Focus on Innovation: SPIMA Therapeutics wins the i-Lab 2025 competition with Innovative immunotherapy against inflammation and cancer
SPIMA Therapeutics, a biotech start-up born from a collaboration between the Max Mousseron Institute of Biomolecules (IBMM, CNRS/University of Montpellier/ENSCM), the Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy (IRMB, Inserm/University of Montpellier), Landmark BioVentures AG, and Dr Mohamed Haitham Ayad, has just reached a major milestone by winning the prestigious national i-Lab 2025 competition, supported by the France 2030 investment plan.
This award recognizes a breakthrough approach in immunotherapy: stapled peptides, developed through rational design and peptide engineering, capable of targeting protein–protein interactions within intracellular complexes that were previously considered “undruggable.”
At the heart of SPIMA’s innovation lies the myddosome, a key protein assembly involved in immune signaling and implicated in severe inflammatory diseases and certain cancers. Its lead compound, SPM001, acts as a selective inhibitor of myddosome assembly, offering an alternative to conventional immunotherapies, which are often associated with significant side effects.
Winning the i-Lab competition will enable SPIMA Therapeutics to accelerate the development of SPM001 and move toward the first clinical phases, thereby strengthening its position among emerging players in the French biotechnology landscape.
Public–private synergy driving innovation
SPIMA Therapeutics illustrates the complementarity between academic research and industrial expertise. IBMM contributes its expertise in peptide chemistry and therapeutic molecule design, while IRMB brings its know-how in immunology and inflammatory diseases. The SATT AxLR supported the project over several years, playing a key role in its maturation, structuring, and financing. Landmark BioVentures AG (Switzerland) is now supporting the project in terms of clinical development strategy and fundraising.