Blue Bees Therapeutics
Description
Blue Bees Therapeutics is a biotechnology company founded in 2022, dedicated to the development of first-in-class immunotherapies for the treatment of cancers, based on a breakthrough technology (i.Ther) discovered by the team led by Dr Michel Léonetti, within the Department of Pharmacology and Immunoanalysis from CEA Paris-Saclay.
Blue Bees Therapeutics technology consists of protein complexes combining a L1 ligand (i.e. Abs) of a receptor selectively expressed on the surface of immune cells, with a L2 ligand of Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs). HSPGs represent a family of molecules ubiquitously expressed by most cells. They often act as co-receptors promoting cell signaling and can thus modify receptor-mediated activation. Our L1-L2 complexes take advantage of these co-receptor properties.
Potentiation of immune cell activation occurs through binding of L2 to the HSPG co-receptor subsequent to binding of L1 to its specific receptor. It leads to expansion of large populations of immune cells in vivo, in particular dendritic cells, which contribute to anti-tumor immune response. In addition, when coupled to an Ag, such domains can boost the specific immune response in vitro and in vivo and improve tumor control (Knittel et al., 2016, Vaccine, 34:3093-3101).
Blue Bees Therapeutics lead product, BB10X, activates a variety of immune cells and impacts growth of hot and cold tumors in mice, which emphasizes its therapeutic potential for multiple cancer indications. Furthermore, BB10x mode of action indicates that it can be used as monotherapy or combination therapy.
Based on the Company i.Ther technology, Blue Bees Therapeutics has also established a discovery platform, to develop new immune modulators, alternatively to improve already marketed immune checkpoint inhibitors (biobetters).
Blue Bees Therapeutics has secured with the CEA, through the SATT Paris-Saclay, a WW licence on the patented technology, together with early stage financing through private equity and grants. Furthermore, the Company has established its discovery laboratory within the CEA Paris-Saclay campus.
Blue Bees Therapeutics business model aims to develop our lead candidate BB10X to Phase II, and therefore sell the Company. At the same time, the discovery platform is expected to enable early pharmaceutical transactions. The company is currently structuring its Series A to complete phase I/II.
Company members
Dr Philippe Berthon, CEO; Dr Michel Léonetti, CSO; Dr Marie-Noëlle Ly, CDO; Noëlle Couget, CFO; Claire Bendao, BD & Investor relations
