Posters scientifiques2026-07-17T12:30:38+02:00

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Les entreprises partenaires de vos projets de R&D

Un jury d’experts

Oliver LOGET

Président & CEO
CapEval Pharma

Joffrey Ducroq

Principal Research Scientist
Charles River Laboratories

Découvrez les sociétés soumettant un poster scientifique pour l’édition 2026

Preclinical 3D-Living System of Central Nervous System to accelerate discovery of new drugs against neurological diseases.
Author
: Amandine Roux (Phd), President & Founder of Research PIECES.

Abstract:

Dr. Amandine Roux is the Founder and President of Research PIECES. She obtained her PhD in Neurosciences from Pierre & Marie Curie University and worked during 5 years at the InsItute of Brain (ICM) in Paris. She worked in Fundamental research during more than 11 years in the neurodegeneraIve diseases field (Parkinson, Prion like), including 6 years in US, as post doc and Research Associate.
An internaIonally recognized expert, she is currently part of the F3OCI network; she also played a significant role in raising public awareness through various events.

Research PIECES is a Deeptech startup of Biotechnology based in PoiIers. The goals are to understand the Physiology & the Physiopathology of the Central Nervous System (CNS), through Research, Development and Treatment, to find therapeuIc molecules against neurological diseases (neurodegeneraIve diseases, cancer, infecIous and rare diseases, etc.).
For that, we provide innovaIve biological preclinical models to dissect molecular, cellular and Issular mechanisms in a physiological 3D-living Issue environment.
Our intermediate models are dynamic (= in vitro), integrated (= in vivo), physiological (non-arIficial) and they maintain the complex 3D structure of the connecIons between all cell types (versus microfluidics) and the real lipid composiIon of the CNS (versus arIficial alternaIves, as BioprinIng or organoids). They are also considered as NAMS (New Approach Methodologies), reducing animal testing (Winners of Challenge InnovaIon in Health of the Carnot 2025 MeeIngs, supported by Servier France).
Our 3D-Living Systems called organotypic+ models, obtained from CNS (brain, spinal cord) are customized and they come from rodent (rat, mouse), wild or transgenic. While organotypic models are not new in themselves, the novelty and innovaIon come from what we have done with them. Indeed, the protocols we use allow us to keep our 3D models alive in culture for long Ime (more than 4-6 weeks), maintaining all funcIonal cell types (including microglia) and preserving the physiological 3D structure of the CNS, which are fundamental to CNS funcIon.
They are generated quickly and allow control of tissue age (fundamental in the study of neurodegenerative diseases often age related). They also, permit to generate pathological models by inducing pathological mechanisms (protein accumulaIon, cancer, etc.). It is also possible through these
models to perform vectorizaIon (AAV, lenIvirus), to address innovaIve targeted therapies (gene, cellular), to add fibrils, RNA, pepIdes, oligonucleoIdes, small molecules, etc. while avoiding heavy stereotaxic injecIons in the animal in vivo.
These models can be used to study the impact of biophysical parameters (frequencies, ultrasound, UV) on the CNS, as well as in the development of small devices such as microelectrodes; but also in CosmeIcs, Animal Health and for Defense (research for antidotes).
Currently, more than 90 % of future therapeuIc molecules fail in clinical trials phases because of a lack of robust and translatable preclinical models to find therapeuIc molecules against neurological diseases. We need powerful physiological preclinical models to find the future drugs.
Our models remove all the limitaIons and reduce the risk of failure during the currently mandatory regulatory in vivo tesIng and save our clients (Industry and Academia) Ime and money by offering them a tailor-made model with the advantages of in vitro and in vivo, without the disadvantages.
They allow to accelerate the stages of early drug discovery (screening, lead of molecules, toxicity test, drug sensiIvity, etc.).
Research PIECES has the innovaIon, through robust and translatable 3D models, to accelerate discovery of drugs against neurological diseases by prevenIng future therapeuIc molecules from failing in clinical trials (Forbes France, March, 16th 2026; Special report on Biotech 2025, Le Figaro).

Immune Cells And Hearing Disorders: Development Of A Short In Vivo Model For Evaluating The Anti-Inflammatory Potential Of Therapeutic Compounds
Authors
: Karine Toupet (1), Dylan Fefeu (1), Maïa Dewavrechin, Marianne Aincy (1), Frédérique Défossé, Sandra Joppé (1), Gautier Tejedor (1), Marion Souchal (1), Stacy Alves (1), Clément Vanbergue (1), Susanna Malmström (1)*, Sylvie Pucheu (1) and Gaëlle Naert (1).
(1) Cilcare SAS, 34080 Montpellier France
*Presenting author

Abstract:

Following exposure to noise, ototoxic agents, or aging, immune cells, particularly macrophages, are recruited to the cochlea to contribute to tissue repair. However, their excessive activation can lead to chronic inflammation, resulting in cochlear damage and hearing loss. A better characterization of macrophage recruitment kinetics, localization and signaling pathways is essential for optimizing the therapeutic potential of anti-inflammatory compounds. This study aimed to establish a short and well characterized in vivo model of cochlear inflammation to efficiently evaluate anti-inflammatory compounds.

Cochlear inflammation was induced in mice by transtympanic (TT) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in both ears (T0). Different parameters were evaluated: the dose of LPS (5 and 10 μg/ ear) and the timepoint for histological analyses of the immune response (T+2DAYS, T+4DAYS, T+7DAYS). Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) thresholds were measured at each timepoint to assess associated hearing impairments. Histological analyses were conducted on cochleae prepared either as flat surface or cross-sections, followed by immunolabelling to identify macrophages (Iba1), T lymphocytes (CD3) and B lymphocytes (PAX5). Immune cells quantification and qualitative assessment of their localization in the cochlea were performed to correlate with ABR outcomes.

LPS injection induced a significant increase in the number of immune cells in the cochlea, as demonstrated in flat surface preparations and cross sections. Immunolabelling of macrophages, T and B lymphocytes revealed that the immune response was mainly formed of macrophages, detected in the spiral ligament and spiral ganglion neuron regions. Macrophage recruitment in the cochlea was transient and increased at T+2DAYS and T+4DAYS, but not at T+7DAYS, compared to controls. Interestingly, in mice injected with LPS, the number of macrophages correlated with both the dose of LPS and the increased ABR thresholds at T+2DAYS and T+4DAYS. At T+7DAYS both markers completely recovered.

In LPS cochlea, a huge recruitment of inflammatory cells was reported, thanks to histological tools, and correlated with transient hearing loss. These results validate the local use of LPS as a rapid and efficient method to induce cochlear inflammation, providing a relevant in vivo model to evaluate anti-inflammatory compounds in vivo and their effects on hearing. Immune response characterization is now being completed with protein analysis of cochleae and Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests to further characterize the inflammatory response in this model.

Key words: inflammation, cochlea, LPS-induced inflammation

Safety profile assessment for IND-enabling studies: Bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)
Authors:
Gemma Moiset, Cécile Fant, Laura Ratcliffe, Sophie Vermond, Sophie Hill, Sabrina de Munnik, Gijs van Puijvelde, Benita Quist, Rachel Pooley, Katherine Carr, Nick Brown, Mark Aspinall-O’Dea and Namrata Jayanth 

Abstract:

Developing antibody-based therapeutics requires balancing potency and safety. Off-target effects can cause adverse events, necessitating precise target engagement and comprehensive safety profiling during early development. The work presented outlines a systematic approach to identify and mitigate off-target interactions for antibodies and ADCs. This de-risking roadmap which spans 12-16 weeks, evaluates on-target and off-target interactions, ensuring thorough vetting before IND-enabling studies.

The de-risking platform uses two primary approaches:

  1. Off-target analysis via Retrogenix® Cell Microarray Technology
  2. Off-target liability evaluation in human primary tissue cells

Retrogenix® Cell Microarray Platform is a unique platform that screens over 6,500 human plasma membrane and secreted proteins expressed in HEK cells, providing comprehensive primary and off-target binding analysis. Widely used in regulatory submissions, it helps identify suitable leads and derisk biologics. Analysis of screens from over 300 molecules showed ~50% had at least one off-target binding, highlighting the importance of early screening.

In vitro safety profiling in human primary tissue cells, comprise of robust assays to evaluate off-target liabilities, where the biologics are tested for effects on cell viability and cytokine release using over 70 optimized human primary and iPSC-derived cell types. These assays investigate:

  1. Off-target liabilities from Retrogenix® screens in relevant primary cells
  2. On-target liabilities from target antigen expression in normal tissues
  3. Safety profiles using human tissue cells when animal models are unavailable

The integrated approach to off-target analysis and safety profiling presented provides crucial insights for IND-enabling studies, facilitating safer, more effective antibody-based therapeutics development.

Keywords : Antibody therapeutics, Off-target interactions, Safety profiling, Retrogenix® screening, IND de-risking

A Human Air–Liquid Interface Model of Multidrug-Resistant Respiratory Infection for Translational Evaluation of Anti-Infective Therapies

Authors: Laura BREUIL, Mélanie LABBE, Alice TRAUSCH, Emmanuel CHEREUL, Marc VANDAMME

Abstract:

Background: Human airway epithelial models cultured at the air–liquid interface (ALI) are increasingly adopted to reproduce key structural and functional features of the respiratory epithelium. These systems recapitulate essential physiological properties, including mucociliary differentiation, epithelial polarity, and barrier integrity, making them highly relevant for studying host–pathogen interactions and therapeutic responses.

In parallel, the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) respiratory pathogens represents a major unmet medical need and challenges the predictive value of conventional preclinical models. Despite their relevance, ALI systems remain underexploited in translational workflows for anti-infective and immunomodulatory drug development, including biologics.

There is therefore a critical need for integrated human-relevant models enabling dynamic monitoring of infection and quantitative evaluation of therapeutic efficacy against clinically relevant MDR pathogens.

Offer / Project Description: We developed a human infection model based on primary airway epithelial cells cultured at the ALI. Fully differentiated epithelia exhibit mucociliary activity and robust barrier function.

The model was applied to clinically relevant MDR pathogens, including Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Clinical isolates were engineered to express the lux operon, enabling real-time monitoring of bacterial proliferation through bioluminescence.

Following apical infection, bacterial growth was quantified longitudinally using bioluminescence and colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration. Epithelial integrity was assessed via transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and basolateral bacterial translocation.

Antibiotic efficacy (tigecycline) was evaluated using delayed basolateral administration to mimic systemic exposure. A dose-dependent reduction in bacterial burden was observed, demonstrating the model’s suitability for quantitative therapeutic assessment.

Innovative Strength & Applications: This model combines human physiological relevance with dynamic, non-destructive monitoring of infection, enabling longitudinal assessment of host–pathogen interactions.

The platform is compatible with a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including antibiotics, monoclonal antibodies, and host-directed therapies. It enables early efficacy screening, mechanism-of-action studies, and differentiation of therapeutic candidates in a human-relevant respiratory context. In particular, the system is well-suited for evaluating antibody-based strategies targeting bacterial pathogens or host immune responses. By providing quantitative and kinetic readouts, this system supports translational decision-making while contributing to the reduction of animal use in line with 3R principles.

Conclusion: This ALI-based infection model provides a predictive and versatile platform bridging conventional in vitro systems and in vivo studies. It supports the development of next-generation anti-infective and immunomodulatory therapies, including antibody-based approaches, through clinically relevant efficacy assessment in human airway epithelia.

Keywords: Air–liquid interface; multidrug-resistant bacteria; respiratory infection model; antibody translational research; bioluminescence

Non-clinical Safety Assessment of NCE and Vaccines/Biologics comparison. Adaptation to crisis

Author: Olivier Loget, CapEval Pharma

Abstract: 

The main objective of preclinical studies for new therapeutics/prophylactics consists of assessing if these are sufficiently safe for starting first clinical trials and for evaluating their efficacy. Such preclinical experiments investigate tox/potency/immunization. We focus on safety (tox) assessment according to GLP for NBE and vaccines and compare them to NCE.

These are most often GLP studies generally carried out in selected lab species. According to animal welfare laws (3R), there is a tendency to restrict their use. Nevertheless, MoA of new entities like vaccines/NBE is complex. Therefore, animal experimentation is generally the only way to evaluate safety. Consequently, animal studies could possibly be reduced but not avoided. We are not yet in an “animal-free” R&D era.

Vaccine safety is crucial because these are often used in infants.

This is a time-consuming global development with 1-5 years for initial research phase, which is followed by clinical and pharmaceutical developments.

In general, 15-20 years are necessary before licensure, with exceptions (slower or more difficult developments happen).

For example, against malaria, development lasted much longer (research>30years>30candidates assessed) but it could also be faster in case of urgent development, like emerging infectious diseases/novel pandemic pathogens (COVID-19 is an example).

As a consequence, we have to consider needs to be vigilant and well prepared for urgent developments, particularly for vaccines, focusing on crucial investigations, for all development phases, including safety, as shown during recent pandemics (COVID-19). This is an additional proof, if necessary, that the scientific community has to implement what was learnt during COVID-19 pandemic and, to be more precise, to improve not only scientific, but more specifically global communication.

Keywords: Safety assessment, Efficacy assessment, NCE, NBE, Urgent development

Using metaproteomics to study impacted relationships between a host and its microbiota
Authors: 
Sercan Beytur

Abstract:

Animals, including humans, are hosting multiple microbiota – oral, skin, guts, and many more – which are acting in many biological events, from daily metabolic functions to fighting pathogens to aging. Our microbial populations are exchanging chemical signaling between themselves and with the host cells. The latter is often referred as part of the gut-skin-brain axis.
Our microbiota is also involved with our pharmacological treatments, being impacted to some extent, and conversely likely modulating the effects of said treatments. Pharmacomicrobiomics is a rising field of research, as the microbial populations we are carrying are found to be closely involved with our health, and, as studied more and more, with interventions to improve it.
Phylogene has developed metaproteomics workflows, using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry, coupled with in-house bioinformatic pipelines, to analyze at the same time the protein composition from both the microbiota and the host.
Comparing samples with different conditions (disease, treated, …) provides functional data to identify the metabolic pathways impacted under these conditions. In addition, protein identification provides taxonomic data on microbiota composition, as well as on its diversity. This whole set of data allows to assess the host-microbiota interactions and highlight impacted biological functions and pathways.
These metaproteomics studies were conducted on different sample types (skin, guts, …) in the context of observational and interventional studies, to investigate the biological processes occurring in a clinical setting or to objectivate an intervention efficiency.

Rapid High-Throughput Expression of VHHs Using a Cell-Free Platform: The Syn-Xpress™ Gold VHH Kit
Authors:
Bruno TILLIER, Keïta Jondot, Marion Gransagne, Johanna Spiazcka

Abstract:

Nanobodies (VHHs) are increasingly used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and research applications due to their small size, high stability, and ability to bind challenging epitopes. However, early discovery workflows often require the rapid screening of large numbers of candidates, a process that can be slowed by the limitations of conventional cell-based expression systems.
At Synthelis Biotech, we developed the Syn-Xpress™ Gold VHH kit, a dedicated cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) platform designed to enable rapid and parallel production of nanobodies and other small binding proteins directly from DNA templates. This system eliminates the need for cell culture and significantly reduces the time required to move from sequence to purified protein.
In this study, we demonstrate the capability of the Syn-Xpress™ Gold VHH kit to express 50 distinct VHHs and mini-binders simultaneously in a 96-well format starting from linear DNA templates. Using a streamlined workflow combining CFPS reaction, single-step IMAC purification, and plate-based desalting, purified proteins were obtained in less than 24 hours. Protein yields ranged from 0.1 to 0.6 µg/µL, corresponding to 4.2–28.5 µg per construct, with average purity above 80%, enabling direct use in downstream biochemical and functional assays.
The robustness of the platform allowed successful expression across a diverse set of VHH sequences, including constructs typically considered difficult to produce. By combining speed, scalability, and ease of implementation, the Syn-Xpress™ Gold VHH kit provides a powerful solution to accelerate nanobody screening and streamline early-stage antibody discovery pipelines.

Keywords: Nanobodies (VHH), Cell-Free Protein Synthesis (CFPS), High-Throughput Screening (HTS), Antibody Discovery, Recombinant Protein Expression

3D Model of Human Adipose Lobule Revealing the Supporting Role of Progenitors on Adipocyte Functionality
Authors:
Mayoura Kéophiphath

Abstract:

Adipose tissue homeostasis depends on the coordinated turnover and expansion of the mature adipocyte (MA) pool through adipogenesis from progenitor cells. This essential remodeling is dysfunctional in individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome, resulting in lipid overload in the adipocytes present in smaller numbers. Paradoxically, these individuals also suffer from dysfunctions in the metabolic functions of their adipocytes, notably characterized by impaired lipolytic capacities.
We developed a 3D hydrogel-based model recapitulating human adipose tissue lobular architecture by co-encapsulating MA freshly isolated from subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue with CD34+/CD31-/CD45- immunoselected adipocyte progenitors. Over 7 days, we quantified metabolic function like lipolysis (glycerol and non-esterified fatty acid release under basal conditions and following insulin, isoproterenol, or ANP treatment), endocrine activity (leptin and adiponectin secretion by ELISA), and gene expression profiles (RT-qPCR and imaging).
Co-culture of MA with progenitors significantly reduced basal lipolysis while enhancing responsiveness to lipolytic stimuli and preserving insulin sensitivity compared to MA monocultures. Progenitors maintained both leptin and adiponectin secretion of MA. Transcriptomic and imaging analyses revealed that progenitors upregulate extracellular matrix (ECM) components and establish a collagen network surrounding MA.This 3D adipose lobule model unveils a novel metabolic support function of undifferentiated progenitors, likely mediated through ECM remodeling. These findings provide mechanistic insights into adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity and metabolic syndrome, and establish a platform for identifying therapeutic targets that enhance progenitor-mediated metabolic support. To further this research, preliminary tests have demonstrated the potential for adapting microfluidic chips to dynamically study this 3D model of a functional adipose lobule, potentially in combination with other tissue models.

Félicitation à nos lauréats 2026 !

Le prix du jury

Le jury a décerné le prix du meilleur poster à Cilcare pour son poster intitulé « Innovative collaborative study involving in vitro maturation of oocytes and whole embryo transfer in the mouse », représenté par Susanna Malmström et Sylvie Pucheu.

(Re)découvrez les lauréats 2025

Le prix du public

Le public a récompensé G.CLIPS biotech, représenté par Rosie Dawaliby, PhD et Souad GUESSAS pour son poster « Development of conformational and tissue specific antibody against a GPCR as potential drug candidate in immuno-oncology »

Prix du public AC2025 : G.CLIPS biotech laboratoriesPrix du jury AC2025 : Charles Rivers laboratories

Le prix du jury

Le jury a décerné le prix du meilleur poster à Charles River Laboratories pour son poster intitulé « Innovative collaborative study involving in vitro maturation of oocytes and whole embryo transfer in the mouse », représenté par Marie Bouressam.

Prix du jury AC2025 : Charles Rivers laboratories

CILcare, lauréat du prix du jury

Sensorineural hearing loss as a complication of type-2 Diabetes mellitus: evidence of several cellular and neural impairments.

CILcare, lauréat du prix du jury aux AFSSI Connexions 2024

En gagnant le prix du jury, CILcare remporte :

  • Un accès membre Village AFSSI d’une valeur de 690€HT pour la prochaine édition
  • Une prise de parole lors de la soirée networking
  • Une mise en visibilité sur les canaux AFSSI

Abstract

Carolanne COYAT1*, Karine TOUPET1*, Gaëlle NAERT1*, Sylvie PUCHEU1* and Mathieu SCHUE1*.

  1. Cilcare SAS, 34080 Montpellier France

While retinopathy, nephropathy, and peripheral neuropathy are well-established complications of type 2 diabetes, sensorineural hearing loss is increasingly recognized as a comorbidity of this metabolic disease. Several causes have been suggested, including auditory peripheral neuropathy (synaptopathy), which can lead to early-onset hearing loss. No extensive research has been conducted on preclinical models of type 2 diabetes. Our study aims to better characterize the development of SNHL concomitantly with diabetes biomarkers in a diabetic mouse model.

Genetically modified mice with mutations in the leptin receptor gene (BKS(D)-Leprdb/JOrlRj)2 were monitored from 5 to 13 weeks of age to assess the parameters of their diabetes (blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, biochemical analyses) and their hearing, using auditory evoked potentials and terminal histological analyses of the cochlea.

In this model, Leprdb/Leprdb mice exhibited a phenotype of obesity and hyperglycemia, with fasting blood glucose levels of ~4 g/L compared to 2 g/L in heterozygous control mice. Diabetic mice displayed early-onset hearing loss characterized by a significant increase of auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and a significant decrease of distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitudes compared to the Leprdb/+ control mice. These data correlated with morphological and histological changes in the cochlea.

Here, we present data from a murine model illustrating the detrimental consequences of type 2 diabetes on hearing. This translational preclinical model may be useful for evaluating the efficacy of drug candidates for the preservation and restoration of hearing in type 2 diabetic patients.

Atlantic Bone Screen et Enterosys, lauréats du prix du public

Décrypter l’Axe Intestin-Articulation : Vers de Nouvelles Stratégies Thérapeutiques ou Préventive pour l’Obésité

Atlantic Bone Screen et Enterosys, lauréats du prix du public aux AFSSI Connexions 2024

En gagnant le prix du public, Atlantic Bone Screen et Enterosys remportent :

  • Une prise de parole lors de la soirée networking
  • Une mise en visibilité sur les canaux AFSSI

Abstract

Dans le contexte de la prévalence croissante de l’obésité et de ses comorbidités, la compréhension des interactions entre l’intestin et les articulations devient cruciale. Enterosys, spécialiste de la communication entre l’intestin et les organes périphériques, en collaboration avec Atlantic Bone Screen, expert en recherche préclinique dans les pathologies osseuses et articulaires, propose une offre de service intégrée pour étudier l’axe intestin-articulation. Cette approche innovante vise à explorer le potentiel thérapeutique de nouveaux actifs dans le traitement des pathologies ostéo-articulaires associées à l’obésité.

Nous avons utilisé un modèle murin, des souris C57BL6J mâles de 9 semaines, soumises à un régime hyperlipidique à 60% pour induire l’obésité. L’étude s’est focalisée sur l’évaluation de divers paramètres : métaboliques (gain de poids, test oral de tolérance au glucose, profils lipidiques plasmatiques, poids des tissus adipeux), intestinaux (marqueurs de la fonction de barrière et perméabilité, analyses histologiques) et articulaires (analyses morphologiques par microtomographie (µCT) et histopathologiques).

Les résultats montrent des modifications significatives des paramètres métaboliques et des altérations des marqueurs de la fonction de barrière intestinale.  Des signes d’inflammation et d’atteintes au niveau ostéoarticulaire peuvent être aussi observés, soulignant l’impact de l’obésité sur la santé ostéo-articulaire.

Cette étude met en évidence le potentiel de l’axe intestin-articulation comme cible thérapeutique dans les pathologies métaboliques et dégénératives. Notre offre de service conjointe permettra d’offrir une solution complète pour l’évaluation de l’efficacité d’actifs dans un cadre préclinique, promouvant une approche holistique dans la gestion de l’obésité et ses comorbidités articulaires.

Sponsor GOLD

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