Exciting news for LIFE Cooperative member Cortalix, this Groningen-based biotech start-up has received an investment of 1 million euros from Future Tech Ventures, the Rabobank Innovation Loan, and various subsidies to accelerate the development and commercialization of its single-domain antibody technology. With the investment in Cortalix, Future Tech Ventures proudly adds the sixth start-up to its portfolio since its launch. The official investment moment took place last week at the Zernike Campus, where Cortalix is located in Innolab Agrifood.
Cortalix is a leading biotechnology company that creates single-domain antibodies and makes them suitable for applications in PET imaging diagnostics, radiotherapy, and CAR-T immunotherapy. Thanks to its own platform for the selection, production, and functionalization of these antibody fragments, Cortalix offers a powerful alternative to traditional antibodies. Nanobodies are smaller, more stable, and more flexible, but retain the same versatile application possibilities, making them ideal for various medical applications such as cancer therapy, molecular diagnostics, and other medical innovations. With the support of Future Tech Ventures, Cortalix takes an important step in its mission to achieve and bring biotechnological breakthroughs to the market.
Ignacio Faustino, investment manager at Future Tech Ventures, is enthusiastic about the investment in Cortalix due to their innovative approach to synthetic nanobody technologies: “We believe that their next-generation humanized nanobodies will provide unparalleled solutions for in vitro diagnostics and targeted therapies, which will have a significant impact on people's health. We are proud to support Cortalix and strengthen Groningen's position as a biotechnology hub, which perfectly aligns with our vision for the future."
From research to clinical application
What sets Cortalix apart from other companies is the development of animal-free antibodies. The nanobodies produced by the company are not only more efficient and stable but also faster and more cost-effective to produce than traditional antibodies. Unique to Cortalix is that they handle everything: from finding and creating these antibodies to actually applying them in the medical world.
Further development of Cortalix
With the investment from Future Tech Ventures, Cortalix will expand its platform with humanized libraries for radiopharmaceutical and CAR-T therapies, making them suitable for clinical applications in humans. This process prevents nanobodies from being recognized as foreign by the body, allowing them to be used more effectively in treatments. “This investment allows us to further refine our technology and prepare it for clinical applications,” says Herman Steen, CEO of Cortalix. “Our goal is to become a leading player in nanobody-based PET imaging, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This funding brings us a step closer to realizing that vision.”
Collaboration with UMCG
Cortalix works closely with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) on various innovative projects. One of the key collaborations focuses on the development of new CAR-T cell therapies. By using Cortalix's technology for targeted treatments, cancer patients can be helped more effectively. The collaboration with UMCG provides access to extensive expertise and state-of-the-art facilities, accelerating the implementation of innovative therapies.
About Cortalix
Cortalix was founded in July 2023 but builds on years of expertise in nanobody technology and PET imaging. The company is part of a strong biomedical ecosystem in Northern Netherlands, with collaborations within the LIFE Cooperative, the University of Groningen (RUG), and UMCG. With a dedicated team of five professionals and ambitious expansion plans, Cortalix continues to innovate and work on breakthroughs that have a direct impact on healthcare worldwide.
About Future Tech Ventures
Future Tech Ventures is an investment fund focused on supporting high-tech startups in the proof-of-concept phase, with a particular focus on Northern Netherlands. The fund offers accessible financing, combined with relevant services and an extensive network, to stimulate technological, social, and economic impact.
Source article: Future Tech Ventures
Source picture: Casper Maas Fotografie
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