June 25, 2020
Epigene Labs and Institut Curie announce the initiation of a partnership dedicated to the discovery of biomarkers and therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer. Epigene Labs is developing an augmented intelligence platform for the aggregation and analysis of molecular data in oncology that will be used to analyze Institut Curie’s high-throughput molecular sequencing data through several translational research projects.
Ovarian cancer remains one of the most common and fatal cancers in women
Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer and the eighth most deadly disease among women worldwide. By 2035, a 55% increase in incidence and a 67% increase in deaths is predicted, bringing the number of women affected and the number of deaths to 371,000 and 254,000 respectively. New approaches are needed for the stratification and treatment of ovarian cancer patients.
Epigene Labs: Data-driven drug design for precision oncology
The main objective of Epigene Labs is to enable players in oncology drug discovery to steer their R&D programs thanks to rich and varied molecular data. The company’s technology platform combines semantic and machine learning technologies for massive data aggregation and analysis. Epigene Labs has built a highly interdisciplinary team of cancer scientists, bioinformaticians, data scientists, and software engineers. The company focuses primarily on collaborative drug discovery programs in immuno-oncology.
An ambitious collaboration for the discovery of biomarkers and therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer
Over the years, Institut Curie has developed significant expertise in the treatment and research of ovarian cancer. Combining this expertise with Epigene Labs’ know-how in data science and software for bioinformatics, this partnership aims to discover new biomarkers and immunotherapy targets for the treatment of specific sub-populations of ovarian cancer patients. As part of this alliance, high-throughput molecular sequencing data will be shared and several translational studies will be conducted.
Akpéli Nordor, Co-founder and CEO of Epigene Labs, said: “We are pleased to work with Institut Curie, one of the leading cancer centers in Europe and worldwide. This partnership supports the potential of our approach to molecular data-driven drug discovery in oncology. We believe that our ability to build and analyze rich and diverse molecular datasets will accelerate drug discovery for women with ovarian cancer. “
Amaury Martin, Head of Technology Transfer and Industrial Partnerships Office at the Institut Curie and Director of the Carnot Curie Cancer, said: “This agreement illustrates Institut Curie’s approach to partnership-based research, combining the expertise of clinicians and researchers with the know-how of a company. Epigene Labs’ data management skills and agility will help accelerate innovation for patients suffering from one of the most common and deadly cancers. The financial support of the “CHICHE! “programme provided by the Carnot FINDMED network was important in the conclusion of this agreement”
The main objective of Epigene Labs is to enable cancer scientists to pilot their preclinical and translational programs on the basis of rich and diverse human genomic data. The company’s technology platform combines semantic and artificial learning technologies for massive data aggregation and analysis. With R&D in Paris and business development in Boston, the company operates in high value-added partnerships with leading research centers and biotechnology companies in the fight against cancer. Epigene Labs SAS was created in Paris in early 2019 and is supported by Cancer Campus, Agoranov, Wilco, Station F and Harvard Innovation Labs.
Media Contacts
Institut Curie, a key player in the fight against cancer, combines an internationally renowned research center and a state-of-the-art hospital complex that treats all cancers, including the rarest. Founded in 1909 by Marie Curie, the Institut Curie brings together more than 3,500 researchers, physicians and caregivers around its 3 missions: care, research and teaching. As a private foundation recognized as a public utility and authorized to receive donations and legacies, Institut Curie can, thanks to the support of its donors, accelerate discoveries and thus improve treatment and the quality of life of patients. To find out more : http://www.institut-curie.org
Since 2011, Institut Curie is certified “Institut Carnot Curie Cancer”. The Carnot label is a label of excellence awarded to academic research structures with a proven track record of quality and involvement in partnership research. Curie Cancer offers industrial partners the possibility of setting up research collaborations by benefiting from the expertise of Institut Curie teams for the development of innovative therapeutic solutions against cancers from the therapeutic target to clinical validation. Curie Cancer is a member of Carnot Network FINDMED, a group of thirteen Carnot Institutes, to facilitate access to their technological platforms and innovation capacities for very small and medium sized companies, SMEs and small and medium sized enterprises in the pharmaceutical industry. To find out more: http://www.instituts-carnot.eu/fr/institut-carnot/curie-cancer https://findmed.fr/
Media Contacts
Catherine Goupillon / Elsa Champion – 01 56 24 55 23 / 01 72 38 93 52 – [email protected]
