Founded in 2019, SeaBeLife is a biotech startup developing drug candidates to block cell necrosis. Today, it’s announced a funding boost of almost €1.4 million financing from Bpifrance.
SeaBeLife specialises in the development of drug candidates that block cellular necrosis in order to protect or regenerate organs affected by severe pathologies – for which there are no alternative, effective treatments. The company primarily targets acute pathologies of the liver and kidneys, whilst leading other research activities in ocular and degenerative conditions.
Based in Brittany, France, the startup is led by CEO and co-founder Morgane Rousselot and based on the research works of Stéphane Bach, PhD, CNRS research engineer, Marie-Thérèse Dimanche-Boitrel, research director at IRSET (the French institute for research in environmental and occupational health) and Claire Delehouzé, a biotechnology engineer, co-founder and CTO at SeaBeLife.
When a cell is ready to die, there are several modes in which it can do so. In the case of certain pathologies, a phenomenon called necroptosis occurs, which is a form of regulated necrosis. Unfortunately, necroptosis results in inflammation, which damages surrounding tissue and can affect the prognosis of the associated disease.
When a cell is ready to die, there are several modes in which it can do so. In the case of certain pathologies, a phenomenon called necroptosis occurs, which is a form of regulated necrosis. Unfortunately, necroptosis results in inflammation, which damages surrounding tissue and can affect the prognosis of the associated disease.
SeaBeLife’s technology centres around a portfolio of more than 45 biologically-active relevant molecules and the company has filed four patents to protect the applications of these molecules.
Currently, the biotech startup is focusing on acute liver disease (acute liver failure) and acute kidney disease (acute kidney failure), but is also pursuing research into degenerative and ocular diseases (Parkinson’s disease, AMD, etc.).
This new capital, which has been granted in connection with the French government’s ‘Deeptech Plan’, will contribute to the research and development phases of innovative projects prior to industrial and commercial launch.
Morgane Rousselot, CEO and co-founder of SeaBeLife: “We are thrilled to have received this strategic financing from Bpifrance, which will provide us with a real springboard to continue developing. It is also wonderful to see the potential of our unique pipeline, which targets two regulated cell death pathways, being recognized in this way.”
