Announcement
Montreal, November 18, 2025 – CQDM is proud to announce funding for three collaborative research projects, each driven by a shared ambition: to advance therapeutic innovation and improve treatment options for complex diseases, including rare genetic disorders and metabolic conditions. With a total value of $2,248,158, these projects are made possible through a grant from the Government of Quebec, awarded by CQDM via the SynergiQc program.
Safety and Efficacy of an Oral Deoxynucleoside for Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Disorders
Liam Pharma for Mitochondrial Disease Inc. and Dr. Kenneth Myers from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre are collaborating to evaluate a new therapeutic approach for rare mitochondrial DNA depletion disorders, serious genetic diseases for which no effective treatment currently exists. This project investigates how a combination of deoxycytidine and deoxythymidine, two natural building blocks of DNA, can help mitochondria, the cell’s energy powerhouse, produce energy more efficiently in children and adults. Early data from this clinical study, conducted in Montreal, show promising efficacy and good tolerability, paving the way for expanded patient recruitment to validate clinical benefits. Ultimately, this approach could reduce repeated hospitalizations, deliver tangible health improvements for patients, and ease pressure on the healthcare system. In addition to addressing public health challenges, this treatment could help the young Quebec-based company, Liam Pharma for Mitochondrial Disease Inc., bring one of the first therapies for rare mitochondrial DNA depletion disorders to market.
Innovative Lipid Analogues to Address Liver Inflammation
Trienix Pharma Inc. is partnering with Prof. André Marette, from the Faculty of Medicine and the Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec – Université Laval, as well as the CHU de Québec – Université Laval Research Center, to develop a new class of therapeutic lipids inspired by specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), natural molecules that help resolve inflammation. These analogues activate the liver’s natural repair mechanisms, offering enhanced efficacy, fewer side effects, and an optimized pharmacological profile that marks a clear departure from current treatment approaches.
Through a synergy of expertise in medicinal chemistry, cell biology, and pharmacology, the project will lead to the creation of a library of therapeutic compounds for which Trienix Pharma Inc. will be able to obtain an exclusive license. The most promising analogues will undergo advanced preclinical validation, paving the way for clinical trials and the commercialization of new therapies.
This initiative could result in five to ten patent applications, strengthening the value and innovation of Quebec’s publicly funded research and its visibility in the health innovation sector. It also positions Trienix Pharma Inc. favorably to raise capital and establish strategic partnerships for clinical development.
FUT8: A Promising Target for the Development of a New Cancer Biotherapy
Paraza Pharma Inc. is a fully integrated organization specializing in drug discovery. Together with GlycoSyn, a contract development and manufacturing organization with expertise in glycomics, it has partnered with Prof. David Kwan from Concordia University to accelerate the discovery of FUT8 inhibitors, an enzyme involved in many cancers and playing a key role in protein post-translational modification. This innovative approach aims to discover small-molecule antagonists that selectively block FUT8’s enzymatic activity. These compounds could open avenues for direct therapeutic interventions in oncology. Paraza Pharma and Prof. Kwan are screening small molecule libraries, including the company’s own proprietary library to identify inhibitors, and Prof. Kwan and his team will pursue further development, while GlycoSyn will validate the compounds for use in glycoprotein production and support scale-up synthesis. This project has the potential to deliver tangible outcomes for improving patient outcomes through more effective and accessible biotherapies, while also creating value for Quebec by developing cutting-edge tools, training skilled talent, and strengthening the province’s life sciences innovation pipeline.
“By funding these three projects focused on developing innovative therapies for complex diseases, ranging from rare genetic disorders to metabolic and oncological conditions, CQDM reaffirms its commitment to cutting-edge biopharmaceutical research conducted collaboratively by academic and industry partners. These initiatives aim not only to improve population health but also to strengthen the life sciences ecosystem by fostering the creation of intellectual property and enhancing the competitiveness of Quebec and Canada on the international stage.” – Véronique Dugas, President and CEO, CQDM.
About CQDM
Biopharma Innovation Facilitator
CQDM is a not-for-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium whose mission is to support and facilitate collaborative multi-stakeholder research and development aimed at accelerating the translation or transformation of innovative technologies into solutions to unmet medical needs, while generating significant benefits for the Quebec and Canadian economy. For more information, consult our website www.cqdm.org and join us on LinkedIn
About GlycoSyn
GlycoSyn is a world-leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) located in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. With deep expertise in polymers, lipids, carbohydrates, and other challenging molecular structures, GlycoSyn supports the development of innovative therapeutics.
For over two decades, GlycoSyn has played a pivotal role in advancing active pharmaceutical ingredient and excipient manufacture. Its proven capabilities in chemical route design, analytical and process development, and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) manufacturing enable seamless support from early-stage concept to the clinic.
About Paraza Pharma Inc.
Paraza Pharma is a Montreal based fully integrated drug discovery organization highly focused on science and drug discovery expertise providing innovative solutions to pharmas, biotechs and institutions.
About Liam Pharma for Mitochondrial Disease Inc.
Liam Pharma is 100% dedicated to the fight against mitochondrial disease. In collaboration with the Liam Foundation, as well as doctors, hospitals, research centers, and organizations around the world, we are united by one mission — to find a cure for mitochondrial disease. We are committed to making a difference for patients and families by working to provide access to essential medications and vitamins (the Mito Cocktail) that can support those living with this condition. Our ultimate goal is simple yet powerful: to find a cure. For more information, please visit liamfoundation.com
À propos de Trienix Pharma
Trienix Pharma est une entreprise biopharmaceutique émergente qui développe une nouvelle classe de modulateurs synthétiques de la résolution de l’inflammation, inspirés de la famille des médiateurs spécialisés de la résolution. Fondée sur une chimie lipidique innovante et une biologie des récepteurs de pointe, Trienix Pharma est la première à concevoir et synthétiser des analogues de la PDX, un triene-diol dérivé de l’acide docosahexaénoïque (DHA) aux puissantes propriétés immunorésolvantes. La plateforme propriétaire de la société vise à exploiter la biologie de la résolution pour traiter l’inflammation chronique et la fibrose — des caractéristiques clés de maladies telles que la stéatose hépatique associée à un dysfonctionnement métabolique (MASLD), la douleur aiguë et chronique, ainsi que les infections virales. Le candidat principal de Trienix est une petite molécule ciblant le récepteur GPR37 avec un double potentiel : un effet analgésique non opioïde et une activité immuno-métabolique pour contrer la MASLD. Pour plus d’informations, veuillez visiter Trienixpharma.com
Media Contact:
Julia Serafino
Marketing and Communications Director
CQDM
438-543-9498
[email protected]
