Overview:
Akiram Therapeutics is a Swedish biotechnology company headquartered in Uppsala and focused on developing groundbreaking targeted therapies for cancer treatment. PreTT is a spin-off from the University of Copenhagen, a pioneer in the field of pre-targeted radioligand therapy for cancer theranostic. TetraKit Technologies is another spin-off from the University of Copenhagen that combines deep state-of-the-art expertise in synthetic chemistry, rafiopharmaceutical chemistry, and nuclear medicine to develop the next generation of theranostic.
Together, Akiram, PreTT, and TetraKit, have embarked on a mission to develop a next-generation pre-targeted radiotheranostic for the precision treatment of highly metastatic, reccurent, and advanced cancer with optimal tumor eradication and minimal toxicity.
UpSpark is a Polish EU funding consultancy specialising in securing grants for deep-tech and biotech projects from the most prominent and competitive international EU funding programs.
This case study highlights UpSpark’s successful collaboration with Akiram, PreTT, and TetraKit in acquiring a €1.0 million grant from the prestigious and highly competitive Eurostars program.
Goals and Challenges:
As a research-driven biotechnology startup with global ambitions, Akiram Therapeutics had several promising radiotherapeutics in its development pipeline for which it sought financing. However, the company needed complementing experience in securing EU grants on the international level. Therefore, it required comprehensive support to:
- Investigate funding opportunities available at the EU level.
- Select the most appropriate funding opportunities for the planned R&D activities.
- Secure bridge funding to cover the costs of advisory support and ensure access to high-quality consulting services.
- Fine-tune the project concept towards the requirements of a chosen EU program.
- Find appropriate partners for the project consortium.
- Prepare a strong proposal and apply for funding to the selected EU program.
The Process:
UpSpark undertook the responsibility of guiding Akiram through the EU fundraising process, addressing the company’s objectives and overcoming its challenges. This involved developing and meticulously executing a tailored, comprehensive fundraising strategy.
Firstly, we formed a dedicated team with the expertise and competencies required to drive the advisory process. This team met with Akirams’s representatives before initiating the cooperation to verify compatibility regarding formal and technical knowledge and team chemistry.
Secondly, we conducted a thorough analysis of the funding programs available on the central level and prepared a comprehensive strategy of raising EU money for Akiram.
Thirdly, UpSpark secured a substantial runner-up grant from Vinnova to equip Akiram with sufficient resources to finance the collaboration with UpSpark in its entirety.
Fourthly, we supported Akiram in searching for the most appropriate project partners who could provide the knowledge and expertise needed to bring Akiram’s ambitious idea to life. From a group of shortlisted candidates, Akiram selected PreTT as the most suitable partner. The very first meeting between Akiram and PreTT confirmed a perfect alignment between two startups. This initial achievement unlocked and facilitated further success in assembling the consortium and the addition of TetraKit Technologies as the third and final partner.
Fifth, throughout the collaboration with Akiram, UpSpark showcased top-notch expertise in the Eurostars program and innovation funding in general, ensuring the grant proposal met the highest quality standards.
Finally, UpSpark maintained a highly efficient workflow and great communication capabilities, managing the intra-consortium collaboration and streamlining the collaboration.
Once the proposal was approved by the EUREKA Secretariat on the central level, UpSpark assisted all the project partners in negotiating Consortium and Grant Agreements, as well as supported the three startups in finalizing the grant acquisition in the national phases of the application process.
The Outcome:
The three-part consortium led by Akiram Therapeutics was awarded a €1.0 million grant from the Eurostars program, marking significant milestones in the development and growth of all three startups involved.
“For Akiram Therapeutics, the Eurostars project represents an exciting opportunity to complement our lead candidate 177Lu-AKIR001 and broaden our therapeutic pipeline into additional cancer indications. By leveraging next-generation pre-targeted radiotherapeutic alpha therapy—combining our antibody AKIR001 with innovative click chemistry and alpha-emitting radionuclides—we aim to significantly enhance precision in cancer treatment, reduce side effects, and ultimately transform patient outcomes, especially for cancers currently lacking effective therapies.”
– Marika Nestor, Co-Founder and CEO at Akiram Therapeutics.
“This Eurostars project marks the first official collaboration for PreTT. We are absolutely thrilled to launch this project where our patented pretargeting platform will be utilized to enhance the use of new Akiram’s antibodies for Alpha Radioligand Therapy. With this amazing beginning, we are eagerly looking forward to the journey ahead, surrounded by an incredibly talented team.”
– Francesco Sergi-Lindell, CEO at PreTT.
“We at TetraKit Technologies are excited to jointly receive the prestigious Eurostars grant with Akiram Therapeutics and PreTT. This is an important milestone in advancing groundbreaking cancer therapies using antibodies for radioligand therapy. A huge thanks to the whole team working on this proposal for their incredible efforts and contributions. We look forward to this journey of innovation and collaboration!”
– Andreas Ingemann Jensen, CEO at TetraKit Technologies.
Conclusion:
This case study highlights UpSpark’s exceptional proficiency in navigating the demanding Eurostars program. By leveraging a customized strategy, unwavering commitment, and professional expertise, the team successfully fulfilled Akiram’s goals and delivered outstanding results. We encourage prospective clients to reach out to UpSpark for expert guidance on their funding endeavors.
For more information about our services and to schedule a consultation, please visit https://www.upspark.eu or contact us directly at contact@upspark.eu.