November 20 marked a decisive step for VG2D Pharma, an innovative startup born from the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA). The occasion was dedicated to finalizing the transfer of the patent, the result of research from the BIOS and ICMR laboratories, in the presence of the key partners of the young company: PUI-Innorem and SATT Nord. Poised to revolutionize the management of cystic fibrosis, a rare and lethal genetic disease, VG2D Pharma recently distinguished itself by winning the prestigious i-Lab competition, organized by Bpifrance, which annually rewards France’s most promising technological innovations.

During the event, the university president, Christophe Clément, praised the signing of this agreement and the scientific project as a whole. He also emotionally recalled the journey the university has undertaken over the past 20 years to bring such achievements to fruition.

A Project Born from Scientific Collaboration

The company was founded by two researchers from URCA: Dr. Frédéric Velard from the BIOS laboratory and Professor Stéphane Gérard from the Institute of Molecular Chemistry of Reims (ICMR). For the past decade, they have been working together to develop a new therapeutic approach for cystic fibrosis. During this period, they discovered a family of "first-in-class" molecules capable of acting on the CFTR protein. The dysfunction of this protein causes the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. In 2021, as part of a maturation project supported by SATT Nord, this discovery led to the filing of an international patent, paving the way for unprecedented development opportunities.

To continue and deepen this breakthrough, they decided to co-found VG2D Pharma with Dr. Imane Wild, a recognized pharmaceutical expert, in order to raise the necessary funds to accelerate the R&D roadmap. The startup’s goal is to initiate the first clinical phases of its drug candidate by 2027, a crucial step to validate the safety and efficacy of the treatment and prepare for its launch on the international market.

A Multidimensional Approach to Cystic Fibrosis Treatment

The molecules identified by VG2D Pharma stand out due to their triple efficacy, targeting the dysfunction of CFTR, which causes the disease, as well as two main comorbidities of cystic fibrosis: chronic inflammation and bone density loss. This multidimensional approach opens a new era in cystic fibrosis treatment.

VG2D Pharma's approach is based on an oral treatment, affordable for the greatest number of people financially, aiming to reduce the treatment burden for patients and improve their adherence.

Hope for Patients and Research

Thanks to the support of the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, VG2D Pharma embodies hope for patients with cystic fibrosis. Seeing such an ambitious therapeutic solution arise from our laboratories is a great source of pride for our academic community. VG2D Pharma’s mission is to transform the quality of life for cystic fibrosis patients by offering them an innovative, effective, and easy-to-integrate treatment.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a rare genetic disease affecting approximately 6,000 people in France, with 200 new cases each year. It results from a mutation in the CFTR protein, which plays a crucial role in transporting ions across cell membranes. When this protein is defective, cells produce excess mucus, leading to severe respiratory complications as well as digestive problems. Bone fragility is also reported in nearly one in two adult patients, and chronic inflammation, detrimental to organ function, is also part of the clinical picture of cystic fibrosis. The life of affected patients is often marked by heavy treatments and repeated hospitalizations, and life expectancy remains limited.