Sanofi, GSK, Janssen, Amgen, and Takeda Jointly Fund Feldan Therapeutics’ Quantum Leap Project to Advance Feldan Shuttle Intracellular Delivery Technology

Recently, VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned that on June 4, the Canadian biopharmaceutical research consortium CQDM announced that world-leading biopharmaceutical companies Amgen and Takeda will join a coalition of Canadian pharmaceutical companies to provide funding for the Quantum Leap project initiated by the biotechnology company Feldan Therapeutics.

The Quantum Leap project has secured total funding of $1.2 million to optimize a novel intracellular delivery technology for Feldan Shuttle. This work will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Frédéric Calon from the Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval. Dr. Calon is an expert in drug bioavailability and toxicity analysis, as well as pharmacokinetics.

This project is jointly funded by Feldan Therapeutics, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation of Quebec City, Canada, and CQDM members—including Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Amgen, and Takeda. The number of pharmaceutical companies currently funding this project has increased to five.

Feldan Therapeutics (hereinafter referred to as “Feldan”) is a biotechnology company developing leading therapies based on its proprietary cell delivery technology: the Feldan Shuttle technology. According to François-Thomas Michaud, CEO of Feldan, the Feldan Shuttle is a biotechnological platform that enables the direct intracellular delivery of proteins and peptides. The Shuttle consists of rationally designed peptides capable of transporting nucleases, transcription factors, and antibodies, and has been successfully applied in several cell types, including human primary cells. By providing access to a broad range of intracellular targets, Feldan Shuttle technology holds the potential to introduce entirely new therapeutic approaches for hospitals and clinics.

“We are pleased to support this project,” said Philip Tagari, Vice President at Amgen. “Amgen’s biotechnology products from our Canadian laboratories stand to benefit significantly from Feldan Therapeutics’ novel drug delivery technology, which exemplifies the major innovations emerging from Quebec’s life sciences sector.” Francesco Di Marco added, “CQDM is a unique and highly effective government-industry consortium. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with CQDM to develop innovative new products that will benefit patients worldwide.”

Gamze Yuceland, General Manager of Takeda Canada, stated: “As one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies in Canada, we continue to engage with CQDM and support the Quantum Leap project, underscoring Takeda’s commitment to supporting Quebec’s life sciences sector. Feldan Therapeutics’ innovative technology serves as a prime example of how government-industry collaboration not only strengthens the capabilities of Quebec’s life sciences sector but also delivers improved health outcomes for patients.”

Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation, stated, “Support for this project demonstrates the significant potential of Feldan Shuttle technology. Through CQDM’s mentorship program, participating pharmaceutical companies will not only provide funding but also offer robust expertise in drug development. These collaborations will yield substantial ancillary benefits.”

“CQDM warmly welcomes Amgen and Takeda as members of the Pharmaceutical Alliance. Upon joining our alliance, they gained access to a broad portfolio of innovative biopharmaceutical research projects. We are delighted that they have already identified their first project aligned with their corporate priorities. This demonstrates the significant value of CQDM’s collaborative innovation model in developing better treatments for patients,” said Diane Gosselin, President and Chief Executive Officer of CQDM.

CQDM is a biopharmaceutical research consortium founded in 2008, with a mission to fund the development of innovative technologies to accelerate drug discovery and development. Its business model is based on a collaborative approach that brings together world-leading pharmaceutical organizations, biotechnology companies, and government agencies. CQDM leverages this collaboration to mitigate the inherent risks associated with early-stage biopharmaceutical research. Since 2008, CQDM has supported the development of 64 outstanding innovative technologies, with total funding amounting to $68 million. These R&D projects are conducted by 1,200 scientists from 69 different research institutions across Canada, generating significant economic benefits for all stakeholders in the life sciences ecosystem.

Amgen is one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies. Rooted in science and innovation, Amgen translates new ideas and discoveries into medicines for patients with serious illnesses. Amgen has transformed medical practice, helping millions of people around the world combat serious diseases such as cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bone disorders, and cardiovascular disease. With a broad and deep pipeline of new drug development, Amgen is committed to advancing science and improving people’s lives.

Takeda is a global, value-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company that focuses its research and development efforts on four therapeutic areas: oncology, gastroenterology, neuroscience, and rare diseases, while also making targeted R&D investments in plasma-derived therapies and vaccines. Takeda is committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into highly innovative medicines.

(Compiled by: Zhang Jing)