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§ Private Profile · Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France
ImCheck Therapeutics is a technology company.
ImCheck Therapeutics develops novel immunotherapeutics by targeting the butyrophilin (BTN) and BTN-like (BTNL) superfamily. Specializing in antibody-based drug discovery, it activates gamma delta (γ9δ2) T cells to modulate innate and adaptive immunity. This approach aims to create new therapies for immuno-oncology, with applications in autoimmune and infectious diseases.
Founded in 2015 by Professor Daniel Olive, Alem Truneh, and Benjamin Charles, ImCheck Therapeutics emerged from scientific breakthroughs. Professor Olive, a distinguished researcher in γ9δ2 T cells and BTNs, provided foundational understanding of BTN(L)s’ immunoregulatory properties. This insight underpins the company’s mission to develop innovative therapeutic antibodies.
ImCheck Therapeutics primarily targets patients with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies; candidates also show promise for autoimmune and infectious diseases. The company advances diverse programs engaging innate and adaptive immune responses. Its vision is to broaden immunotherapy's reach, addressing unmet medical needs.
ImCheck Therapeutics has raised $182.0M across 4 funding rounds.
ImCheck Therapeutics has raised $182.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
ImCheck Therapeutics has raised $182.0M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $100.0M Series C in June 2022.
ImCheck Therapeutics has raised $182.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
ImCheck Therapeutics's investors include Andera Partners, Earlybird Venture Capital, Atlas Venture, Bioqube Ventures, EQT Life Sciences, Forbion, Kurma Partners, Novartis Venture Fund, Pfizer Venture Investments, Pureos Bioventures, Sanofi Ventures, SR One.
ImCheck Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapeutics targeting the butyrophilin (BTN) and BTN-like (BTNL) superfamily of checkpoint molecules, primarily to activate gamma delta (γ9δ2) T cells for immuno-oncology applications in solid tumors and hematologic cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML).[1][2][5] Its lead candidate, ICT01, has shown durable responses and early overall survival signals in first-line AML, with the company advancing a broad pipeline also exploring autoimmune and infectious diseases; it serves cancer patients and was acquired by Ipsen in December 2025, expanding Ipsen's oncology portfolio.[1][3][4] With around 30 staff in France and backed by investors like Gimv, ImCheck progressed its first program to Phase I/II clinical trials, demonstrating strong growth momentum before integration into Ipsen.[2][3]
ImCheck Therapeutics was founded in 2015 as a spinout from the Paoli-Calmettes Cancer Institute in Marseille, France, leveraging pioneering research on γ9δ2 T cells and BTNs by scientific founder Prof. Daniel Olive, a renowned expert from INSERM, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, and Aix-Marseille University.[1][2] The idea emerged from Olive's work identifying BTN(L) targets that modulate immune cells, including tumor-associated macrophages, leading to antibody discovery platforms supported by EU funding (€717,000 via European Regional Development Fund).[1] Early traction included advancing the first BTN3A-targeting immuno-oncology program to the clinic in 2020, with investor Gimv joining to fuel clinical development.[2]
ImCheck rides the immuno-oncology wave, targeting unmet needs in γ9δ2 T cell activation amid rising demand for therapies beyond PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, especially in hematologic malignancies like AML where early survival signals are critical.[1][4][5] Timing aligns with maturing BTN biology insights and combo regimens (e.g., with LAG3/PDL1 inhibitors), fueled by market forces like oncology pipeline gaps and biopharma M&A—exemplified by Ipsen's acquisition to bolster its Oncology focus amid generic competition and R&D risks.[3] It influences the ecosystem by validating BTN(L) targets, inspiring spinouts from academic institutes, and partnering with investors like Gimv and groups like Blood Cancer United, accelerating blood cancer innovation.[2][6]
Post-acquisition by Ipsen, ImCheck's pipeline—led by ICT01 in AML and expanding to solid tumors—will likely advance faster through Phase II/III trials, leveraging Ipsen's global hubs and 100+ country reach.[3][4] Trends like combo immunotherapies and BTN(L) modulation in adaptive/innate immunity will shape its path, potentially yielding breakthroughs in hard-to-treat cancers. Its influence may evolve from agile biotech to integrated Ipsen asset, driving broader adoption of next-gen antibodies and redefining checkpoint modulation. This positions ImCheck as a key player in transforming immuno-oncology from its Marseille roots.[1][3]