Ibex Therapeutics Secures CHF 640,000 in Grant Funding from Innosuisse
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The Valais-based start-up is accelerating the development of its lead candidate in partnership with the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HES-SO Valais-Wallis). This scientific innovation project aims to validate the therapeutic efficacy and synergy of active ingredients derived mainly from Swiss alpine plants to treat a major complication of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
IBEX Therapeutics SA, a Swiss biotechnology company specializing in plant-based supportive therapies for oncology and oral diseases, announces the award of a grant of CHF 640,000 by Innosuisse. This funding will allow for the continued preclinical and clinical validation of its topical treatment for mucositis of the oral cavity. IBEX Tx is currently looking for an additional CHF 800,000 for the coming 2 years to pursue the development of the innovative product prior to signing an agreement with a strategic partner for worldwide distribution.
Oral mucositis, a painful ulcerative inflammation of the lining of the mouth is one of the most frequent and debilitating side effects of cancer therapies. It affects approximately 33,000 oncology patients in Switzerland and more than 780,000 in Europe each year. In the absence of an effective standard of treatment, it hinders nutrition and may lead clinicians to interrupt cancer care. IBEX Therapeutics’ candidate combines a proprietary extract of small-flowered willowherb (Epilobium lanceolatum, from the Swiss Alps, rich in Oenothein B) and Aloe barbadensis, giving the combined extract anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, tissue healing, bactericidal and antifungal properties.
Innosuisse’s support finances two strategic axes, the results of which could lead to the filing of a new additional patent:
- Clinical development (HUG partnership): Generate clinical evidence of safety and efficacy in patients undergoing oncological treatment (Monitoring of the evolution of mucositis during radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer).
- Preclinical research (HES-SO Valais-Wallis partnership): Demonstrating the anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and antifungal synergy of ingredients to restore the oral microbiome.
“This funding from Innosuisse marks a turning point for IBEX Therapeutics and it validates our approach after a highly rigorous and competitive evaluation. It gives us the means to accelerate our development to generate new preclinical and clinical data expected by investors and bring our therapy to patients.” »
— Pierre Morgon, CEO and co-founder of Ibex Therapeutics
“Mucositis remains a critical unmet medical need in oncology. Collaborating with the expertise of the HUG teams is a major opportunity to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of our formulation and the positive impact on the quality of life of patients. »
— Dr Alain Rinaldi, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Ibex Therapeutics
About Ibex Therapeutics
Founded in 2021 in Conthey (Valais), Ibex Therapeutics SA develops innovative therapies based on plant extracts and probiotic portfolios. Its lead candidate uses an organically grown cultivar of willowherb. The company collaborates closely with key partners specializing in development and production, as well as with leading academic institutions whose scientific excellence reinforces the rigor and scope of ongoing developments.
About Innosuisse
Innosuisse is the Swiss Innovation Promotion Agency. Its start-up innovation projects support young Swiss scientific companies before they enter the market by covering up to 70% of the direct costs of the project.
➡️ Source: Press Release | 📸 © The founding members of Ibex Therapeutics. From L to R: Philippe Meuwly – Alain Rinaldi – Pierre Morgon – Alain Merkli