R-nuucell Joins EP PerMed to Validate a Novel Cancer Therapy
A Portuguese biotech startup is taking a significant step forward in the fight against aggressive cancers. R-nuucell has been selected as one of eight European companies to participate in the EP PerMed program, a six-month initiative funded by the European Union aimed at validating promising cancer therapies and advancing precision medicine.
Founded in 2021 by researchers from the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Lisbon, Andreia Valente and Helena Garcia, R-nuucell operates from the Tec Labs incubator. The company will conduct validation tests in collaboration with VectorB2B, a lab known for its collaborative research capabilities. Through the EP PerMed program, R-nuucell will receive 80,000 euros to assess the efficacy of its drug candidate and gather pharmacokinetic data to guide future dosing strategies.
About R-nuucell and its founders
R-nuucell’s science centers on developing targeted therapies for cancers that are notoriously difficult to treat. Co-founders Andreia Valente, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Helena Garcia have devoted their work to translating basic research into potential clinical solutions. The company’s approach leverages biomarkers and molecular profiling to tailor treatments to specific cancer types and patient subgroups.
EP PerMed: A Europe-wide effort to validate cancer therapies
EP PerMed is designed to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into practical therapies. In its current round, the program has selected eight startups and companies with projects spanning alternative cancer therapies, genetic tools, neuromuscular rehabilitation, and tissue recovery. The six-month duration provides funding, mentorship, and access to shared resources like VectorB2B’s laboratory capabilities, enabling rigorous preclinical validation that can de-risk subsequent clinical development.
Focus on PMC79 and colorectal cancer with KRAS mutation
For R-nuucell, a core objective of the EP PerMed project is to validate the efficacy of the drug candidate PMC79 in colorectal cancer models, specifically in tumors harboring KRAS mutations. The work will involve mouse models to evaluate anti-tumor activity and will include pharmacokinetic studies to determine how long the drug remains in the body and how it is cleared. As Valente notes, these pharmacokinetic data are crucial for estimating dosing regimens and administration frequency, helping to shape future clinical development plans.
Andreia Valente explains that participation in EP PerMed will allow the team to validate multiple facets of their technology, particularly how PMC79 performs in preclinical models of colorectal cancer with KRAS mutations. This rigorous validation is essential for building a solid evidence base that supports moving toward personalized therapeutic strategies.
Beyond colorectal cancer: broader therapeutic targets
While colorectal cancer with KRAS mutations is a primary focus, R-nuucell’s research portfolio extends to other hard-to-treat cancers. The team is actively investigating therapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer and certain variants of lung cancer. These efforts align with the broader goal of developing therapies that can be tailored to the genetic and molecular profile of individual tumors, thereby enhancing effectiveness while reducing unnecessary toxicity.
Implications for personalized cancer therapy
Success in EP PerMed could position R-nuucell as a key contributor to personalized cancer care. By validating PMC79’s activity in specific genetic contexts and establishing pharmacokinetic parameters, the startup aims to generate data that support more precise dosing and patient selection. The collaboration with VectorB2B and the support from Tec Labs amplify the potential impact, enabling a faster transition from laboratory discovery to clinically meaningful interventions.
What comes next
The six-month program will culminate in a comprehensive preclinical validation package for PMC79, with learnings that may influence the next stages of development, regulatory discussions, and potential partnerships. If the results prove favorable, R-nuucell could contribute to a growing landscape of therapies that are better matched to individual cancer patients, keeping statistical trends in sight while addressing the unique needs of each case.
