From left to right: Mathias Wenes (CTO), Raphaël Martinou (CEO), Augustin de Bettignies (CBO) and Jean-Claude Martinou (CSO)
From a laboratory at the University of Geneva, MPC Therapeutics harnesses the potential of mitochondria to revolutionize medical treatments for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's. The story of a resounding scientific discovery that led to an innovative biotech start-up.
From laboratory to start-up
In 2012, Professor Jean-Claude Martinou and his team at the University of Geneva made a remarkable scientific discovery. The group identified a protein within the mitochondria: the Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier (MPC), a key element in cellular energy production. To produce energy, cells mainly use glucose, which is converted into pyruvate. This pyruvate is then imported by the MPC into the mitochondria, the cell's "energy powerhouse". As the only point of entry for pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix, MPC is a key target for modulating cellular energy production.
This discovery has had a great impact on the scientific community, and many laboratories are interested in the protein, showing that blocking MPC is a promising therapeutic strategy against various diseases, such as cancer, liver fibrosis or for regenerating certain cell types. Professor Martinou is continuing his research to develop a series of molecules capable of inhibiting MPC in humans. The first conclusive results are expected in 2018. Raphaël Martinou, the researcher's son, then created the start-up MPC Therapeutics to valorize these discoveries and exploit their medical potential. "We needed to create a start-up to be able to apply for funds such as Innosuisse and take the research out of the laboratory," explains Raphaël Martinou.
One molecule and three lines of research
MPC Therapeutics now has a lead compound (a molecule that can be used in the medical setting) and is exploring its applications in three research programs. The first program has focused on applications of the molecule in cancer cell therapies, in particular CAR-T therapies. The molecule developed by the start-up is used in the ex vivo manufacture of CAR-T cells to increase the proportion of memory stem cells, a phenotype associated with better clinical results, notably greater efficacy in destroying tumors and preventing cancer recurrence. The molecule is then removed before CAR-T cells are reinjected into patients. This first program is currently being tested by a dozen cell therapy companies, and could be integrated into their CAR-T cell multiplication processes.
It's exciting because we're in the process of delivering this first project to industry, which should enable us to generate revenues very soon, in 2025 or 2026. This is particularly fast for a biotech start-up, and I'd like to thank all those who have supported us, in particular Unige, Innosuisse and Alliance.
The start-up's second research program explores applications of MPC inhibition in Alzheimer's disease. This research began in 2024, funded by Innosuisse and the Roger De Spoelberch Foundation, in collaboration with Marlen Knobloch's laboratory at the CHUV (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois). The latest project, in collaboration with the University of Geneva, focuses on the anti-fibrotic properties of the molecule developed by MPC Therapeutics.
Access to financing, the main challenge in start-up development
In 2023, Raphaël Martinou's partner Mathias Wenes heard about the Source d'innovation competition organized by the Alliance association, and took part. It was on this occasion that the start-up became a member of the Alliance association. It will be followed by innovation mentor Elise Gortchacow-Bretton. "Elise supports us in setting up Innosuisse projects. It's a financial, budgetary and strategic set-up too," explains Raphaël Martinou. That same year, with Elise Gortchacow-Bretton's help, MPC Therapeutics prepared an Innosuisse application to finance their second research program against Alzheimer's disease. An initial meeting is organized to define the ins and outs of the project with all those involved, then comes the stage of writing the dossier. "It's an iterative process. Elise makes comments, we incorporate them and send her a new version, which she comments on. So there were three versions of the dossier before arriving at the one that will finally be submitted to Innosuisse," recounts Raphaël Martinou." The application was accepted and a new Innosuisse project is being prepared for fibrosis research, still supported by Elise Gortchacow-Bretton.
Innosuisse funding is an important help for companies, but it's not always enough. MPC Therapeutics is preparing a new round of financing in March, which will enable them to reach the point of commercialization of their molecule in the CAR-T program, and to accelerate their development in the fibrosis program. "The biggest challenge is financing the company, especially when you're starting out. Venture capital investments only come into play at a certain point in the start-up's maturity. And we're not there yet, so we need to find alternative financing, such as business angels or state funds. We don't talk about it much, but the State plays a key role in the priming of innovation projects through Innosuisse financing", explains Raphaël Martinou.
MPC Therapeutics, today and tomorrow
MPC Therapeutics now has its first product in the industrialization phase, helping to boost cellular cancer therapies. This is a great success for us," enthuses Raphaël Martinou, "because it shows that we are creating value for the industry. We're doing research that will benefit patients in the very near future." It is this spirit that guides MPC Therapeutics, this determination to pursue their research on other projects, admittedly more complex, but which in the medium to long term will be able to leave the laboratory and help people suffering from serious illnesses.
MPC Therapeutics at a glance
Foundation: 2018
Head office: Geneva
Team: 6 people
Website: mpc-therapeutics.com