Six projects join the second ATMP Catalyst call to advance advanced therapies in Catalonia
The selected initiatives are developing new approaches in cell therapy, immunotherapy, RNA-based therapies, genetic vectors and nanotherapies, with applications in oncology, dementia and haematological cancers. The projects from the first edition are now moving towards Phase 2 of the programme.
Six new projects have joined ATMP Catalyst, the accelerator specializes in advanced therapies that supports startups and scientific projects in the early stages of development. The selected initiatives will begin the first phase of the program, focused on strengthening preclinical validation, regulatory planning and preparation to progression to clinical stages.
This new cohort builds on the first edition of the program, in which the six selected initiatives —THOR, Phagocytic Synthetic Cells, CARcoma, NoctuRNA, Spes Immunotherapies and FORCE— joined this first phase. This year, these projects are moving on to Phase 2, focused on experimental validation, safety and mechanism-of-action testing, and the preparation of regulatory documentation.
The newly selected projects address highly complex biomedical challenges in areas such as colorectal cancer, solid tumours, endometrial cancer, metastases, frontotemporal dementia and B-cell cancers. Together, they reflect the diversity of approaches emerging in the field of advanced therapies in Catalonia and the translational potential of the research generated at centres, hospitals and startups in the ecosystem.
The initiative has the support of the Ministry of Research and Universities of the Government of Catalonia and the Barcelona City Council, with Leitat as a knowledge partner and the collaboration of the Barcelona Science Park. In this second call, the program is expanding its capabilities with the incorporation of IESE and EATRIS as knowledge partners, and SID/Barcelona and Cosymbio as facility providers.
Selected projects
ATF6-Based Immunotherapy | IDIBELL
The project is developing a therapy based on an oncolytic virus engineered to replicate preferentially inside tumor cells. The strategy combines direct tumor destruction with activation of the immune system so it can better recognise cancer cells. The initial focus is colorectal cancer, with potential to expand to other solid tumors.
OneChain Immunotherapeutics
A company working on a platform to generate cell therapies for cancer directly in the patient, modifying T cells in vivo using highly specific genetic vectors. The goal is to reduce the time, cost and manufacturing complexity of these therapies and improve its accessibility. The technology is intended to be applied particularly to solid tumors, with greater safety control and fewer off-target effects.
Mutation-Specific CAR T Endometrial Cancer | VHIO
Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology is developing a cellular immunotherapy that recognises a highly specific genetic alteration found in a subgroup of endometrial cancer and absent in healthy tissue. This selectivity makes it possible to attack the tumor while reducing the risk of toxicity in normal tissues. The project has already demonstrated proof of concept in preclinical models and is moving towards preparation for clinical phases.
VIOLET Pharmaceuticals | Hospital del Mar
This spinoff is developing a therapy based on messenger ribonucleic acid, administered with lipid nanoparticles, to make tumor cells more visible to the immune system. The aim is to boost the efficacy of existing immunotherapies and expand their indications. The company has obtained promising preclinical results in metastasis models and has a solid industrial property strategy.
AdCerebri | IBEC
AdCerebri is developing a nanotherapy designed to restore the function of the barrier that protects the brain and facilitate the elimination of toxic proteins associated with dementia. The technology aims to reactivate the brain’s natural clearance mechanisms to slow the progression of frontotemporal dementia. The project is in the preclinical stage and aims to move towards preparation for clinical entry.
CAR–STAb-T cell therapy | BST
Banc de Sang i Teixits is promoting a therapy using modified T lymphocytes to attack B-cell cancers and reduce the risk of relapse when the tumor stops expressing the usual marker. The solution combines the recognition of two targets and also activates the patient’s own lymphocytes to maintain immune pressure against the tumor. The project integrates preclinical research, manufacturing under pharmaceutical-quality conditions and preparation for clinical evaluation.
A three-year program to accelerate translation
ATMP Catalyst is a three-year program structured in three progressive phases, adapted to the maturity level of each innovation. Each year, six new projects and/or companies join Phase 1, with the possibility of progressing gradually until completing the three-year cycle.
Phase 1, lasting six months and aimed at projects at TRL 2-3, focuses on formulating the technological concept, developing initial prototypes and carrying out the first preclinical tests. Phase 2, lasting one year and aimed at projects at TRL 3-4, addresses experimental validation, safety and mechanism-of-action testing, and the preparation of regulatory documentation. Finally, Phase 3, also lasting one year and aimed at TRL 4-5, includes validation in laboratories, interaction with regulatory authorities, the scalability strategy and the design of clinical trials.
The program offers specialised mentoring, regulatory support, advice on intellectual property, business strategy, investment and market access, as well as connections with hospitals, companies, investors and strategic partners. It also facilitates access to state-of-the-art laboratories through a progressive discount model on rental prices: 75% discount in the first year, 50% in the second and 25% in the third.