On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Eurobiomed brought together Montpellier’s health innovation ecosystem for a Biorézo event focused on the region’s new high-profile startups , held at the IRCM’s facilities and sponsored by Worldwide Clinical Trials.
Hosted by Nathalie Bonnefoy, Director of the IRCM, and William Jacot, Scientific Director of the ICM, five innovative startups presented their promising therapeutic approaches in the fields of oncology, autoimmune diseases, and neuroscience.
“The Oncology Innovation Transfer Center is set to open in late 2027 or early 2028”
The Montpellier Cancer Research Institute plays a central role in the region’s healthcare innovation ecosystem. “Our mission is to ensure a continuum between basic, translational, and clinical cancer research,” noted Nathalie Bonnefoy.
The institute is set to take a new step forward with the opening of a major facility. “In late 2027 or early 2028, the Oncology Innovation Transfer Center (CTIO) will open, featuring new platforms and the ability to host biotech companies working on cancer,” she announced.
This momentum is driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture. “The institute’s researchers are very proactive when it comes to commercializing their research and launching startups,” the director emphasized.
20 million people suffer from rheumatoid arthritis
Among the startups in attendance, Arthritis4Cure is developing an innovative approach to treating rheumatoid arthritis. “Twenty million people suffer from this disease. The best treatments are immunosuppressive and cause serious side effects,” explained Lionel Comole, the company’s CEO. The biotech firm is offering a more targeted therapeutic alternative. “With our treatment, we eliminate only the pathogenic B cells,” he clarified. This selective approach aims to preserve the immune system while treating the disease. The company has ambitious clinical goals and plans to begin patient trials as early as late 2028.
aKen Medical, a 2025 i-Lab award winner, is developing a nanoparticle-based platform that incorporates radioactive substances. “We are developing radioligands—radiolabeled molecules—to which we attach a radioactive material that delivers radiation to cancer cells with extreme precision,” explained Jean-Pierre Pouget, the company’s co-founder. This technology enables dual therapeutic and diagnostic applications by combining the therapeutic effects of radiation with medical imaging capabilities.
Ventuno Biotech is also conducting research in immuno-oncology. “We want to overcome resistance to current treatments,” said Eloïne Bestion, Program Director. The company raised €3 million in 2025, enabling it to structure its development. “Our headquarters are in Lyon, our R&D is based at the IRCM, and we conduct our animal testing at the Sanofi Biopark in Montpellier,” she explained, highlighting the startup’s regional roots.
“Only 1% of the doses reach the right place”
SoteriaBio, for its part, is introducing a major innovation in the delivery of therapeutic antibodies. “Today, most antibodies are administered systemically. Only 1% of the dose reaches the intended site,” noted Solène Passemard, Head of Research Operations. In response to this inefficiency, the company is developing an inhalation-based alternative.
“We’re planning an inhaled treatment in which 50% of the dose would reach the target site,” she explained. This dramatic improvement in bioavailability could transform treatment protocols. “We now want to focus on lung cancer,” said Solène Passemard, targeting an indication where local administration offers significant therapeutic benefits.
Sitera Pharma develops solutions for neuroscience and targets rare and serious diseases by addressing dysfunction in mitochondrial-associated membranes (MAMs) to restore related cellular functions. “Our first indication is Wolfram syndrome, a rare pediatric neurodegenerative disorder for which there is currently no treatment,” said Henri Piras, the company’s CEO.
Each of these pitches sparked lively discussions, both during the presentation sessions and at the reception that followed. This was a true testament to both the vitality of Montpellier’s innovation ecosystem and Eurobiomed’s mission to bring together the health innovation community in southern France and support its companies in their growth.
