Montreal, February 21, 2025 – CQDM is pleased to announce the funding of a collaborative research project aimed at developing new tumor-specific therapeutic candidates designed to minimize toxicities and side effects of oncology therapies, using an innovative approach based on artificial intelligence (AI). This project, worth a total of $2,056,964, is being carried out jointly by 9Bio Therapeutics, Molecular Forecaster and Aramis Biotechnologies, three Quebec-based companies. Funding for this project is made possible thanks to a $1,028,482 grant from the Government of Quebec awarded by CQDM as part of the PARTENAR-IA program carried out in partnership with IVADO.
Many cancer therapies have significant side effects, impacting quality of life and leading up to 32% of patients (1) to discontinue their treatment or opt for less effective alternatives, according to a recent study. With the aim of reducing harmful side effects, Molecular Forecaster and 9Bio will use AI to rapidly analyze large datasets and predict molecular interactions. Two distinct new targeted therapies with the potential to act complementarily will be developed in parallel. On the one hand, Molecular Forecaster, will deploy its biophysics-based approach, bolstered by machine learning models, to generate small molecules specifically targeting tumor cells, while 9Bio will mobilize its structural biology and AI know-how to generate more targeted and effective monoclonal antibodies. Thanks to AI, they will be able to evaluate the physio-chemical properties of new therapeutic candidates up to 8 months faster, in the research and development (R&D) phase, while reducing costs by 30% compared with traditional laboratory approaches. These biologics will then be manufactured by Aramis Biotechnologies using its versatile plant-based production platform.
This collaborative research project spans from discovery to early proof-of-concept for these innovative therapies, which have the potential to be better tolerated, improve quality of life, and make them more accessible to a wider range of cancer patients.
Reference:
(1) Holmstroem et al., Eur J. Cancer, 2024[CG1]
“Innovating in life sciences is key to improving the care provided to the population. I’m especially proud of our government supporting such collaborative research projects that leverage AI and demonstrate the expertise of our researchers and the strength of our innovation ecosystem,” said Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region.
“By encouraging collaboration between innovative businesses and the research sector, we are accelerating the integration of responsible AI into society and positioning Québec as a leader in this industry. This collaborative research project is a great example. In addition to helping three partner companies grow, it represents a major scientific advance for patients with cancer,” said Céline Haytayan, Member for Laval-des-Rapides, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy (AI component).
“We are proud to support this project, which uses artificial intelligence to accelerate the discovery and access to clinical trials of innovative cancer treatments. By combining their complementary expertise, 9Bio Therapeutics, Molecular Forecaster and Aramis Biotechnologies are paving the way for more specific, less toxic therapies accessible to more patients. This initiative responds to crucial challenges in oncology and is a testament to Quebec’s excellence in biotechnology and artificial intelligence.”, says Diane Gosselin, President and CEO of CQDM.
“This initiative is an incredible hope for thousands of patients. IVADO is extremely proud to support, in collaboration with CQDM, 9Bio Therapeutics, Molecular Forecaster, and Aramis Biotechnologies in this collaborative research project through PARTENAR-IA, proving that artificial intelligence offers exceptional opportunities for biotechnology players in Quebec, as well as for the well-being of populations,” adds Nancy Laramée, Director of Partnerships at IVADO.
About 9Bio Therapeutics
9Bio Therapeutics is a biotech company committed to oncology therapeutics development. Their AI-guided structural biology platform integrates anatomical and biochemical contexts to design drugs that selectively target tumors. Using this approach, they generate medicines with specificity for tumors that spare healthy tissues, improving safety, efficacy, and opening the door to previously underexploited therapeutic modalities. Their pipeline includes three discovery-stage therapies: an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting tumor cells, an ADC targeting tumor-subverted immune cells, and an engineered cytokine. Learn more at https://9bio.ca/.
About Aramis Biotechnologies
Based in Quebec City, Aramis Biotechnologies is a Canadian company founded in 2023 that specializes in plant-based production of innovative vaccines. As a majority employee-owned company, Aramis’ ambition is to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to current and future public health challenges. The Aramis’ team is grateful for the support from Innovation, Sciences and Economic Development Canada, from the City of Quebec and from its group of private investors. Learn more at https://aramisbiotechnologies.com/en/.
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 https://cqdm.org/en/ and join us on Twitter/X @CQDM_Canada and LinkedIn.
Partenar-IA is a program providing direct support to Quebec companies for collaborative biopharmaceutical R&D projects based on artificial intelligence and applicable to the biopharmaceutical sector.
About IVADO
IVADO is an interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral research and knowledge mobilization consortium whose mission is to develop and promote a robust, reasoning and responsible AI. Led by Université de Montréal with four university partners (Polytechnique Montréal, HEC Montréal, Université Laval and McGill University), IVADO brings together research centers, government bodies and industry members to co-build ambitious cross-sectoral initiatives with the goal of fostering a paradigm shift for AI and its adoption. For more information, please visit our website at https://ivado.ca/en/.
About Molecular Forecaster
Molecular Forecaster Inc. (MFI) is helping organizations make smarter decisions in small molecule drug design. MFI uses a highly collaborative research-as-a-service to transform data into insight to accelerate preclinical pharmaceutical programs around the world. The company is a go-to partner in small molecule drug design, combining proprietary tools and technology, expertise and know-how, and an all-in approach to collaboration to advance only the best shots on goal. Learn more at https://molecularforecaster.com/
Media Contact:
Julia Serafino – CQDM Marketing and Communications Manager
438-543-9498
[email protected]
