We are operating a multi-target, multi-customer bioproduction platform, developing therapeutic recombinant proteins and vectoring them in the microalgae cell.

We do not bet on just one molecule, extracted from one specific microalgae, to treat one particular disease.

Through our "technological ensemble" of microalgae cell lines, USP-DSP processes, cGMP manufacturing, galenic pharmacology, we are the first CDMO (Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization) using eukaryotic microalgae cells to produce biopharmaceuticals, vectored for ready-to-formulate active compounds.

We are targeting the therapeutic areas of:

  • oncology and infectiology with recombinant immunotoxins and recombinant fusion proteins (new generation AMPs), (Ninkarak® platform)
  • vaccinations with thermostable antigenic products (AlgaVax® platform).

Microalgae, an exceptional diversity of cellular structures.

The microalgal cell as a micro-factory of recombinant proteins:

we take advantage of the genetic transformations of the nucleus or of the chloroplast to express the biological products and address them in a targeted compartment of the cell.

The microalgal cell as a biotherapeutic vector: we take advantage of various morphologies and structures (drawings S. Jubeau©) to design delivery systems (Algapharm® platform).

Therapeutic domains and targets

Our multigenic cell lines provide access to therapeutic products that meet strong demands from the pharmaceutical industry in 3 fields: oncology, infectiology, vaccinology.

  • 3rd generation recombinant immunotoxins (RITs): these fusion proteins connecting a short fragment of an antibody and a truncated form of a toxin are sought for targeted therapies, in oncology (leukemia, solid tumors), against intestinal and pulmonary pathogens, with potential against autoimmune diseases, Parkinson's, amongst other illnesses. 

    These biologics are called “hostile” or “recalcitrant” because of the great difficulties to produce toxic high-potency compounds in classical cell systems, which is by far much easier in (micro-)vegetal cells.
  • Anti-infective recombinant fusion proteins, purified or preferably vectored (new generation AMPs). They help counteract the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, neutralize the action of viruses through innovative mechanisms.
  • Antigenic vaccines, vectored in particular for oral and intranasal delivery. The compartmentalization inside the cell brings increased thermostability, a remarkable logistical and economical advantage, facilitating wider access, and particularly relevant to developing countries.

Compared to animal cells, yeasts, prokaryotic bacteria and higher plants, the competitive advantages of our microvegetal cell lines are:

► ability to produce toxic ("recalcitrant") molecules

► excellent product homogeneity (intra- and inter-lot uniformity)

► possibility of non-parenteral modes of administration

► thermal stabilization, thus a lighter supply chain

In addition, this system will respond very significantly to the challenge of reducing production costs.

It will be further extended to other domains with different molecules: N- and O-glycosylated proteins, monoclonal antibodies, etc.