The specific know-how of VFP Therapies is based on the vectorization of so-called smart drugs,
administered as inactive molecules called bio-precursors, for the treatment of brain diseases
especially Alzheimer’s disease.
The Setup
VFP Therapies S.A.S. was setup mid-2012 by Dr. Francis Marsais with the support of “Region de Haute-Normandie”. The company has undergone several reviews by peers and audits performed by various bodies.
She did qualify for the label “Innovative Company” (Jeune Entreprise Innovante), which in several instances is a good door
opener.
The company laboratories are located within the premises of Institut de Recherche en Chimie Organique Fine
(IRCOF), University of Rouen, Normandy, France.
Value proposition and business model
VFP Therapies has devised an innovative therapeutic approach aimed at treating brain diseases by means of highly
selective bioprecursor drugs (prodrugs). Prodrugs do not deploy activity before they crossed the blood-brain-barrier, and
hence do not induce significant side effects. Besides, one so
can target receptor sites in the brain in a more selective way.
The required amount of active principle as well as its toxicity
can thereby be decreased.
«The pertinence of our approach was evidenced by our work
on Alzheimer’s disease. To that end, we developed and patented two families of drugs, on which we proved the concept
by carrying out tests, as well in vitro as on animals. The know-how which we developed at VFP Therapies
can be applied to other brain diseases. To our knowledge, our approach is unique so far.»
The core business of VFP Therapies is the development of proprietary drugs. At the same time, we carry out
contractual work on behalf of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Such ancillary contracts may
focus either on joined development work or on the provision of a service, specifically in the area of side effects
of drugs for brain diseases.
That might apply as well to molecules which are at an early stage of therapeutic development, as well
as molecules for which a proven efficiency is handicapped by major unwanted side effects.
Francis Marsais - 06 80 32 57 64 - [email protected] - www.vfp-therapies.com
Management
Pr. Francis Marsais and Dr. Vincent Gembus respectively C.E.O. and C.S.O. of VFP Therapies are managing an operating team of six highly qualified researchers.
Work plans and directions are regularly reviewed within an
advisory board of qualified experts:
• Dr. Pascal George, President of Société de chimie
thérapeutique
• Pr. Jean Costentin, neuropsychopharmacologist
• Dr. Hubert Vaudry, biologist
• Dr. Vincent Levacher, chemist
• Pr. Thierry Besson, pharmacochemist
• Dr. Pierre Bohn est radiopharmacist..
Market and initial prospects
VFP Therapies aims at developing a whole array of products. Within that framework, the first and firm target
in our sights is a substantive multi-million licensing-out deal in 2018. Given deals recently done in similar
areas, amounting up to a few US$ hundred million in a market estimated ~US$ b 5, we consider that our
target is far from unreasonable.
Besides, we plan our ancillary contractual work to generate a turnover of k€ 400 in 2018.
Financing
Initial funding has been provided as well by private shareholders as by several specialist funds. One of them
is devoted to the pharmaceutical industry. A major subsidy (k€ 225) was handed out by Oseo, a French
governmental body aimed at supporting innovative companies. Currently, the company is not under financial
struggle.
In order to speed up development process of the two families of products which are currently in our
pipeline, we are seeking an additional funding of €M 3. Specifically, we would so be able to :
• select 2-3 leads within the first family and accordingly launch preclinical testing
• pursue the development of the second family and select a first set of molecules
The immediate objective of VFP Therapies is to bring
forward its products typically so as to gain recognition in the
market as a major player in the area of vectorization of drugs
for brain diseases.
We so should be in a most favorable position to license-out
products covered by our patents in 2018.
Francis Marsais - 06 80 32 57 64 - [email protected] - www.vfp-therapies.com