From Marseille to Toulouse to San Diego, the directors of DIVA Expertise and Neuron Experts, two Eurobiomed member companies, look back on their recent innovative partnership in the development of cellular and tissue models.
Why a collaboration between two CROs with very different areas of expertise?
Mayoura Keophiphath: Our partnership brings together two CROs of equivalent size who share the same values, notably the reduction of animal testing. We operate in the same markets - dermato-cosmetics, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals - while at the same time complementing each other: DIVA Expertise brings its expertise in adipose tissue, while Neuron Experts masters neuronal models. This complementarity means that we can look forward to a long-term, mutually beneficial collaboration.
How did this relationship come about?
Elodie Gras Lavigne: The San Diego CCI (*) played a key role in putting us in touch initially. The decisive meeting then came at BIO San Diego 2024, where we were part of the Eurobiomed delegation. Sharing a common stand and the events organized facilitated our exchanges and enabled us to quickly identify the possibility of a partnership, which materialized with the signature of a research collaboration agreement.
What are the first results of this partnership?
Mayoura Keophiphath: We have already obtained encouraging results with the development of a viable co-culture model between adipose cells and neurons, called FatSmart®, presented at the ESDR 2025 congress in Antwerp. Our aim is to develop innovative cell and tissue models for active ingredient screening, mimicking the natural interactions between adipose tissue and neurons within the skin. These models will improve the biological relevance of preclinical tests.
What role did Eurobiomed play in this partnership?
Elodie Gras Lavigne: This collaboration between our two companies is a perfect example of Eurobiomed's ability to connect healthcare players across its bi-regional territory. Although DIVA Expertise is based in Toulouse and Neuron Experts in Marseille, we quickly found common ground and synergies, thanks in particular to the cluster's support. Our story shows that geographical distance is no obstacle when you share the same vision and are supported by an efficient structure.
(*) Links between Eurobiomed and San Diego were further strengthened on September 26 with the signing of a new partnership agreement between Eurobiomed and Biocom California, the leading Californian healthcare cluster, represented in Marseille by their VP San Diego.
