{"id":7926,"date":"2026-06-22T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/?p=7926"},"modified":"2026-06-22T20:33:59","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T00:33:59","slug":"renewed-momentum-for-the-rna-sector-in-quebec-with-nearly-11m-in-additional-funding-for-arena","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/news-and-events\/renewed-momentum-for-the-rna-sector-in-quebec-with-nearly-11m-in-additional-funding-for-arena\/","title":{"rendered":"Renewed Momentum for the RNA Sector in Qu\u00e9bec with\u00a0\u00a0 Nearly $11M in Additional Funding for AReNA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"167\" src=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/cqdm_logo_web.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1014\" style=\"width:216px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/cqdm_logo_web.png 450w, https:\/\/cqdm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/cqdm_logo_web-300x111.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Announcement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>San Diego, California, June 22, 2026<\/strong> \u2013 CQDM welcomes this new contribution of nearly $11 million granted by the Government of Qu\u00e9bec to AReNA, Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s RNA Hub, a flagship initiative under the <em>Strat\u00e9gie qu\u00e9b\u00e9coise des sciences de la vie <\/em>(SQSV). This funding will enable this high-impact initiative to continue and expand its activities, while launching new efforts aimed at accelerating the growth of Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s RNA therapeutics sector. AReNA seeks to support the development of Qu\u00e9bec-based companies and to strengthen Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s attractiveness to international companies looking to establish a presence in the province. Building on the RNA expertise developed within the research and industrial ecosystem, as well as on the initiatives undertaken to deepen its understanding and mobilize its key stakeholders, CQDM will continue to play a central role in steering and deploying this initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to this renewed support, CQDM is pleased to announce the funding of five innovation projects led by companies committed to the RNA sector. With a total value of $3,816,166, these projects benefit from a grant from the Government of Qu\u00e9bec amounting to $1,496,739. Unveiled during the BIO International Convention in San Diego, the selected initiatives are part of the Company-Driven RNA Innovation Program and underscore the sector\u2019s strong momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The renewed support for AReNA is expected to enable continued backing of R&amp;D efforts led by Qu\u00e9bec industry through the Company-Driven RNA Innovation Program, thereby accelerating the development of RNA-based therapeutic and technological solutions. <a href=\"https:\/\/arenapole.ca\/en\/funding-company-driven-rna-innovation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">To learn more about upcoming calls and the Company-driven RNA Innovation program, learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Funded projects:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The funded projects span a broad range of RNA innovations and are presented below in alphabetical order by company:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Development of the PACTP-CMV\u00ae, a multi-epitope vaccine cassette enabling an enhanced immune response against cytomegalovirus<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Led by Qu\u00e9bec-based startup Cell-Immune Pharma in collaboration with Prof. R\u00e9jean Lapointe of the Research Centre of the Centre hospitalier de l\u2019Universit\u00e9 de Montr\u00e9al (CHUM), this project aims to develop a next-generation multi-epitope vaccine cassette capable of inducing a strong and durable T-cell response against cytomegalovirus (CMV), thereby enhancing protection for vulnerable populations. It also opens perspectives in oncology, where certain CMV antigens are being studied as immunological targets, notably in glioblastoma. <a href=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/achievement\/funded-projects\/development-of-the-pactp-cmv-multi-epitope-vaccine-cassette\/\">Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Development of precision immunotherapies to improve breast cancer treatment<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Led by Epitopea, this project aims to improve the treatment of hormone receptor\u2013positive (HR+) breast cancer by identifying novel tumor-specific antigens induced by standard-of-care CDK4\/6 therapeutic inhibition. Leveraging its CryptoMap\u2122 antigen discovery platform, the project will enable the development of precise, off-the-shelf immunotherapies designed to specifically target tumors that have been traditionally less responsive to established immunotherapy, while laying the foundation for future off-the-shelf cancer vaccine approaches. <a href=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/achievement\/funded-projects\/identification-of-cancer-therapy-induced-tumor-specific-antigens\/\">Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A novel method for the purification and chemical synthesis of next-generation therapeutic oligonucleotides<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Led by Galenvs Sciences in collaboration with Prof. Martin Sauvageau of the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montr\u00e9al (IRCM), this project aims to address two major biomanufacturing challenges: large-scale purification and the compatibility of new chemistries with solid-phase synthesis. It will enable the production of complex, high-quality oligonucleotide therapeutics at a lower cost, supporting the accelerated development of next-generation RNA-based therapies in Qu\u00e9bec. <a href=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/achievement\/funded-projects\/new-method-for-the-purification-and-synthesis-of-therapeutic-oligonucleotides-using-next-generation-chemistry\/\">Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>High-throughput creation and optimization of lipid nanoparticles for intestinal delivery<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Led by Nanofacile, in collaboration with NEIGES Biotechnologies and Prof. Martin Sauvageau (IRCM), this project aims to develop an innovative and scalable platform for the rapid formulation, characterization, and screening of nanoparticles for targeted RNA delivery. Building on Nanofacile\u2019s existing technology, the platform will incorporate new features enabling high-throughput evaluation of formulation quality and performance and will demonstrate its potential to target intestinal cells using advanced human organoid models developed by NEIGES Biotechnologies. <a href=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/achievement\/funded-projects\/shine-scalable-high-throughput-innovation-in-nanoparticle-engineering-gut-targeted-delivery\/\">Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Development of next-generation extrahepatic RNAi therapeutics<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Led by Oligon Therapeutics, this project aims to overcome a major barrier in the development of siRNA-based therapies by enabling targeted delivery to tissues beyond the liver. It builds on Oligon\u2019s SeekR\u2122 platform, a fully synthetic technology that combines targeting precision and therapeutic efficacy without relying on lipid or viral delivery vectors. By developing advanced algorithmic tools capable of virtually predicting the most effective SeekR\u2122 architectures, the project shifts drug discovery from an empirical approach to a rational, predictive, and scalable model. <a href=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/achievement\/funded-projects\/seekr-compound-optimization-engine-establishing-data-driven-heuristics-for-next-generation-extrahepatic-rnai-therapeutics\/\">Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These projects illustrate the wide range of applications of RNA-based therapies and the dynamism of collaborations between innovative companies and leading researchers. By generating tangible scientific, clinical, and economic outcomes, they strengthen the competitiveness of local companies and position Qu\u00e9bec as a global hub of excellence in RNA-based therapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201c<\/em>In the current context, investing in strategic technological sectors such as RNA is more important than ever. The renewed support from the Government of Qu\u00e9bec for AReNA allows us to drive the deployment of high-potential innovation projects, while strengthening the autonomy and competitiveness of our ecosystem. CQDM is proud to support an initiative that positions Qu\u00e9bec as a key player in RNA innovation, today and for years to come.<em>\u201d <\/em>&#8211; V\u00e9ronique Dugas, President and CEO of CQDM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201c<\/em>Quebec has all the assets needed to stand out among global leaders in the development of RNA-based therapies. By renewing our support for the AReNA initiative, we are strengthening a cutting-edge innovation ecosystem that fosters collaborative research, accelerates the commercialization of promising discoveries, and helps attract strategic investment to our province. This is how we create wealth, advance our scientific expertise, and solidify Quebec\u2019s position as a leader in the life sciences sector.<em>\u201d <\/em>&#8211; Bernard Drainville, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy and Minister Responsible for the Maritime Strategy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About CQDM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Facilitator of Biopharma Innovation\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<br><\/em>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/\">www.cqdm.org<\/a> and join us on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/231795\/admin\/page-posts\/published\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LinkedIn.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About AReNA&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Founded with the support of the Government of Qu\u00e9bec, AReNA Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s RNA Hub, aims to position Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s expertise in RNA therapeutics on both the provincial and international stages by bringing initiatives together under a common banner and building a collaborative ecosystem that transforms discoveries into accessible therapeutic solutions, ultimately establishing Qu\u00e9bec as a true international hub for RNA. For more information, please visit the website: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.arenapole.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.arenapole.ca\/<\/a> and join us on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/showcase\/104003804\/admin\/page-posts\/published\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Media Contact:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Julia Serafino<br>Marketing &amp; Communications Director<br>CQDM<br>438-543-9498<br><a href=\"mailto:jserafino@cqdm.org\">jserafino@cqdm.org<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Announcement San Diego, California, June 22, 2026 \u2013 CQDM welcomes this new contribution of nearly $11 million granted by the Government of Qu\u00e9bec to AReNA, Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s RNA Hub, a flagship initiative under the Strat\u00e9gie qu\u00e9b\u00e9coise des sciences de la vie (SQSV). This funding will enable this high-impact initiative to continue and expand its activities, while&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7938,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-our-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7926"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7933,"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7926\/revisions\/7933"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cqdm.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}