BOSTON, June 16, 2025 – CQDM is proud to announce the funding of two collaborative research projects focused on the development of RNA-based therapies. Unveiled during the BIO International Convention 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 a total of $700,844 in financial support from the Government of Quebec, through CQDM’s SynergiQc program. These two projects are powerful examples of the exceptional vitality of Quebec’s biotechnology ecosystem and the ingenuity of its researchers. Both initiatives leverage innovative delivery technologies designed to transport next-generation therapies safely and effectively to their target sites, paving the way for the treatment of diseases with unmet medical needs. Discover these two promising projects, representing a total investment of over $2.5 million:
New Hope for Treating Central Nervous System Disorders Through RNA Therapeutics
RNA Technologies & Therapeutics (RNA T&T) and CereCura Nanotherapeutics, in collaboration with Professor Sébastien Tremblay from Université Laval who is also an affiliated researcher at CERVO, and Professor Brian MacVicar from the University of British Columbia, are joining forces to evaluate a novel therapeutic approach targeting the central nervous system (CNS). Their technology, which uses high-quality optimized messenger RNA sequences designed and produced by RNA Technologies & Therapeutics and encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP-RNA), instructs specialized cells within the CNS to produce and secrete a desired therapeutic protein that can then diffuse throughout the brain. This approach holds great promise for the treatment of a wide range of brain disorders. This project, valued at $1.46 million is also supported by a grant of $538,037 from Brain Canada, will help the participating companies strengthen the proof of concept for the technology and advance the development of a lead therapeutic candidate. Its success could attract new investors and clinical partners, while supporting the continued commercial development of a transformative solution co-developed in Quebec and British Columbia for neurological disorders.
Cutting-Edge RNA Delivery Technology for the Treatment of Pulmonary Diseases
Feldan Therapeutics (Feldan), in collaboration with Professor Frédéric Couture (Principal Investigator) and Dr. Carole-Ann Huppé (Co-investigator) from TransBIOTech, will advance the development of the Feldan Shuttle, a proprietary intracellular delivery platform, to effectively deliver antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based RNA therapy within the pathological lung environment of diseases such as non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Valued at $1.09 million, this project will support Feldan’s pipeline expansion by building on its advanced delivery technology, which is already being evaluated in a clinical trial for skin cancer treatment. It also opens opportunities for diversification, expanding access to new high-potential markets and addressing critical unmet needs for patients with pulmonary diseases.
“CQDM plays a key role in driving economic growth in Québec by fostering collaboration across the life sciences innovation landscape. Given the high cost of R&D, we are proud to help fund potentially groundbreaking collaborative research projects aimed at developing new therapies,” says 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 are actively contributing to creating value for Quebec, both scientifically and economically, while strengthening our position in a strategic sector for the future of healthcare.” Véronique Dugas, President and CEO of CQDM.
“By investing in this project Brain Canada is supporting the development of novel technologies that will open the door to new advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders.” Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada.
“This project allows us to further demonstrate the capabilities of the Feldan Shuttle beyond dermatology to meet the need of an underserved patient population facing severe pulmonary conditions and significant clinical challenges,“ said 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.”
“As an anchor company in Quebec’s RNA field, we are incredibly proud to contribute to the growth of Quebec’s bio-innovation and manufacturing landscape. By providing cutting-edge RNA solutions, our active participation in this initiative further indicates our unwavering support to the province’s ambition for greater autonomy and increasing leadership in critical biotechnologies, further cementing Quebec’s position as a global leader in biosciences.” stated Pierrino Torbey, Interim CEO of RNA T&T.
About Brain Canada
Brain Canada plays a unique and invaluable role as a national convenor of those who support and advance brain research. A greater understanding of how the brain works contributes to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of disorders of the brain, ultimately improving the health outcomes of people in Canada and around the world. To learn more, visit Braincanada.ca @BrainCanada
About CereCura Nanotherapeutics
CereCura Nanotherapeutics is a preclinical stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing a novel class of genetic drugs to address currently untreatable brain disorders. The company employs lipid nanoparticle-messenger RNA (LNP-mRNA) technology to achieve brain-wide delivery of protein therapeutics. By delivering genetic payload to host brain cells and inducing them to produce and secrete therapeutic proteins, CereCura's approach creates a "brain bioreactor" within the CNS, enabling bioactive protein production at therapeutically relevant concentrations.
About CERVO
The CERVO Research Centre, one of the largest centres in neuroscience and mental health in Canada, focuses on the primary causes of brain diseases. It brings together 90 researchers leading research teams totaling more than 600 people, offering multidisciplinary expertise ranging from membrane biophysics to social intervention, including cognitive psychology.
About CQDM
Facilitator of biopharma innovation
CQDM is a not-for-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium whose mission is to support and facilitate multi-stakeholder collaborative R&D aimed at accelerating the translation of innovative technologies by the biopharma industry into solutions that address unmet medical needs, while generating significant benefits for the Quebec and Canadian economy. For more information, please visit the website: www.cqdm.org and join us on LinkedIn.
About Feldan Therapeutics
Feldan is a clinical-stage biotech company that specializes in the development of treatments based on the intracellular delivery of therapeutics. Feldan has developed the Feldan Shuttle, a proprietary peptide-based technology that enables safe, rapid, and efficient local delivery of antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) to cells. This technology unlocks the potential for a new generation of therapeutics by giving access to intracellular targets beyond the reach of existing drugs. Feldan’s pipeline focuses on diseases affecting the skin and lungs. The company is conducting a Phase 1/2a clinical trial of FLD-103, a non-surgical treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). To offer additional life-changing therapeutics to patients, Feldan is advancing its pulmonary program toward preclinical development. For more information, please visit the website: www.feldan.com and join us on LinkedIn.
About RNA T&T
Established in 2022, RNA Technologies & Therapeutics specializes in the design, optimization and manufacture of high-quality, small and medium size batches of RNA and targeted lipid nanoparticles LNPs. The company also offers formulation and process development services including the manufacturing of small-scale cGMP lots for clinical trials. Through advanced scientific innovations, we play a key role in the development of innovative RNA-based therapies and targeted therapeutics supporting personalized medicine and novel treatments shaping the future of medicine.
For further details about the company please visit our website: www.rnatechnologies.com, or contact our world class team on info@rnatechnologies.com, and join us on LinkedIn.
About TransBIOTech
TransBIOTech is a College Centre for Technology Transfer (CCTT) affiliated with Cégep de Lévis (Quebec, Canada), specializing in applied biotechnology research. Since 1999, it has acted as a catalyst for innovation by supporting SMEs with tailored expertise in preclinical pharmacology, cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology. TransBIOTech’s researchers leverage their experience and advanced methodologies to assess the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of therapeutic candidates at various stages of preclinical development. For more information, please visit our website www.Transbio.tech and follow us on LinkedIn.
About Université Laval
Université Laval was the very first French-language university in America. It strives for excellence in education and research. RNA-based therapies research has been a cutting-edge area of Université Laval’s Faculty of Medicine. The Faculty of Medicine enables optimal integration of research and teaching in the field of psychiatry and neuroscience, in direct relation with its network of affiliated institutions and centers.
Contact:
Julia Serafino
Marketing & Communications Manager
CQDM
438-543-9498
jserafino@cqdm.org