Announcement
Montréal, Québec, June 18, 2026 – CQDM is proud to announce the funding of six collaborative R&D projects, representing a total investment of $10,173,321. These projects lie at the very core of CQDM’s mission: to intervene at the highest risk stages of biopharmaceutical innovation, where scientific uncertainty is greatest and access to funding often remains limited. Supported by $3,908,482 from the Government of Québec, granted through CQDM, these initiatives bring together Québec‑based companies and public research centres around a shared objective: to accelerate the technological maturation of high‑potential biopharmaceutical innovations.
By acting as a catalyst for collaboration, CQDM enables companies to overcome critical development milestones and better position their innovations for future industrial partnerships or follow‑on investments.
These six funded R&D projects aim to transform promising scientific advances into innovations capable of addressing unmet medical needs. Their implementation will contribute to improving patient health while strengthening Québec’s competitiveness and innovation capacity in strategic sectors. Together, these projects illustrate the diversity and vitality of Québec’s life sciences ecosystem and help build a stronger pipeline of innovations that are better prepared to meet market requirements and the expectations of the biopharmaceutical value chain.
Funded projects:
The funded projects are presented below in alphabetical order by company:
- Development of theranostic compounds targeting the most aggressive forms of lung and breast cancer, toward phase 1 clinical trials
Led by Dr. Beauregard of CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, in collaboration with ACT225 BioTherapeutics Corporation, and co-funded by BioCanRx and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), this project aims to develop a novel targeted therapy for two of the most aggressive cancers, triple negative breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, using clinical grade radio-immunoconjugates. The theranostic approach will enable improved patient selection, optimized dosing, and real-time monitoring of treatment response, while paving the way for significant economic benefits and strengthening the strategic positioning of Québec and Canada in next-generation nuclear medicine. Learn more here.
- Precision pharmacology of G protein‑coupled receptors for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Led by Prof. Bouvier of Université de Montréal, in collaboration with Québec‑based biotech startup Drave Therapeutics and with co‑funding from the Université de Montréal, this project aims to identify innovative molecules capable of modulating G protein‑coupled receptors (GPCRs) involved in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and tissue regeneration. Compounds exhibiting the most promising signaling profiles and pharmacokinetic properties will be selected as preclinical candidates, which Drave Therapeutics will move forward toward clinical development for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This project paves the way to new therapeutic avenues and could provide Québec patients with faster access to cutting‑edge treatments. Learn more here.
- Development of digital eye‑movement‑based biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease
Led by Dr. Ducharme of McGill University, in collaboration with Innodem Neurosciences and the Jacques Bougie Fund, this project aims to develop digital biomarkers to improve the detection, monitoring, and assessment of Alzheimer’s disease using a technology already approved by Health Canada for another indication. By making diagnosis more objective, faster, and more accessible, particularly for patients in remote regions, these tools could transform clinical practice, reduce healthcare costs, and accelerate the development of new treatments for a disease with significant unmet medical needs. Learn more here.
- A novel maresin‑based approach to improve the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
Led by Prof. Boilard of CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, and the ARThrite Research Center, in collaboration with SPM Therapeutics, this project aims to develop innovative formulations of a compound derived from maresin1, a potent natural mediator that promotes the resolution of inflammation, to support preclinical studies toward safer and more effective therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Beyond improving patients’ quality of life, this work could establish a new maresin-based therapeutic platform applicable to a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, paving the way for broader scientific, clinical, and economic impact. Learn more here.
- Development of production, purification, and formulation processes for a new class of cancer immunotherapy: nanofilament‑based therapeutics
Led by Mr. Cloutier-Beaupré of CNETE, in collaboration with TATUM Bioscience, CERASP and supported by co-funding from the NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) awarded to TATUM and an applied research and development grant awarded to CNETE, this project aims to accelerate the development of TAT003, an innovative anticancer therapy based on nanofilaments produced by a genetically modified E. coli strain. Leveraging the complementary expertise of its partners, TATUM seeks to establish a robust manufacturing process, a stable formulation, and high-quality preclinical batches, paving the way for toxicity studies and the advancement of TAT003 toward clinical development. Learn more here.
- Towards a first safe and effective pharmacological treatment for anorexia nervosa and other compulsive disorders
Led by Prof. El Mestikawy of the Douglas Hospital Research Centre, in collaboration with Will Therapeutics, this project aims to develop a novel small‑molecule drug capable of correcting a key neurochemical dysfunction underlying anorexic behaviors. By directly targeting this mechanism in the brain while minimizing side effects, the team seeks to develop the first truly safe and effective pharmacological treatment for anorexia nervosa, while positioning Québec at the forefront of innovation in mental health. Learn more here.
“Behind every biopharmaceutical breakthrough is, first and foremost, an idea driven by passionate teams. At CQDM, we get involved at these early stages, at a pivotal moment when the potential is immense, yet the risks remain too high to move forward alone.
By combining financial support with tailored guidance, we enable companies to reach key milestones and transform promising ideas into innovations that are ready to attract industrial partners, and ultimately deliver tangible impact on health.” – Véronique Dugas, President and CEO of CQDM
“In Quebec, we can rely on a vibrant academic and scientific community that is mobilizing to accelerate the development of innovative solutions and therapeutic approaches aimed at improving quality of life. These collaborative research projects reflect the synergy we take great pride in and will undoubtedly drive meaningful advances in Quebec’s biopharmaceutical sector.” – Daniel Bernard, Minister for the Economy and Small and Medium Enterprises
About CQDM
Facilitator of Biopharma Innovation
CQDM is a non-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium whose mission is to support and facilitate collaborative, multi-party research and development aimed at accelerating the translation or transformation of innovative technologies into solutions that address unmet medical needs, while generating significant benefits for the Quebec and Canadian economies. For more information, visit http://www.cqdm.org and join us on LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Julia Serafino
Marketing & Communications Director
CQDM
438-543-9498
[email protected]
