A team at ErVimmune, the company behind the European OVACell project, is working on new therapies for ovarian cancer by targeting viral sequences in tumor cells. The project uses T cell therapies that focus on antigens from human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which are usually inactive in human DNA but can be found in cancer cells.
Ovarian cancer is known for being difficult to detect until its late stages, making treatment options limited. The OVACell project aims to address this problem with precise and innovative approaches. The team previously developed a vaccine targeting both triple-negative breast cancer and ovarian cancer using sequences common among patients in Europe, North America, and ASEAN regions. Now, they are advancing T cell therapy specifically for ovarian cancer.
Nathalie Donne, CEO of ErVimmune, explained the motivation behind their work: "Every decision, experiment, and partnership we make is guided by the reality faced by patients. We're not just working on cells in a lab; we're working to improve real people's lives."
The company was founded in 2020 by Professor Stéphane Depil, an oncologist who regularly interacts with patients and stresses the importance of impact over novelty. Nathalie added: "Stéphane keeps us focused on impact, not just novelty."
To ensure safety and specificity of their therapies, OVACell employs proprietary methods including AI-driven data analysis, immunopeptidomics, and laboratory testing. Collaboration has played a key role as ErVimmune partners with contract manufacturers in France as well as regulatory and clinical experts to meet safety requirements.
Natalie noted: "We are a small team. To achieve what we do, we rely on expertise and strong partnerships, sharing both vision and value."
The project faces challenges such as technical changes, regulatory processes, and securing funding but has reached important milestones like early preclinical validation.
For those involved at ErVimmune, the fight against cancer is personal. As Natalie stated: "We all have friends and loved ones affected by cancer. Every solution we develop, every step we take, could make a difference. Prevention, awareness and innovation are not abstract; they save lives."
With support from the European Innovation Council (EIC), OVACell is preparing for preclinical evaluation with hopes of proving safety and effectiveness in humans soon.
The story of OVACell illustrates how dedicated teams can tackle complex medical issues through advanced science while keeping patient needs at the center of their mission.
