Backed by an international pharmaceutical company while operating in full autonomy, Servier Ventures is perfectly positioned to provide this clinical and industrial vision. As such, Servier is committed over the long term to supporting breakthrough innovation projects with the potential to address major medical needs, in line with its areas of expertise in oncology and rare neurological diseases.

This first investment perfectly illustrates the Servier Ventures philosophy. We selected Cytospire Therapeutics, a UK-based biotech developing differentiated multispecific immune cell engager antibodies designed to enhance and direct the activity of the body’s own immune system. Their technology allows for the targeted recruitment and activation of these immune cells to promote the effective elimination of tumor cells, with a potentially improved safety profile. It is a differentiated scientific approach that paves the way for a paradigm shift in the treatment of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.

The location of Cytospire – in the United Kingdom – is significant. Servier Ventures prioritizes investments in Europe, an ecosystem we know well and where we are well-established. While, access to funding for European biotechs has become increasingly challenging in recent years, scientific excellence in Europe remains outstanding. Through this investment, we are strengthening our presence in one of Europe’s most dynamic ecosystems, featuring top-tier academic innovation and a vibrant tradition of biotech companies.

In addition, Cytospire Therapeutics’ research is very advanced, with its lead program expected to enter the clinic in 2027. Our seat on the biotech’s board will enable us to engage in key discussions regarding the development strategy. Joining the board of Cytospire Therapeutics alongside other prestigious funds such as Abingworth, 4Bio, British Business Bank, and others, represents a prime opportunity. Abingworth, in particular, has previously worked with Cytospire’s leadership team, highly experienced in this field. The quality of both the investor syndicate and the management team were decisive factors in our decision to invest.

The objective of Servier Ventures is to maximize the value creation in biotechs in which we invest. To identify these opportunities, we indirectly benefit from Servier’s historical network. The Servier Group, with the independence and long-term vision guaranteed by its governance model as a Foundation, is the sole shareholder of Servier Ventures. Servier’s model is based on the convergence of internal and external innovation. Our expertise, as well as our understanding of how science can have a concrete impact for patients, allows us to accelerate the development of medicines that address significant unmet needs. Proximity and privileged relationships with other high-quality funds also facilitate monitoring and allow us to be invited to participate in other funding rounds. An independent, focused corporate fund that commits for the long term is often perceived as a value-add.

We also take a proactive approach that involves identifying, or even bringing together, players capable of addressing a specific problem where development is more complex. This is the case, for example, for rare neurological diseases or oncology, such as brain cancers — a field that is of particular interest to us at Servier Ventures.