“Intermediary results from the clinical trial that we are currently finalizing show that surgeons using our product on a sample population of 26 patients with colorectal cancer adapted their action in more than one out of every three operations,” proudly states Françoise Cailler, PhD, CEO SurgiMab.
The biotech company, which had been assisted by Montpellier BIC, developed a fluorescent product known as SGM-101, enabling surgeons to distinguish between a tumor and healthy tissue in real-time. The purpose of this process is to make surgical interventions easier and strongly reduce the risk of relapse for patients. It has been under development since 2011 at IRCM laboratories (Montpellier Cancer Research Institute), then at Cap Delta in the Euromédecine science park.
Initial results of the Phase I/II clinical trial published recently by Dutch teams in the reference scientific journal, The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, were received with enthusiasm.
“The interest of this solution is related to the fact that therapeutic treatment for colorectal cancer has achieved significant progress, including both chemotherapy and immunotherapy, but less so with respect to surgery. We are the first company to launch a pivotal study in the field,” explains the company’s co-founder.
Phase III testing will focus on 300 patients at five American clinics and hospitals, as well as five European establishments in The Netherlands, Germany, and Italy.
6.6 M€ in funding for the study is provided by SurgiMAb’s historical investors: Cathey World Investment (Hong Kong) and Abalis Finance (Switzerland) - both of which are wealth management, or “family office” managers. SurgiMAb is also seeking to raise funds from venture capital investors. If results from the trial are conclusive, the company’s solution is expected to be released on the market in late 2020 or early 2021.
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