Bactheravax, UNIIQ’s 100th investment, develops new vaccine concept for the treatment of colorectal cancer

In the anniversary year marking UNIIQ’s tenth year, the fund celebrates a significant milestone with its 100th investment. This investment goes to Bactheravax, a biotech start-up developing an innovative vaccine concept for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite existing treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, effectiveness remains limited for many patients. Increasing scientific evidence indicates that bacteria in and around the tumour play a role in disease progression and response to therapy.

A new approach within immunotherapy

Bactheravax focuses on a specific bacterium that is frequently found in colorectal tumours and is associated with poorer prognosis. By targeting this bacterium, the company aims to improve tumour sensitivity to existing treatments. In particular, patients whose disease recurs or does not respond adequately to standard therapies currently face limited treatment options.

Where many existing therapies primarily target tumour cells themselves, Bactheravax addresses an underlying biological factor within the tumour microenvironment that contributes to therapy resistance. This approach aligns with a growing scientific understanding that successful cancer treatment depends not only on directly eliminating tumour cells, but also on addressing the environment surrounding them.

The objective is to reduce the bacterial load within tumour tissue while simultaneously enhancing the immune system’s response against the tumour itself. By lowering the bacterial burden, existing therapies may become more effective and tumour progression may be slowed.

From scientific breakthrough to clinical development

Bactheravax is currently in an early stage of development – precisely the phase in which UNIIQ invests. The funding will be used to further develop multiple vaccine candidates and conduct extensive preclinical evaluations. Based on these studies, a lead candidate will be selected for further development towards clinical application.

With this investment, UNIIQ supports the company in reducing technological risk and taking the step from academic innovation to a scalable development programme.

“UNIIQ combines a clear vision of novel biological therapies with the courage to invest at a very early stage. The trust shown by UNIIQ, together with their professional and pragmatic approach, makes UNIIQ a valuable partner for Bactheravax in this phase of development.”

— Ivo Ploemen, Co-founder, Bactheravax

100th investment in ten years of UNIIQ

With its investment in Bactheravax, UNIIQ reinforces its role as an early-stage investor in Zuid-Holland. Over the past ten years, the fund has invested in more than 100 start-ups, helping companies bridge the high-risk phase from concept to initial market validation.