ATMP Catalyst presents the six projects selected for its second edition to accelerate the development of new advanced therapies

ATMP Catalyst presented the six projects and companies selected through the program’s second call during ATMP Day 2026. The new cohort includes initiatives from IDIBELL, the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), the Blood and Tissue Bank, and companies such as OneChain Immunotherapeutics and VIOLET Pharmaceuticals.

All the selected initiatives are based in Catalonia and are at early stages of development, with technology readiness levels of TRL 2–3. Over the next six months, they will participate in the first phase of ATMP Catalyst, aimed at refining their technological concepts, developing initial prototypes, and advancing preclinical validation and regulatory planning.

The selection reflects the diversity of approaches being developed in the BioRegion of Catalonia in the field of advanced therapies. The six projects address complex medical needs in oncology and dementia.

Six projects with high technology transfer potential

ATF6-Based Immunotherapy – IDIBELL

This project from the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) is developing a therapy based on an oncolytic virus engineered to replicate preferentially inside tumor cells. The therapy initially focuses on colorectal cancer, although it also has the potential to be used against other solid tumors.

OneChain Immunotherapeutics

Based at the Barcelona Science Park, OneChain Immunotherapeutics is developing a platform to generate cancer-fighting cell therapies directly inside the patient’s body. The technology uses highly specific gene vectors to modify T cells in vivo, bypassing some of the external manufacturing processes currently required for many cell therapies. The platform is specifically designed to target solid tumors and aims to provide greater safety control while reducing off-target effects on healthy tissue.

Mutation-Specific CAR-T for FGFR2-Driven Endometrial Cancer – VHIO

The Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) has developed a cell-based immunotherapy designed to recognize a highly specific FGFR2-related genetic alteration found in a subgroup of endometrial tumors but absent from healthy tissues.

VIOLET Pharmaceuticals – Hospital del Mar

VIOLET Pharmaceuticals, a company spun out of Hospital del Mar, is developing a therapy based on messenger RNA delivered through lipid nanoparticles. The technology aims to make tumor cells more visible to the immune system, enhancing the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies and increasing the number of patients who can benefit from them.

AdCerebri – IBEC

AdCerebri, a project from the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), is developing a nanotherapy to restore the function of the brain’s protective barrier and facilitate the removal of toxic proteins associated with dementia. The approach aims to reactivate the brain’s natural clearance mechanisms to slow the progression of frontotemporal dementia.

CAR–STAb-T Cell Therapy – Blood and Tissue Bank

The Blood and Tissue Bank has developed a therapy based on modified T cells that target B-cell cancers and reduce the risk of relapse when the tumor stops expressing the marker typically recognized by cell therapies. The solution combines the recognition of two targets and can also activate the patient’s own T cells, helping maintain immune pressure against the tumor.

A three-year program to accelerate advanced therapies in Catalonia

Led by Biocat, ATMP Catalyst is a three-year acceleration program structured into three progressive phases tailored to the maturity level of each innovation. Selected initiatives receive specialized mentoring and guidance on regulatory affairs, intellectual property, business strategy, investment, and market access, as well as connections with hospitals, companies, investors, and other strategic partners. The program also provides access to specialized laboratories and infrastructure to support technology development.

Alongside the new cohort’s entry into the program, the six projects selected in the first edition—THOR, Phagocytic Synthetic Cells, CARcoma, NoctuRNA, Spes Immunotherapies, and FORCE—are progressing to its second phase. This stage will focus on experimental validation, safety and mechanism-of-action studies, and the preparation of regulatory documentation.

The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Núria Martí, Director of Acceleration and Business Development at Biocat, with Miriam Corredor, CEO of NoctuRNA Therapeutics, and César Rodríguez-Emmenegger, ICREA Research Professor and principal investigator at IBEC for the Phagocytic Synthetic Cells/Aegisome Bio project. The discussion explored the perspectives of an established company and an academic project undergoing technology transfer and preparing to launch a startup. The speakers shared the main challenges involved in transforming cutting-edge science into viable therapeutic and business projects, as well as the role of ATMP Catalyst in setting priorities, identifying risks, and making progress in areas such as development strategy, regulation, manufacturing, financing, and market access. The session also provided an opportunity to reflect on the capabilities that need to be strengthened across the ecosystem to help more innovations reach patients.

ATMP Catalyst is supported by the Government of Catalonia’s Department of Research and Universities and Barcelona City Council, with Leitat as a knowledge partner and the collaboration of the Barcelona Science Park. In this second edition, IESE and EATRIS are joining as new knowledge partners, while SID and Cosymbio are joining as infrastructure providers. From 2027, Almirall will also join the program’s group of collaborating organizations.