Projects
In the first edition of ATMP Catalyst, six innovative advanced therapy projects have been selected to take part in the program. These early-stage initiatives have high potential for transfer and impact, and will receive tailored support to accelerate their development and bring them closer to market.
Projects selected in the second call
Six early-stage advanced therapies projects have been selected for the second edition of the ATMP Catalyst. All are based in Catalonia and work at TRL 2–3 levels, with the aim of validating their technology and advancing preclinical and regulatory development. Discover them!
ATF6-Based immunotherapy
IDIBELL is developing a therapy based on a modified oncolytic virus designed to replicate preferentially inside tumour cells. The strategy combines direct tumour destruction with activation of the immune system so that it can better recognise cancer cells. The initial focus is colorectal cancer, with potential expansion to other solid tumours.
OneChain Immunotherapeutics
OneChain has developed a platform to generate cell therapies against cancer directly inside the patient by modifying T cells in vivo using highly specific genetic vectors. The goal is to reduce manufacturing time, cost and complexity, and to improve patient access to this type of therapy. The technology is intended to be applied particularly to solid tumours, with greater safety control and fewer effects outside the target tissue.
Mutation-Specific CAR T for FGFR2-Driven Endometrial Cancer
Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology is developing a cell immunotherapy that recognises a highly specific genetic alteration present in a subgroup of endometrial cancer and absent in healthy tissue. This enables the tumour to be targeted with high selectivity and reduces 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
VIOLET Pharmaceuticals is developing a therapy based on messenger ribonucleic acid, delivered using lipid nanoparticles, to make tumour cells more visible to the immune system. The goal is to enhance the efficacy of existing immunotherapies and expand their indications. The company has obtained highly promising preclinical results in metastasis models and has a strong intellectual property strategy.
AdCerebri
AdCerebri is developing a nanotherapy aimed at restoring the function of the barrier that protects the brain and facilitates the clearance of toxic proteins associated with dementias. The technology seeks to reactivate the brain’s natural clearance mechanisms to slow the progression of frontotemporal dementia. The project is currently in the preclinical stage and aims to move towards preparation for clinical entry.
CAR–STAb-T cell therapy
Banc de Sang i Teixits is advancing a therapy with modified T lymphocytes to target B-cell cancers and reduce the risk of relapse when the tumour 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 tumour. The project integrates preclinical research, manufacturing under pharmaceutical-grade quality conditions, and preparation for clinical evaluation.
Projects selected in the first call
THOR
This project is developing a modular universal CAR-T system that combines a second-generation CAR with a bispecific switch, initially targeting glioblastoma. The design enables flexibility in addressing various tumor types without redesigning the CAR structure, offering significant potential for application in oncology and autoimmune diseases.
Phagocytic Synthetic Cells
Focused on combatting multidrug-resistant respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis patients, this project is developing synthetic cells inspired by natural phagocytosis. These cells engulf and eliminate bacteria directly in the airways without antibiotics, helping prevent resistance and offering a breakthrough for vulnerable patients.
CARcoma
The CARCOMA project targets metastatic sarcomas with novel CAR-T cells engineered to secrete a mutated Fc TIM3 decoy. This approach addresses an unmet clinical need by enhancing T-cell function and persistence in challenging tumor environments.
NoctuRNA
This project pioneers’ circular RNA-based therapies to treat currently incurable diseases. These innovative molecules target critical RNA secondary structures involved in infectious and genetic disorders, opening new therapeutic frontiers.
Spes Immunotherapies
Spes develops personalized cancer vaccines for patients with acute leukemia. Their patented TCR-based platform designs individualized vaccines that match each patient’s specific genetic mutations, aiming to improve immune responses and prevent relapse. Their first candidate focuses on acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), with plans to expand into other leukemias and solid tumors.
FORCE
FORCE is developing an ex vivo platform that enhances mitochondrial transfer from healthy donor T cells to patient-derived T cells. This restores mitochondrial function, with potential applications in mitochondrial diseases, cancer immunotherapy, and age-related immune decline.