Develop a new class of drugs for millions of patients
suffering from cardio-renal diseases without a therapeutic solution
V4Cure is based on CEA research into the use of animal toxins as therapeutic molecules. The start-up is focusing its efforts on one of them, V4C-232, which could be used for two cardio-renal diseases.
The mamba, a sub-Saharan African snake. Credit : V4Cure
V4C-232 is derived from a toxin contained in the venom of the mamba, a sub-Saharan African snake whose bite is fatal to humans. The CEA has established and validated through preclinical studies the efficacy of this molecule on two pathologies, hyponatremia and polycystic kidney disease.
V4Cure is primarily developing the indication of refractory ascites in liver cirrhosis, for which there is no pharmacological solution. Refractory ascites in patients with cirrhosis is a critical condition with an unmet medical need. 10 million patients with ascites in liver cirrhosis are diagnosed worldwide. Refractory ascites does not respond to diuretics. The risk of mortality at 1 year is over 50%. Only invasive options are used as the standard of care. V4C-232 offers a unique pharmacological solution for refractory ascites.
The start-up is conducting pharmacological development studies and will then launch phase 1 and 2 clinical studies. At the same time, it is pursuing R&D work with the CEA on the use of V4C-232 in the treatment of polycystic kidney disease, a chronic genetic disorder currently considered incurable; it affects one person in 1,000.
V4Cure was created by three founders, including one from the CEA. Two patents have been filed by the CEA to date.
Key figure: 10 millions
Number of patients in Western countries for whom the drug candidate would provide a therapeutic response
INDICATIONs:
- Ascites refractory to current treatments
- Polycystic kidney disease
Technologies used:
- Active ingredient: peptide V4C-232 is derived from a toxin extracted from mamba venom
- Dosage form: injection
Year founded: 2023
CEA Institute: CEA-Joliot