Simris Biologics Secures €200K Grant to Develop Novel Microcystin-Based ADC Payloads for Cancer Therapy
Key Insights
Simris Biologics (search) received €201K in non-dilutive funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (search) to develop innovative microcystin-based payloads for antibody-drug conjugates.
The KlicMic project aims to create ADCs with enhanced efficacy and minimal side effects using cyanobacteria-derived microcystins as an alternative to conventional cytotoxic agents.
The company's patented molecular modification methods enable precise optimization, selective antibody conjugation, and fluorescent labeling for targeted cancer therapy with real-time tracking capabilities.
Simris Group (search) AB has secured €201K in non-dilutive funding for its Berlin-based subsidiary Simris Biologics (search) GmbH to advance the development of next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) payloads based on microcystin toxin variants. The grant, awarded under the ZIM Zentrales Innovationsprogramme Mittelstand by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (search), will support the three-year KlicMic project starting September 1, 2025.
Novel Approach to Cancer Therapy
The KlicMic project ("Clickable Microcystins as Innovative Payloads in Antibody-Drug Conjugates") represents a collaborative effort between Simris Biologics (search) and Freie Universität Berlin, which received €186K in complementary funding. The initiative focuses on developing microcystin-based payloads that could significantly improve cancer therapy outcomes through enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects.
Simris Biologics (search) is pioneering the use of microcystins derived from cyanobacteria as an alternative to conventional cytotoxic agents currently employed in oncology treatments. The company's unique approach leverages the distinct mechanism of action offered by these naturally occurring compounds to create ADCs with substantially enhanced therapeutic profiles.
Precision Medicine Capabilities
Dr. Alexis Roberts-McIntosh, CEO of Simris Group (search), highlighted the project's innovative features: "A key feature of this project is the targeted molecular modification of microcystins using Simris' patented methods. These allow for precise optimization, selective conjugation to antibodies, and fluorescent labeling. This enables not only improved efficacy and tolerability through targeted release of cancer-specific microcystins in tumor tissue, but also visualization and tracking of the therapy within the body—marking a significant advancement in personalized medicine."
The company's patented molecular modification techniques enable precise optimization of microcystin payloads, allowing for selective conjugation to antibodies and incorporation of fluorescent labeling systems. This dual functionality provides both therapeutic benefits and real-time visualization capabilities, enabling clinicians to track therapy distribution and efficacy within the patient's body.
Development and Commercialization Strategy
The optimized and labeled microcystin payloads will undergo comprehensive evaluation in ADC format through preclinical in vitro and in vivo testing protocols. Following successful preclinical validation, Simris Biologics (search) plans to license the technology to pharmaceutical industry partners for further development and commercialization.
Simris Biologics (search) maintains a world-leading cyanobacterial toxin library, positioning the company to play a crucial role in developing next-generation ADCs that could significantly improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients globally. The company intends to achieve this goal through strategic collaborations with a broad range of pharmaceutical partners.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
The KlicMic project represents another significant step toward developing low-side-effect, targeted cancer therapies. The funding supports Simris Biologics (search)' mission to create ADCs with minimal or no side effects while maintaining or enhancing therapeutic efficacy compared to existing treatments.
The company's expertise in cyanobacterial toxin research and development, combined with its proprietary modification technologies, positions it at the forefront of ADC payload innovation. This approach could address current limitations in ADC therapy, particularly regarding dose-limiting toxicities that often compromise treatment outcomes in cancer patients.