Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for over a quarter of all cancer cases and more than a third of cancer-related deaths worldwide—a burden expected to rise sharply by 2040. Current standard-of-care treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are non-specific and often lead to severe side effects and treatment resistance. Immunotherapies have transformed cancer treatment by selectively targeting tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. However, for GI cancers, response rates remain exceptionally low—less than 3% of patients benefit from existing immunotherapies.
A key challenge is the dysfunction or absence of dendritic cells (DCs), which are essential for initiating an effective immune response. There is a pressing need for innovative technologies that can directly and selectively deliver cancer antigens and immune modulators to DCs in vivo—safely, efficiently, and at scale.
With TNM, we will develop a fully synthetic, nano-immunotherapy that activates the patient’s immune system in vivo by targeting and restoring dendritic cell (DC) function—without the need for ex vivo manipulation.
TNM is a biodegradable nanoparticle platform designed to deliver cancer-specific antigens and immune modulators directly to DCs, enabling precise T-cell activation and strong anti-tumour responses. Both cellular and humoral immunity are activated.
To achieve this, we use multivalent nanoparticles that mimic cancer cells, loaded with immunogenic peptides and regulators of DC phenotype (e.g., PD-L1, TGF-β). TNM-101, our first product, targets Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 5-positive (CECAM5+) tumours—the most common GI cancers—using tumour-specific transcriptional signatures to
trigger immune memory and tumour destruction with minimal systemic toxicity. Indeed, we indetified circulating T cells that bind to it in patients’ blood, showing its potential as a potent
immune related target.
Targeted precision
TIMNano’s nanoparticles are engineered to deliver immune activatorsspecifically to dendritic cells, minimizing off-target effects and maximizing anti-tumor immune activation directly at the lymphatic hubs
Unlike many immunotherapies that act on one arm of the
immune system, TIMNano simultaneously boosts T cells and B cells, inducing long-lived memory responses and high-affinity antibody production — critical for relapse prevention.
Unlike short-acting therapies, TIMNano induces memory T and B cells, potentially leading to long-term remission and fewer relapses — reducing the need for repeated interventions.
Tel Aviv University (TAU) is the largest, most comprehensive and most dynamic research and teaching institution in Israel, offering the country’s most diversified range of study and research fields. Located at the heart of Israel’s economic, technological and cultural center, TAU is proud of its liberal and pluralistic spirit. The vision of the University is to become a world-leading research university and the top one in Israel. TAU’s mission is similar to that of other leading universities: To promote research of the highest level and to equip tens of thousands of students annually with academic knowledge and critical thinking skills. The University also aims to influence society in Israel and globally in spheres including industry, culture and education.
From these goals, the University has formulated six strategic priorities that it seeks to advance: breakthrough research, innovative learning, international collaboration, multidisciplinary research & teaching, ties with industry and society, and equality & diversity.
The Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon (FFUL) is an institution engaged in teaching, research, and the dissemination of culture, science, and technology, in particular in the domain of the Pharmaceutical Sciences and their associated occupational fields. FFUL’s mission is to promote training in professional skills of a broad spectrum, within the field of pharmaceutical sciences, in line with advances in science and with society’s demands, developing and training leadership and entrepreneurship skills in the field of Education, Professional Practice, and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies.
Day One is a Startup Studio committed to transforming breakthrough academic research into market-ready solutions. Its mission is to guide researchers through a structured, enterprise-style product development process and to support the creation of startup ventures that bring scientific innovations to market.
As a key consortium partner, Day One plays a central role in shaping a viable business model, leading the formulation of a comprehensive business plan, and defining a clear path to market entry.
Day One leads Work Package 4, which focuses on pre-commercialization activities. This includes strategic communication, dissemination of project outcomes, and the development of an intellectual property (IP) strategy. Their responsibilities involve conducting thorough market analysis, engaging relevant stakeholders, and designing go-to-market and development roadmaps. Additionally, they oversee the identification, protection, and management of IP assets to support future commercialization efforts.”
