Four new projects are joining the PEPR Biotherapies following its second Call for Projects. From the fight against cancer to the improvement of cell therapies, as well as the design of new vectors for mRNA, this selection highlights complementary approaches to advance tomorrow’s biotherapies.
Designed to support the emergence of new biotherapies and new bioproduction formats, this Call for Projects encourages research at the interface of several disciplines, from biology and chemistry to engineering sciences, data science and artificial intelligence. The four selected projects fully reflect this ambition, covering a wide range of scientific and medical challenges.
Coordinated by Aurélie Maisonnial-Besset (Inserm), the ATHENA project aims to improve cancer treatment through molecules combining an antibody, a radioactive element and a drug. By working to optimize homogeneous antibody–radionuclide–antineoplastic conjugates, the project seeks to strengthen the effectiveness of innovative therapeutic strategies against tumors.
Led by Francisco Fernandes (Sorbonne Université), iceTherapies focuses on a decisive challenge for the deployment of cell therapies: the preservation of cells and tissues. The project explores directional freezing approaches under non-toxic conditions in order to improve both the activity of these therapies and the conditions for their storage, transport and use.
Coordinated by Alexandre Detappe (Institut Gustave Roussy), MONO-CHEM proposes to transform monocytes, a type of immune cell, to develop a new cell therapy against solid tumors. By drawing on chemical biology to improve the engineering of these cells, the project aims to open up an innovative pathway in a therapeutic field where medical needs remain significant.
Led by Nathalie Mignet (CNRS), VECT-PI aims to design new non-viral lipid vectors for mRNA, with the support of artificial intelligence. The objective is to improve both the action of mRNA in cells and its tolerability, by developing more efficient delivery systems for future therapeutic applications.
With this new selection, the PEPR Biotherapies program continues to support high-potential projects capable of bringing together technological innovation, scientific excellence and concrete therapeutic prospects. Following a first wave of six Laureates announced in April 2025, this second Call for Projects confirms the program’s long-term commitment to supporting the emergence of new solutions to design, produce and administer tomorrow’s biotherapies.
