Imcyse

Imcyse S.A. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that originated as a spin-off from the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven) in 2010 and is now headquartered in Liège, Belgium. The company is focused on developing a distinct class of active, specific immunotherapies aimed at treating and potentially curing severe, chronic autoimmune diseases. Imcyse has secured a total of $57.3 million in funding over four rounds, including a significant Series B round which attracted investment from major pharmaceutical company Pfizer.

The core of Imcyse's operations is its proprietary Imotope™ technology platform. This platform engineers synthetic peptides, known as Imotopes™, designed to reprogram the body's immune system. Unlike conventional treatments that often suppress the entire immune system, Imotopes™ aim to generate cytolytic CD4+ T-cells. These specialized cells are intended to specifically seek out and eliminate the rogue immune cells responsible for the autoimmune attack, leaving the rest of the immune system intact. This targeted approach could halt disease progression and create an environment for damaged organs to heal. The technology is protected by a robust international intellectual property portfolio.

Imcyse's business model centers on the research and development of its Imotope™ candidates, with a strategy to commercialize its products both independently and through strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical companies. A notable collaboration is with Pfizer to develop treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis. The company's lead product, IMCY-0098, is an Imotope™ for early-onset type 1 diabetes designed to stop the immune system's destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. This candidate is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials. The second clinical-stage candidate, IMCY-0141, targets multiple sclerosis by aiming to prevent the immune system from attacking the myelin sheath that protects nerves. Imcyse's pipeline also includes pre-clinical programs for other conditions such as Neuromyelitis Optica, Celiac Disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Denis Bedoret has served as the Chief Executive Officer since September 2020. His background includes a Ph.D. in Life Sciences and a postdoc in Immunology from Harvard Medical School, coupled with extensive experience in the life sciences sector, including leadership roles at MaSTherCell and Quality Assistance. The company is managed by a team of industry experts and supported by a scientific advisory board composed of internationally renowned researchers in autoimmune diseases. In 2021, Imcyse expanded its operations by moving to a new, purpose-built R&D center in the Liège Science Park to support its growth and advance its scientific programs.

Keywords: immunotherapy, autoimmune diseases, Imotopes, cytolytic CD4 T-cells, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, clinical-stage, biopharmaceutical, peptide therapy, targeted therapy