Key points from article :
French biotech startup Seekyo is developing a new type of "smart chemotherapy" designed to target cancer cells while minimizing harmful side effects. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both healthy and cancerous cells, Seekyo’s lead drug candidate, SKY01, uses a patented molecular platform to deliver treatment directly to tumours. This approach ensures that the drug is only activated in malignant tissues, improving effectiveness and reducing toxicity.
The company recently secured over €650,000 (around $775,000) in bridge funding from angel investors and the French bank Bpifrance. This follows a previous funding round of €800,000 in 2020. The new investment will help Seekyo refine its preclinical data and prepare for regulatory approval with France’s National Agency for Medicines (ANSM).
Founded in 2018 by scientist Sébastien Papot and business expert Oury Chetboun, Seekyo has already shown promising results in early tests. In patient-derived xenograft (PDX) studies—where human tumours are implanted in mice—SKY01 demonstrated a significant reduction in tumour size, particularly in hard-to-treat cancers like pancreatic and triple-negative breast cancer. With these encouraging results, the company is now gearing up for the next phase of development, bringing its innovative cancer therapy closer to clinical trials.
