Funding will enable company to expand research capacity and scale up unique genome editing technology designed to treat complex, rare diseases while also opening new avenues for protein bioproduction and stem cell research
Liège, Belgium, May 12, 2025 – Quidditas Therapeutics, a biotechnology company specialized in genome editing, today announces it has raised a total of €2.62M ($2.96M). French biotech-focused fund iXLife Capital led a €900K ($1.02M) capital increase, with the support of VC group Key Ventures, family companies and business angels. The investment is complemented by a €1.72M ($1.94M) grant from the Ministry of Research in Wallonia via the Win4Company program, a public initiative supporting innovative companies in the Walloon region of Belgium.
This funding will enable Quidditas to strengthen its research and development efforts with a view to accelerating the development of its innovative recombination-based genome editing technology.
By enabling large, highly-targeted genetic changes, Quidditas aims to transform the gene therapy field and to create novel treatments that have long been out of reach for certain conditions. Its pioneering approach could be used to address some of the most complex and rare diseases through gene therapy, while also opening new opportunities in bioproduction, stem cell research and other biomedical fields.
« Genome editing holds immense promise, especially in treating rare and complex genetic disorders. At Quidditas, our goal is to push the boundaries of what’s possible by developing a precise and adaptable solution that can address critical medical needs,” said François Cherbonneau, CEO and co-founder of Quidditas. “We are grateful for the investors backing us, bringing us one step closer to making our vision of transforming healthcare through genomic medicine come true. We would also like to thank the Walloon region for its support, as this grant will help reinforce Belgium’s role as a key player in European biotech innovation and bioproduction. »
« iXLife is committed to backing companies that are capable of revolutionizing the biotech space,” said Jean-Pierre Kinet, MD, managing partner at iXLife Capital, renowned immunologist and Emeritus Professor at Harvard Medical School. “Quidditas’ genome editing technology represents a transformative leap forward in the field, with the potential to address some of the most challenging diseases. We are excited to support its mission to bring impactful solutions to patients in need. »
In the genome editing and gene therapy sector, even if CRISPR has brought new ways to treat genetic diseases, the large-scale use of this technology is still hampered by technical issues such as efficiency and specificity, and its performance is restrained by the size of the DNA recombination. Quidditas’ technology has been created to fill this gap and bring gene therapy to the next level. It can cut any single or double stranded nucleic acid sequences (RNA or DNA) and paste any length of nucleic acids anywhere in the genome in a fully controlled manner. This can replace a full gene or exon by cutting out a selected sequence and adding another which is entirely double stranded. This technology is not only multifunctional, but also bypasses current technical limitations, creating a complete gene recombination.
With the combined support of leading investors and public funding, Quidditas is poised to make major advances in the field of genome editing and bring life-changing treatments to patients with rare genetic disorders, while expanding applications in biotechnological processes.
IP advisors: LLR, Herald Avocats
Financial advisor: Lexial
About iXLife Capital
iXLife Capital is a prominent investment firm that specializes in biotechnology and life sciences, supporting early-stage companies with high growth potential in the medical innovation space. iXLife Capital invests in companies working on breakthrough therapies and technologies aimed at transforming healthcare. Its expertise lies in nurturing innovative ventures that are shaping the future of genomic medicine, regenerative medicine and precision healthcare.
About Key Ventures
Key Ventures is a venture capital group dedicated to supporting European early-stage startups in the DeepTech and HealthTech sectors. By investing in disruptive technologies, Key Ventures provides both strategic and financial support to emerging companies in biopharma, medtech and diagnostics. Its focus on innovations that can transform healthcare enables it to partner with visionary companies, helping them accelerate the transition from groundbreaking research to market-ready solutions.
For more information about the R&D incentives in Wallonia
About Quidditas
Quidditas is a biotechnology company developing a precise and adaptable genome editing platform with multiple applications across gene therapy, protein bioproduction and regenerative medicine. With a strong commitment to innovation and scientific excellence, Quidditas aims to collaborate with leading researchers, healthcare providers and industry partners to drive forward the next generation of genomic medicine.
Headquartered in Liège, Belgium, the company was founded in December 2022 by François Cherbonneau, PhD, M.Eng, and Aurore Prunevieille, PhD, M.Eng, two biotechnologists by training who have worked at leading institutions such as Paris Saint-Louis Hospital (France) and Boston Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School (US). Their doctoral theses focused on biotechnology research projects in molecular genetics and immunology. With over ten years of experience in the biotherapy and biotechnology sectors, their vision and expertise are at the heart of the development of Quidditas’ therapeutic solutions.
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