Groningen-based Cortalix, a Dutch biotech startup, has raised €1M in funding from Future Tech Ventures, the Rabobank Innovation Loan, and various subsidies.
With this investment, Future Tech Ventures has now added its sixth startup to its portfolio. The investment event took place last week at the Zernike Campus, where Cortalix operates in Innolab Agrifood.
Cortalix will use funds to accelerate the development and commercialisation of its single-domain antibody technology.
An antibody discovery platform
Founded in 2023, Cortalix builds on experience in nanobody technology and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. It develops single-domain antibodies for PET imaging diagnostics, radiotherapy, and CAR-T immunotherapy.
The company’s platform facilitates the selection, production, and application of antibody fragments as an alternative to traditional antibodies. It specialises in producing animal-free antibodies designed for efficiency and stability while reducing production time and costs.
Cortalix operates within the biomedical network of Northern Netherlands, collaborating with the LIFE Cooperative, the University of Groningen (RUG), and University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG).
It is working with the UMCG on projects focused on CAR-T cell therapy development. The partnership uses Cortalix’s technology for targeted treatments to improve cancer care. UMCG provides expertise and facilities to support the implementation of new therapies.
Capital utilisation
Herman Steen, CEO of Cortalix, says, “This investment allows us to further refine our technology and prepare it for clinical applications. Our goal is to become a leading player in nanobody-based PET imaging, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This funding brings us a step closer to realising that vision.”
Nanobodies are small, stable, and flexible, with applications in cancer therapy, molecular diagnostics, and other medical fields. With support from Future Tech Ventures, Cortalix will expand its platform with humanised libraries for radiopharmaceutical and CAR-T therapies.
This development aims to make nanobodies suitable for clinical applications by reducing the risk of immune recognition, improving their effectiveness in treatments.
Brief about Future Tech Ventures
Future Tech Ventures is an investment fund that backs high-tech startups in the proof-of-concept phase, with a focus on the Northern Netherlands. The fund provides financing, services, and access to a network to support technological, social, and economic developments.
Speaking about the investment in Cortalix, Ignacio Faustino, investment manager at Future Tech Ventures, says, “We believe that their next-generation humanised nanobodies will provide unparalleled solutions for in vitro diagnostics and targeted therapies, which will have a significant impact on people’s health.”
“We are proud to support Cortalix and strengthen Groningen’s position as a biotechnology hub, which perfectly aligns with our vision for the future.”
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