#Seaweed #cure #cancer #innovation #Norman #startup
A start-up from Rouen has developed a treatment based on algae which could create antibodies to stimulate the immune system and cure certain cancers. Explanations.
What if algae could cure cancer? This is the innovation that the start-up is working on Alga Biologics. Created in 2021 in Rouen, the young company produces antibodies from marine microalgae.
This marine microalgae is the Phaeodactylum tricornutum. It is found naturally in different oceans, in the deep seabed. It grows easily at room temperatures, around 16 to 19 degrees.
At the origin of this unique innovation in the world, Muriel Bardor, researcher and professor at the University of Rouen. She has been interested in microalgae for more than 10 years. “They are used as a cellular factory to produce protein drugs, in particular antibodies, which target cancers.”
We use the natural capacity of microalgae to produce additional proteins, which are antibodies for therapeutic purposes.
Muriel Bardor, President and Scientific Director of Alga Biologics
These proteins are used to fight cancers. “The antibody will attach to the cancer cells and form a bridge with the cells of the immune system. This will send a signal to the immune system which must then degrade the tumor. continues Muriel Bardor.
The researchers chose to focus first on the treatment of pediatric neuroblastomaa cancer which affects 24,000 young children worldwide each year, including 200 new cases in France.
The microalgae develop proteins which will create antibodies to stimulate the immune system. • © Stéphane l’Hôte / France Télévisions
This cancer mainly affects children aged 0 to 14. Although it is rare, it is the 4th most diagnosed type of cancer in children.
Very expensive treatments already exist in Europe and the United States. That of Alga Biologic plans to be more virtuous while reducing production costs by 70%.
The process improves antibody quality and environmental footprint. “As the algae grows at room temperature, there is no need to heat the culture.”explains the professor.
This micro marine algae is found naturally in different oceans, in fairly deep underwater depths. • © Stéphane l’Hôte / France Télévisions
Compared to existing treatments, Alga Biologic’s first studies show that these plant proteins activate the cells of the immune system three times more.
Laboratory work shows that the antibody is capable of engaging the immune system three times more effectively than an antibody produced from mammalian cells.
Very promising results, which push the Rouen start-up to expand.
At the end of March 2024, the Norman start-up was the winner of the Techninov competition, a major convention dedicated to innovation in France.
