation, growth and maturation Axelys wants to support, in order to create leaders offering therapies for patients suffering from serious diseases who are often without therapeutic alternatives,” said Catherine Gagnon, Vice President, Business Development and Investments of Axelys.