Belgian biotech firm Quidditas Therapeutics has secured €2.62 million ($2.96M) in funding to accelerate the development of its pioneering genome editing technology designed to overcome the limitations of current gene editing approaches like CRISPR.
French biotech-focused fund iXLife Capital led the €900,000 capital increase, with additional support from VC group Key Ventures, family companies, and business angels. The investment is complemented by a substantial €1.72 million grant from the Ministry of Research in Wallonia through the Win4Company program, a public initiative supporting innovative companies in Belgium's Walloon region.
Addressing Critical Limitations in Current Genome Editing
While CRISPR technology has transformed genetic medicine, it continues to face significant challenges in efficiency, specificity, standardization, and the size of DNA sequences it can manipulate. These limitations restrict its application in treating complex or rare genetic diseases.
Quidditas' proprietary GREAT technology platform takes a fundamentally different approach by enabling fully controlled, precise genetic recombination of nucleic acids of any length at any genomic location. This breakthrough allows for the replacement of entire genes or exons, potentially opening new therapeutic avenues for previously untreatable genetic conditions.
"Genome editing holds immense promise, especially in treating rare and complex genetic disorders. At Quidditas, our goal is to push the boundaries of what's possible by developing a precise and adaptable solution that can address critical medical needs," said François Cherbonneau, CEO and co-founder of Quidditas.
The technology can cut any single or double-stranded nucleic acid sequences (RNA or DNA) and paste any length of nucleic acids anywhere in the genome with complete control. This creates precise gene recombination while bypassing the technical limitations that have constrained existing approaches.
Leadership with Deep Scientific Expertise
Headquartered in Liège, Belgium, Quidditas was founded in December 2022 by François Cherbonneau, PhD, M.Eng, and Aurore Prunevieille, PhD, M.Eng. The co-founders bring over a decade of experience in biotherapy and biotechnology, having worked at leading institutions including Paris Saint-Louis Hospital in France and Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School in the US.
Their doctoral research focused on molecular genetics and immunology, providing the scientific foundation for Quidditas' innovative approach to genome editing. The company's vision to "cure from the beginning" drives its development of therapeutic solutions that overcome current limitations in standardization and scope.
Strategic Investment from Leading Biotech Investors
Jean-Pierre Kinet, MD, managing partner at iXLife Capital, renowned immunologist and Emeritus Professor at Harvard Medical School, expressed strong confidence in the company's approach: "iXLife is committed to backing companies capable of revolutionizing the biotech space. Quidditas' genome editing technology represents a transformative leap forward in the field, with the potential to address some of the most challenging diseases. We are excited to support its mission to bring impactful solutions to patients in need."
Expanding Beyond Therapeutics
The funding will enable Quidditas to strengthen its research and development efforts while scaling up its unique genome editing technology. Beyond treating complex and rare diseases, the company aims to explore new applications in protein bioproduction and stem cell research, broadening the technology's impact across multiple biomedical fields.
By enabling large, highly-targeted genetic changes, Quidditas aims to transform the gene therapy landscape and create novel treatments that have long been out of reach for certain conditions. The company's multifunctional platform technology could potentially address some of the most complex genetic disorders while expanding applications in biotechnological processes.
Reinforcing Belgium's Biotech Ecosystem
The substantial grant from Wallonia's Ministry of Research highlights Belgium's commitment to fostering biotech innovation. Cherbonneau acknowledged this support: "We would also like to thank the Walloon region for its support, as this grant will help reinforce Belgium's role as a key player in European biotech innovation and bioproduction."
With the combined backing of leading investors and public funding, Quidditas is positioned to advance the field of genome editing and potentially bring life-changing treatments to patients with rare genetic disorders, while simultaneously expanding applications in biotechnological processes and regenerative medicine.
