CQDM FUNDS TWO COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH PROJECTS TO UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF RNA THERAPIES
BOSTON, June 18, 2025 – CQDM is proud to announce the funding of two collaborative research projects related to the development of RNA therapies. Unveiled at the BIO conference in Boston, in the presence of Mr. Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism, and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region, this announcement marks the allocation of financial support totaling $700,844, granted by the Government of Quebec through CQDM's SynergiQc program. These two projects exemplify the exceptional vitality of Quebec's biotechnology ecosystem and the inventiveness of Quebec researchers. Both leverage innovative delivery methods to effectively and safely transport next-generation therapies to their target sites, thereby opening the possibility of treating diseases with unmet medical needs. Discover these two projects, with a total investment value exceeding $2.5 million:
New hope for treating central nervous system diseases through therapeutic RNA
RNA Technologies & Therapeutics (RNA T&T) and CereCura Nanotherapeutics, in collaboration with Professor Sébastien Tremblay of Université Laval, who is also an affiliated researcher at CERVO, and Professor Brian MacVicar of the University of British Columbia, are partnering to test a promising new therapeutic approach for the treatment of numerous brain diseases. Their technology consists of RNA sequences produced by RNA Technologies & Therapeutics and encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP-RNA), which have the potential to migrate to the brain to instruct specialized central nervous system cells to secrete a desired therapeutic protein, which will then diffuse widely throughout the brain. This project, with a total value of $1.46 million, also funded by a $538,037 grant from the Brain Canada Foundation, will enable participating companies to advance the necessary proof of concept for the technology and the development of a lead drug. The success of this project will attract new investors and clinical partners, ensuring the continued commercial development of a transformative solution co-developed in Quebec and British Columbia for neurological disorders.
Cutting-edge technology for the safe and effective delivery of RNA therapy for the treatment of lung diseases
Feldan Therapeutics (Feldan), in collaboration with Professor Frédéric Couture and Carole-Ann Huppé, PhD, from TransBIOTech, will advance the development of the Feldan Shuttle, a proprietary intracellular delivery platform, to effectively deliver an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based RNA therapy into the pathological pulmonary environment of diseases such as non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This project, with a total value of $1.09 million, will support the expansion of Feldan's pipeline by leveraging its delivery technology, which is already under investigation in a clinical trial for the treatment of skin cancer. It also opens diversification opportunities, thereby expanding access to new high-potential markets and addressing pressing patient medical needs.
« By connecting innovation stakeholders in the life sciences sector, CQDM makes a significant contribution to Quebec's economic growth. The research and development stage is often very costly to undertake, and our government is proud to participate in funding promising collaborative research projects for the development of new therapies », states Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism, and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region.
« By supporting innovative projects in the promising field of RNA therapies from the earliest stages, we actively contribute to creating value for Quebec, both scientifically and economically, while strengthening our position in a strategic sector for the future of health. » affirms Véronique Dugas, President and CEO of CQDM.
« This project allows us to further demonstrate the potential of the Feldan Shuttle beyond dermatology, by applying it to a patient population with limited therapeutic options, facing severe lung diseases and significant clinical challenges », stated François-Thomas Michaud, CEO of Feldan Therapeutics. « We are proud to contribute to Quebec's leadership in RNA innovation and to collaborate with renowned academic partners to bring cutting-edge science closer to patients. »
« By investing in this project, Brain Canada supports the development of innovative technologies that will pave the way for new advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological disorders. », states Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada.
« As a cornerstone company in the RNA field in Quebec, we are extremely proud to contribute to the growth of Quebec's bio-innovation and manufacturing ecosystem. By providing cutting-edge RNA solutions, our active participation in this initiative demonstrates our unwavering support for the province's ambition to increase its autonomy and strengthen its leadership in strategic biotechnologies, thereby consolidating Quebec's position as a global leader in biosciences » explains Pierrino Torbey, Interim CEO of RNA Technologies & Therapeutics.
About the Brain Canada Foundation
The Brain Canada Foundation plays a unique and invaluable unifying role among stakeholders who support and advance brain research nationwide. A better understanding of brain mechanisms contributes to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of brain disorders, thereby improving the health of the Canadian and global population. To learn more, visit Braincanada.ca @BrainCanada
About CereCura Nanotherapeutics
CereCura Nanotherapeutics is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing a new class of genetic medicines to treat currently incurable brain diseases. The company utilizes messenger RNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP-mRNA) technology to ensure brain-wide delivery of therapeutic proteins. By delivering a genetic payload to host brain cells and inducing them to produce and secrete therapeutic proteins, CereCura's approach transforms the central nervous system into a true "cerebral bioreactor," enabling the production of bioactive proteins at therapeutically relevant concentrations.
About CERVO
The CERVO Research Centre, one of Canada's leading neuroscience and mental health centers, focuses on the root causes of brain diseases. It brings together 90 researchers leading research teams totaling over 600 individuals, offering multidisciplinary expertise ranging from membrane biophysics to social intervention, including cognitive psychology.
About CQDM
Biopharma Innovation Facilitator
CQDM is a non-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium whose mission is to support and facilitate multi-stakeholder collaborative research and development aimed at accelerating the translation or transformation of innovative technologies into solutions addressing unmet medical needs, while generating significant benefits for the Quebec and Canadian economies. For more information, visit www.cqdm.org and join us on LinkedIn.
About Feldan Therapeutics
Feldan is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of intracellular delivery-based drugs. Feldan has developed the Feldan Shuttle, a proprietary peptide-based technology that enables safe, rapid, and efficient local delivery of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to cells. This technology paves the way for a new generation of treatments by allowing access to intracellular targets previously beyond the reach of existing drugs. Feldan's pipeline focuses on skin and lung diseases. The company is currently conducting a Phase 1/2a clinical trial for FLD-103, a non-surgical treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). To offer further transformative treatments to patients, Feldan is also advancing its lung program towards preclinical development. For more information, visit www.feldan.com and join us on LinkedIn.
About RNA Technologies & Therapeutics
Founded in 2022, RNA Technologies and Therapeutics specializes in the design, optimization, and manufacturing of high-quality small and medium-scale batches of RNA and targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The company also offers formulation and process development services, including small-scale GMP-compliant (Good Manufacturing Practices) batch manufacturing for clinical trials. Through advanced scientific innovations, we play a key role in the development of innovative RNA-based therapies and targeted treatments, supporting personalized medicine and the therapies of tomorrow that are shaping the future of medicine. For more information about the company, please visit our website: www.rnatechnologies.com, contact us at: info@rnatechnologies.com, or join us on LinkedIn.
About TransBIOTech
TransBIOTech is a College Technology Transfer Center (CCTT) affiliated with Cégep de Lévis (Quebec, Canada), specializing in applied biotechnology research. Since 1999, it has served as an innovation catalyst, supporting SMEs with tailored expertise in preclinical pharmacology, cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology. TransBIOTech researchers leverage their experience and advanced methodologies to evaluate the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of therapeutic candidates at various stages of preclinical development. For more information, visit our website www.transbio.tech and follow us on LinkedIn.
About Université Laval
Université Laval was the very first French-language university established in the Americas. It strives for excellence in teaching and research. Research on RNA therapies is a cutting-edge sector within Université Laval's Faculty of Medicine. The Faculty of Medicine facilitates optimal integration of care, research, and teaching in psychiatry and neurosciences, in direct relation with its network of affiliated institutions and centers.
