A new generation of sEV-based biotherapeutics that empower life
Ciloa is a pioneer in the bioengineering of extracellular vesicles to develop new generations of therapeutics and preventive solutions to improve patients' lives.
For hundreds of millions of years, nature has developed efficient biological solutions to control internal and external aggressions and to maintain a healthy physiological balance. One of its most advanced solutions is the small extracellular vesicles (sEVs, exosomes), which represent a very sophisticated communication system of the body.
Ciloa’s mission is to harness the full potential of sEVs to develop new generations of powerful, natural therapeutics and vaccines. Our mastery of sEV bioengineering now enables us to develop such new biological products that can be used in minute doses and provide affordable, efficient medical solutions.
Ciloa’s vision is to be a global leader in first-in-class therapies based on engineered EVs. Our main current objective is to develop an Adiponectin-sEV (APN-sEV)-based biotherapeutic to address metabolic diseases, with obesity and type 2 diabetes in first intention. Its potential might be extended to other major diseases, including MAFLD/MASH, cardiovascular diseases, and retinopathies.
In addition, Ciloa has developed pipelines of bioengineered sEVs with high potential not only in therapeutic applications such as oncology, but also in preventive solutions using sEVs presenting viral envelope proteins, which are very efficient vaccines.
Values
In the early 2000s, INSERM Research Director Robert Mamoun and his associate researcher Bernadette Trentin (Ciloa’s CEO and CSO, respectively) were studying the hijacking of the exosome secretion pathway by a retrovirus. Their research led to the discovery of a specific peptide present within the viral envelope protein that interacts with proteins involved in the ESCRT cellular machinery, responsible for exosome production and secretion. They then came up with the idea of using this peptide, which they called “the Pilot Peptide”, to sort and insert membrane proteins into the exosome membrane. A first patent was filed, followed by a second that detailed the process of protein targeting within the lumen of exosomes. Their goal was to create a new generation of virus-mimicking vaccines, without the need for viruses or adjuvants. These vaccines had to be quick and easy to develop, so as to respond in real time to the threat of viral pandemics.
Ciloa was created in 2011 with the aim of investigating and utilizing the potential of sEVs in medical applications, as well as making sEV bioengineering more reliable and establishing robust sEV production. As a result, Ciloa has developed a pipeline of bioengineered sEVs and tested promising medical applications. For several years, Ciloa worked to raise awareness of the medical potential of bioengineered sEVs, while fine-tuning its technology and strengthening its know-how. With the arrival of major, well-funded competitors, the widespread recognition of the enormous potential of sEVs and exosomes is now widely recognised worldwide.
Ciloa’s 14 years of experience, combined with 10 years of academic research on sEVs, has made it a leader in the field of sEVs, with a unique, robust patented technology, an unrivalled sEV pipeline, and a reliable, high-performance sEV bioproduction process. The outcome of this in-depth scientific work now enables Ciloa to offer one of the first therapeutic sEV candidates with outstanding potential which, with the help of substantial funding from the “France 2030” revitalization plan, will enter the clinic in the near future.
Leadership
PhD in Molecular Virology from Victor Segalen University of Bordeaux, France.
35 years as Research Director at the INSERM, worked on several aspects of onco-retroviruses and lentiviruses.
Expertise: viral RNA and proteins, virus isolation, epidemiology, phylogenesis, poly- & monoclonal antibodies, epitope mapping, 3D-modeling of proteins, diagnostics.
PhD in Molecular Virology from Victor Segalen University of Bordeaux, France.
14 years in academic research in France & USA and then 16 years in Biotech.
Expertise: project management & coordination, infectious diseases, retrovirology, molecular biology, cellular biology, protein engineering, molecular imaging, diagnostic, personalized medicine, biomarkers, next generation sequencing and quality procedures.
MBA Graduate from Emlyon, with more than 20 years of experience as CFO in Major Group subsidiaries and SMEs. Co-founder of Eloa Capital, investing in Ciloa in 2017.
Expertise: drive operational change, support finance and business strategy. Actively involved in Ciloa’s fundraising and operations, including investor relations, and ensuring optimal financial outcomes.
PhD in Molecular Biophysics from the University of Orleans, France.
She spent 22 years in academic research in France (CNRS and INSERM Institutes) and then 5 years in a Biotech start-up as a Chief Operating Officer and Head of Science.
Expertise: cell therapy, preclinical development, bioproduction, project management, virology, mesenchymal stromal cells.
Pierre A. MORGON is a life science entrepreneur, co-founder of companies, and advisor to venture capital and private equity funds. He also holds several board positions in private and public emerging ventures and non-profit organizations.
Expertise: 35 years of experience in the global life science industry, in C-level positions at global level in multinational corporations and as CEO of start-up companies; mentor for CEOs of start-up life sciences companies at Mass Challenge; Doctorate of Pharmacy, Master in Business Law and MBA, alumnus of INSEAD and IMD.
Partners
Thanks to its expertise based on 10 years of academic and 14 years of industrial research, Ciloa owns a cutting-edge platform that combines unique sEV bioengineering technology with an sEV production process. This makes Ciloa an attractive partner for ambitious projects involving therapeutic or vaccine sEVs. Ciloa has already produced bioengineered sEVs for the pharmaceutical industry and academic institutions under service and licensing partnerships, as well as awarded European, national and research grants.
