Brenus Pharma: Pioneering a New Method to Treat Colorectal Cancer

This week, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is hosting its annual conference in Chicago. This premier cancer research and treatment event brings together approximately 40,000 oncologists and specialists until June 4 to discuss the latest advancements in the fight against cancer. The conference provides a vital platform for researchers to present their findings, seek partnerships, and secure project funding. DirectIndustry spoke with Paul Bravetti, CEO of Brenus Pharma. This French tech startup is developing innovative therapeutic vaccines to combat colorectal cancer. 

Colorectal cancer is a prevalent and deadly form of cancer. It affects over 20 million people globally with a five-year survival rate of less than 12%. It ranks as the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. 

Colorectal cancer is often treated with highly toxic chemotherapy. This underscores the urgent need for more effective and less harmful treatment options. Brenus Pharma aims to meet this need by introducing their innovative therapeutic vaccine to the global market.

Innovative Approach to Immunotherapy

Brenus Pharma’s cutting-edge approach aims to revolutionize cancer treatment by leveraging the body’s immune system to target and eliminate resistant tumor cells. Paul Bravetti, CEO of Brenus Pharma, explains:

“We are developing vaccine-based immunotherapies for cancer. We can reproduce the resistance mechanisms we see in patient tumor cells and use that to train the patient’s immune system to recognize these resistance signatures and destroy the tumor cells as soon as they appear.” 

The company has succeeded in replicating the resistance mechanisms of tumor cells in the laboratory. By doing so, they can educate the patient’s immune system to identify these resistant signatures on tumor cells and destroy them as soon as they appear. This approach promises a significant advancement in how cancer is treated, offering hope for more effective and personalized treatments.

This annual ASCO event is therefore an excellent opportunity for Brenus Pharma to highlight their groundbreaking work and connect with potential collaborators and investors.

A Pivotal Year and Upcoming Clinical Trials

Founded in 2014 in Lyon, Brenus Pharma has accelerated its growth since 2020 through strategic recruitment and organizational structuring. 

The year 2024 marks a critical juncture for the company. Recently named the Biotech of the Year and awarded the France 2030 laureate, the company is poised for substantial growth. Brenus Pharma is currently finalizing a Series A funding round. It will finance the first phase of their clinical trials in France, Belgium, and the United States. 

Brenus Pharma has already collaborated with renowned American academic centers, including MD Anderson and Johns Hopkins, to advance their research and development efforts. Paul Bravetti said:

“Johns Hopkins will even be part of our clinical trial.”

Global Issue

Recognizing the global impact of colorectal cancer, Brenus Pharma is not limiting its efforts to France alone. 

“We’re addressing a truly global issue. Patients are not only in France; the need for effective treatments exists everywhere.”

The company is therefore targeting the world for better cancer treatments and is therefore looking into establishing significant partnerships to support its mission.