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News | Pleins feux sur la technologie ARN | La Presse
Published: 13 September 2024
A recent article in La Presse, , highlights how Quebec's life sciences sector is experiencing a significant revival with the creation of an RNA hub.
Here is a exerpt from the article (translated to english):听
鈥淭here's an incredible amount of excitement.鈥� That's how Claude LeDuc, CEO of RNA Technologies & Therapeutics (RNA T & T), sums up the climate in Montreal's life sciences and health technology sector.
His company, which specializes in the design, optimization and small- to medium-scale production of RNA, as well as the development of messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutics, has had a flawless track record since its launch in July 2022.
It's extraordinary,鈥� admits Claude LeDuc. Within a month of our existence, we had found a laboratory in Laval and started our RNA commercialization activities. Within the first few months, we had generated enough funds to be financially self-sufficient.鈥�
Without giving any figures, he adds that the 10-employee company raked in 鈥渟ignificant surpluses鈥� in its first financial year. 鈥淭hat enabled us to buy $1 million worth of equipment, with the support of government programs. We managed to quintuple the capacity of certain stages of our production. We're still growing. We want to become a center of RNA production for personalized medicine.鈥�
In June, RNA T & T moved its headquarters to the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montr茅al (IRCM). The company is currently working on three research projects with the IRCM, to test the efficacy of innovative approaches to treating leukemia, cancer and diabetes.
Frank B茅raud, President and CEO of Montr茅al InVivo, notes that Qu茅bec - and Montr茅al in particular - has 鈥渧ery strong expertise鈥� in RNA. 鈥淚t's a niche of excellence that's developing,鈥� he says. The launch of AReNa, the province's RNA hub, has mobilized players in the sector. The first projects selected for funding will be unveiled in the coming days.
Claude LeDuc believes that the investments announced, including the $20 million over two years to make Quebec an innovation hub, will 鈥渁ccelerate the development of RNA therapies鈥�.
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