KALSIOM

KALSIOM is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm established in April 2020 and located in Brest, France. The company focuses on discovering and developing first-in-class monoclonal antibody therapies for autoimmune disorders characterized by B-cell dysfunction where significant medical needs remain. The core of KALSIOM's therapeutic strategy is the modulation of calcium-signaling pathways within lymphocytes, a crucial mechanism in the immune response. Deregulation of these calcium signals is implicated in various autoimmune diseases, and the company's approach targets this fundamental biological process.

The company's foundation is built upon 15 years of dedicated public research led by scientific co-founder Olivier Mignen at the University of Western Brittany and the Brest Regional University Hospital. This extensive research into calcium signaling, particularly within the INSERM U1227 unit (B lymphocyte and autoimmunity), resulted in initial patent filings in 2014 and subsequent maturation programs supported by SATT Ouest Valorisation. The venture was co-founded by a team bringing together deep scientific and entrepreneurial experience. Hervé Brailly, the President, is a seasoned biotechnology entrepreneur and founder of Innate Pharma. Olivier Mignen provides the foundational scientific expertise, and Mathieu Bléry, an immunologist with significant corporate experience from Innate Pharma, serves as the Chief Scientific Officer.

KALSIOM's business model is centered on the research and development pipeline of therapeutic antibodies. Its objective is to advance its drug candidates through preclinical and clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy. The ultimate goal for a biotech firm like KALSIOM is typically to partner with larger pharmaceutical companies for late-stage development and commercialization or to be acquired. In June 2020, the company secured a significant milestone with a €2 million seed funding round. This financing was led by prominent French investment funds GO CAPITAL and Advent France Biotechnology, with participation from SATT Ouest Valorisation, enabling the company to advance its initial development stages.

Keywords: monoclonal antibodies, autoimmune disorders, calcium signaling, B-cell dysfunction, immunotherapy, biopharmaceuticals, drug development, lymphocyte modulation, seed funding, rare diseases