Roderick Verhelst Phd, Mba

Commit Biologics (Commit) is a pioneer in activating the complement system to kill specific target cells, with applications in cancers and autoimmune diseases. Spun out of Aarhus University, and building on more than three decades of research, Commit’s Bispecific Complement Engaging (BiCE™) platform can supercharge a conventional monoclonal antibody to activate the complement system more effectively. This is achieved by combining single domain antibodies that engage C1q, the starting point for the complement activation cascade, with an antibody that binds to a cellular target. The modular approach of the BiCE™ technology can be used to develop therapeutics across multiple tumor-associated antigens and immune cell targets. Complement is a largely untapped aspect of the body’s natural immune system that leverages both the direct cytolytic activity of complement along with its ability to bridge recruitment and activation of both innate and adaptive immune cells – a new approach to killing cells which can be used in combination or on a standalone basis. Commit is backed by major investors including Bioqube Ventures and Novo Holdings, as well as initial funding from the Bio Innovation Institute from Denmark.

Confo Therapeutics’ unparalleled technology stabilizes functional conformations of GPCRs (G protein-coupled receptors) to uncover a wide range of previously inaccessible GPCRs as drug targets. This technology platform combined with the pharmacologic and biologic insight it provides, allows Confo to build a multi-indication pipeline of drug candidates with the potential to transform therapeutic outcomes for patients with severe illnesses lacking disease-modifying treatments. Confo Therapeutics was spun out of Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and VIB in 2015. Supported by international life-science focused investors and led by an experienced team of entrepreneurial professionals and scientists from successful biopharmaceutical companies, Confo Therapeutics benefits from the rich scientific and innovative ecosystem in Belgium. For more information: www.confotherapeutics.com

miDiagnostics is developing a new generation of disposable tests that require only drops of blood and allow detection of cells, proteins, nucleic acids, and/or small molecules. Its core technology is a novel silicon-based nanofluidic processor that automatically processes the blood sample without the need of pumps or valves. There is no need for complex and costly instrumentation enabling medical decisions to be taken at the point of need or remote areas with a high level of comfort to both patients and caregivers.

Acquired by Illumina Inc. BlueBee serves diagnostic and research assay manufacturers with fit-for-purpose data solutions that extend the go-to-market strategy for the assay manufacturer in brand and desired global data compliance. BlueBee also directly serves high-throughput, routine testing laboratories such as clinical labs or high-throughput genomics service centers with on demand scalability and a clinical-grade solution for standardization and efficiency. Cross-functional teams of pharma, clinical research organizations (CROs), clinicians, and more involved in routine testing or large projects such as translational or population-scale genomic sequencing, are served by effectively centralizing and managing genomics data processes. BlueBee uniquely enables the discovery of both genomics and business insights via the delivery of optimized data analysis pipelines through report generation and learning from aggregate data. BlueBee technology employs high-performance computing and secure cloud technologies. The result is a solution that enables powerful and efficient clinical and research data processing and novel insight generation, from ever-increasing volumes and complexities of genomic data.

Commit Biologics (Commit) is a pioneer in activating the complement system to kill specific target cells, with applications in cancers and autoimmune diseases. Spun out of Aarhus University, and building on more than three decades of research, Commit’s Bispecific Complement Engaging (BiCE™) platform can supercharge a conventional monoclonal antibody to activate the complement system more effectively. This is achieved by combining single domain antibodies that engage C1q, the starting point for the complement activation cascade, with an antibody that binds to a cellular target. The modular approach of the BiCE™ technology can be used to develop therapeutics across multiple tumor-associated antigens and immune cell targets. Complement is a largely untapped aspect of the body’s natural immune system that leverages both the direct cytolytic activity of complement along with its ability to bridge recruitment and activation of both innate and adaptive immune cells – a new approach to killing cells which can be used in combination or on a standalone basis. Commit is backed by major investors including Bioqube Ventures and Novo Holdings, as well as initial funding from the Bio Innovation Institute from Denmark.

Bioqube Ventures is a specialist life sciences investment firm. We source, finance and develop innovative therapeutic assets and technologies. We put our venture creation experience at work to translate and de-risk scientific innovation, advancing our investment portfolio and maximising value for investors. Bioqube Ventures launched in 2020 its first independent fund “Bioqube Factory Fund I”. … An early stage venture capital fund – dedicated to advancing exciting science in vibrant European ecosystems to breakthrough therapies for patients. … A fit-for-purpose dual investment model – besides more classical investments in first investment rounds, we will have special attention for so called “Create” projects that require additional de-risking prior to creating new ventures.  … A hands-on approach – the team is a mix of fund managers, sector experts and serial entrepreneurs that have a proven track record in successfully leading companies on their growth paths.  

Confo Therapeutics’ unparalleled technology stabilizes functional conformations of GPCRs (G protein-coupled receptors) to uncover a wide range of previously inaccessible GPCRs as drug targets. This technology platform combined with the pharmacologic and biologic insight it provides, allows Confo to build a multi-indication pipeline of drug candidates with the potential to transform therapeutic outcomes for patients with severe illnesses lacking disease-modifying treatments. Confo Therapeutics was spun out of Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and VIB in 2015. Supported by international life-science focused investors and led by an experienced team of entrepreneurial professionals and scientists from successful biopharmaceutical companies, Confo Therapeutics benefits from the rich scientific and innovative ecosystem in Belgium. For more information: www.confotherapeutics.com