In this insightful conversation recorded during Hello Tomorrow’s Global Summit in Paris, Pedro shares the vision behind Neobe Therapeutics, the challenges faced in developing their innovative solutions, and their progress towards revolutionizing cancer therapy.
Highlights
1. The Genesis of Neobe Therapeutics
Pedro co-founded Neobe Therapeutics with the aim of addressing a significant issue in the pharmaceutical industry: drug resistance in cancer treatment. Approximately 20% of cancer patients don’t respond to immunotherapies, which are drugs that activate an immune response against cancer. And that is the problem Pedro & his team are trying to solve – making these drugs work in more patients by breaking down their extracellular matrix. Neobe Therapeutics’ groundbreaking approach involves using engineered bacteria to overcome drug resistance, offering hope for more effective treatment options.
2. Harnessing the Power of Engineered Bacteria
Neobe Therapeutics designs bacteria that specifically target tumors, bypassing healthy tissues. By programming these bacteria to produce enzymes that can break down the extracellular matrix of drug-resistant tumors, they enable the cancer drugs to penetrate and effectively treat the tumors.
3. Neobe’s Unique Approach to Funding
Pedro explains that Neobe Therapeutics’ approach to funding is quite different from traditional biotech startups. The company’s strategy involved securing early-stage funding through organizations like Deep Science Ventures, which offers both financial support and mentorship. This approach allows Neobe to maintain control over their intellectual property and equity, providing them with more flexibility in their research and development process.
4. Progress and Future Plans
Neobe Therapeutics has two products in its pipeline, targeting specific subtypes of colon and breast cancer. The company is currently raising funds to conduct pre-clinical work, with the aim of entering first-in-human trials by 2025 or 2026.
5. Educating and Engaging the Community
Pedro acknowledges the importance of educating the public, the medical community, and regulators about the safety and efficacy of using engineered bacteria in cancer treatment. Neobe Therapeutics is committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure their approach gains acceptance and becomes a viable option for cancer patients.
Neobe Therapeutics is paving the way for a new era in cancer treatment by harnessing the power of engineered bacteria. With a unique approach to funding, a focus on education and engagement, and a dedicated team working tirelessly to develop innovative solutions, the company holds great promise in the fight against drug-resistant cancers. As Neobe continues its journey towards bringing these groundbreaking therapies to market, we eagerly anticipate the positive impact they will have on the lives of countless cancer patients.
Find Pedro on:
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pedrocorreasampaio/
Find Ben on:
- Sesamers: smrs.link/BenCostantini
- Twitter: @bencostantini