HEPHAISTOS-Pharma sets up in Wallonia to revolutionise immunotherapies
The young French biotech company HEPHAISTOS-Pharma, which specialises in developing molecules designed to enhance immunotherapies, has chosen Wallonia to expand its activities. This strategic decision is part of its ambitious programme to transform cancer treatment by stimulating patients’ immune systems.
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Founded in 2018 by Martine and Frédéric Caroff, HEPHAISTOS-Pharma is committed to developing a new generation of biological oncology treatments. The company has created an innovative platform whose flagship product, Onco-Boost, works by stimulating patients’ immune cells. This novel approach aims to increase the effectiveness of immunotherapies and offers new hope for cancers that have so far been considered incurable, such as osteosarcoma.
Following a €2 million funding round, HEPHAISTOS-Pharma plans to use the funds to industrialise its manufacturing process, prepare its lead candidate Onco-Boost for clinical studies, and open a subsidiary in Liège. The new entity, located in the GIGA Tower, will benefit from close proximity to the University of Liège’s biomedical research centre, strengthening ties with the local ecosystem.
Establishing in Wallonia: a strategic choice
According to the company, Onco-Boost stands out as the first immunostimulant to demonstrate simultaneous effectiveness against both primary tumours and metastases. HEPHAISTOS-Pharma plans to target three indications in parallel, including osteosarcoma as a monotherapy. This strategy could enable the treatment to obtain orphan drug designation, paving the way for faster market access.
Beyond developing its flagship product, Hephaistos Pharma chose to open a Liège subsidiary to explore new opportunities and strengthen its pipeline. The Liège region, with its dynamic ecosystem and potential partners, offers a favourable environment for expanding into additional applications.
Future outlook and partnerships
HEPHAISTOS-Pharma also plans to explore the use of its technology as a vaccine adjuvant, although this remains at an early stage of development. Financial backing from Xista, an Austrian early-stage oncology investment fund, and the Fournier-Majoie Foundation highlights investor confidence in the strong potential of the company’s technology.
HEPHAISTOS-Pharma’s establishment in Wallonia marks a key milestone in the company’s growth. With its flagship product Onco-Boost, the biotech aims to redefine immunotherapy standards and deliver promising new solutions for patients with hard-to-treat cancers. Collaboration with local partners further strengthens Hephaistos Pharma’s position within the Walloon ecosystem and opens the door to new advances in the fight against cancer.
