Calixar, a French biotech company specialized in the native isolation of membrane therapeutic targets/antigens, and the French University of Avignon, Bio-organic Chemistry and Amphiphilic Systems Team (CBSA), has launched the CHEM2STAB Laboratory (CHEMistry for STABilization) supported by the French National Research Agency (ANR). 

CHEM2STAB is a unique laboratory in the world gathering high-level competencies in chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry and structural biology. The main objective of this laboratory is the development of new chemical molecules able to extract and stabilize membrane therapeutic targets without denaturation, and also promoting their crystallization. The discovery of new membrane therapeutic targets is a booming sector implying major challenges in human and animal health. 

“Recent socio-economic studies have highlighted the lack of innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, especially in the discovery field. In particular, there is a growing need in the development of new physicochemical processes allowing the structural and functional preservation of complex therapeutic targets. This crucial aspect implemented by CHEM2STAB will have a significant impact on the quality and performance of future drugs and vaccines,” said Emmanuel Dejean, CEO of Calixar and co-founder of CHEM2STAB. 

“CHEM2STAB will allow us to considerably increase the scientific and economical value of the work conducted at Avignon University. The initiative is aligned with the common objective of gathering private and academic research to facilitate the creation and validation of new chemical compounds with high potential for native membrane protein isolation,” said Grégory Durand, Professor at Avignon University, CBSA Team Manager and Co-founder of CHEM2STAB.