Announcement
Montreal, May 13, 2025 – CQDM and l’Oncopole, pôle cancer du FRQ-santé, are proud to announce the funding of a collaborative research project as part of the Call for collaborative research projects on precision care in oncology. This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a radiopharmaceutical anti-cancer therapy, that can both diagnose cancer and precisely target cancerous cells for treatment. With a total value of $3.6M, this initiative is made possible through several major contributions. It is supported by a nearly $1.5M grant from the Government of Quebec, awarded by CQDM. It also receives a $375,000 grant from Oncopole, made possible thanks to its founding partner Merck Canada and its partners GSK along with Pfizer Canada. In addition, over $1.7M in funding comes from the emerging Quebec-based biotech company, ACT225 Biotherapeutics Corporation.
Colorectal cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Canada, and when detected at an advanced stage, it has a very limited survival rate (<10% for stage IV). Identifying more effective therapeutic options is therefore critical. ACT225 Biotherapeutics Corporation, led by Humphrey Fonge, full professor at the Faculty of pharmacy of Université Laval and professor at CHU de Québec-Université Laval, has developed a theranostic agent that has shown highly promising preclinical results. Its diagnostic component enables precise patient selection to ensure those most likely to benefit from the therapy are identified, while its radiopharmaceutical component has successfully demonstrated both efficacy and safety. As part of this project, Dr. Beauregard, associate professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Université Laval and clinician-researcher at CHU de Québec-Université Laval specializing in nuclear medicine and holder of the Chair in Theranostics of the CHU de Quebec Foundation, will build on these promising preclinical findings. The goal is to produce and clinically test the theranostic agent developed by ACT225 Biotherapeutics Corporation under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions, completing the necessary steps to initiate clinical studies.
This collaborative research project will serve as a proof of concept for this promising theranostic agent and strategically position ACT225 Biotherapeutics Corporation for Phase 1 clinical trials, ultimately benefiting patients in Quebec. This agent has the potential to significantly improve the management and survival of colorectal cancer patients by offering a more targeted approach, delivering a treatment that is more effective, less invasive, and better tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
“Collaborative research can speed up innovation in the life sciences and support emerging promising therapies. This scientific breakthrough clearly shows the synergy between our researchers that is so important to advancing research. Our government is proud to support this project, which will improve the precision and quality of care provided to the population”, said Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region.
“Quebec is renowned for its expertise in radiopharmaceuticals, a rapidly growing field on a global scale. This collaboration paves the way for new opportunities and offers significant hope for many Quebecers affected by cancer. We are proud to support such an ambitious and forward-looking project.”, affirms Véronique Dugas, President and CEO of CQDM.
“This project perfectly illustrates the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in accelerating the development of innovative oncology therapies. Oncopole is proud to contribute to this initiative, which aims to significantly improve care for colorectal cancer patients in Québec,” adds Carole Jabet, Vice President Research, Scientific Direction, Fonds de recherche du Québec.
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About de ACT225 BioTherapeutics Corporation
ACT225 BioTherapeutics Corporation is a vertically integrated radiopharmaceutical company engaged in the development and commercialization of biologic anti-cancer theranostics. Theranostics (therapeutic and diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals) is a nuclear medicine procedure that allows for diagnostic imaging for patient selection for targeted radiotherapy, allowing for precise personalized cancer treatments.
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 Twitter/X @CQDM_Canada and LinkedIn.
About l’Oncopole
Oncopole, the cancer cluster of FRQ – Health, is a hub for research, development, and investment dedicated to accelerating cancer research in Québec. To learn more, visit our website at www.oncopole.ca or follow us on social media to stay up to date on the latest breakthroughs and supported projects: Twitter/X @oncopole and LinkedIn
About de ACT225 BioTherapeutics Corporation
ACT225 BioTherapeutics Corporation is a vertically integrated radiopharmaceutical company engaged in the development and commercialization of biologic anti-cancer theranostics. Theranostics (therapeutic and diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals) is a nuclear medicine procedure that allows for diagnostic imaging for patient selection for targeted radiotherapy, allowing for precise personalized cancer treatments.
About Université Laval
Université Laval was the very first French-language university in America. It strives for excellence in education and research. For over 35 years, cancer research has been a cutting-edge area of Université Laval’s Faculty of Medicine. The Faculty of Medicine enables optimal integration of oncology care, research and teaching, in direct relation with its network of affiliated institutions and centers.
About CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center
The CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center is one of the largest French-speaking medical research centers in North America. It is the only center in Quebec whose work covers the entire continuum of life sciences, from conception to end of life. It brings together the strengths of 1,134 researchers, 1,226 students, and 1,700 staff members. Thanks to the excellence of its research teams and its state-of-the-art facilities, the organization has built an enviable reputation both nationally and internationally and stands out for its exceptional achievements.
For further information:
Julia Serafino
CQDM Marketing and Communications Manager
438-543-9498
[email protected]
