Developing mRNA cancer therapies targeting hidden tumour antigens
Cancer immunotherapy delivers lasting benefit to only a subset of patients. Its effectiveness depends on the antigens displayed by tumour cells, yet most antigen discovery focuses on protein-coding mutations, overlooking potential targets elsewhere in the genome.
Kahimmune Therapeutics is developing mRNA therapies using tumour antigens discovered beyond conventional protein-coding genes. Its lead programme, KAH-001, targets metastatic colorectal cancer in combination with existing treatments.
What stands out about Kahimmune Therapeutics
Secured an exclusive licence from Gustave Roussy and SATT Paris-Saclay for its core discovery technology and initial neoantigens in 2026.
Demonstrated ex vivo activation of patient-derived CD8+ T cells by antigens identified in colorectal tumour biopsies in its founding research project.
Signed a 2026 research agreement with Gustave Roussy, providing access to patient samples to select antigens for KAH-001.
Received €90,000 from France 2030 and Bpifrance for research with Gustave Roussy, plus a €100,000 seed loan to develop its Kahinomics platform in 2026.
Spun out of Gustave Roussy in November 2025 to develop mRNA cancer immunotherapies.
Co-founded by Inserm researcher Sébastien Apcher, who has investigated the antigen model underpinning its platform for over 15 years.
Joined the Paris-Saclay Cancer Cluster BOOST programme in 2026 to support development of its oncology therapies.
Selected for Impulse's 2025–2027 incubation cohort to develop its cancer immunotherapy business.
Co-founded by Philippe Villain-Guillot, who founded antimicrobial drug developer Nosopharm in 2009 and led it until 2024.
Co-founder Sébastien Apcher won the French National Academy of Medicine’s 2017 Cancer Prize for research on mRNA translation and antigen presentation.
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