⏱ 1 min 30 read
Background
Release Therapeutics is a privately held Geneva company working at the crossroads of biotechnology and medical technology. Its platform stems from research at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and Geneva University Hospitals (HUG).
The key points
A research project bringing together Release Therapeutics, HUG and UNIGE received the 2026 Rocket Innovation Award in the disruptive innovation category. The award was presented on 15 October at the 20th HUG Innovation Day.
The project focuses on cell encapsulation to deliver therapeutic proteins to the central nervous system. It was presented by Rémi Vernet, scientific officer in the Department of Medicine at UNIGE.
Key figures
- Duration of protein delivery observed in preclinical studies: more than ten months.
- Duration of the Innosuisse-funded project on Sanfilippo syndrome: 24 months.
- Therapeutic programmes under way: two.
What it means for businesses
The platform combines engineered human myoblasts and a pin-sized implant, the Myo-Pod. The Myo-P5A programme targets Sanfilippo syndrome type IIIA, an ultra-rare paediatric disease. The lead Myo-P4 programme targets metachromatic leukodystrophy, with the Paris Brain Institute.
Who says what
Professor Nicolas Mach, co-founder and chief scientific officer, sees the award as recognition of the technology's potential. He wants to advance the lead indications and explore other neurological diseases.
What's next
The Innosuisse-funded project aims to establish preclinical proof of concept for a subcutaneous implant. The goal is sustained exposure of the central nervous system to the therapeutic enzyme.
Further reading
Sources
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