BiPER Therapeutics has raised €1 million ($1.16M) to support the development of its first-in-class BiP inhibitor BPR001-615 and the launch of an AI-powered research and development centre. The funding comes from several sources, including a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) investment from MEDIN Fund Management Company, a tranche from Regional France 2030 managed by Bpifrance, and a loan.

The company said the funds will allow it to complete ongoing toxicology studies, secure CMC (Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls) of BPR001-615, and strengthen its AI-based R&D capabilities. These resources are intended to accelerate internal drug discovery, preclinical development, and the preparation of a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) for BPR001-615 in Q1 2026, marking a key milestone for current and prospective Series A investors.

Mehdi Chelbi, chief executive officer of BiPER Tx, said: “We are thrilled to obtain this funding to further preparations for our phase 1/2a clinical trial of BPR001-615, which is right on track, and to de-risk the investment opportunity of our open Series A. We welcome MEDIN Fund Management Company as a strategic partner in this next phase, which will see the launch of a new AI-powered R&D center in Tunisia. BiPER is excited by the opportunities these enhanced R&D capabilities will deliver in advancing our pipeline and strengthening the development of our drug candidate, BPR001-615, whose very good safety profile and broad therapeutic window in the ongoing toxicology studies are confirmed.”

BPR001-615 is a selective inhibitor of BiP (GRP78), a protein critical to cancer cell survival and resistance. The compound is being developed as an oral therapy for patients with gastrointestinal cancers that overexpress BiP, representing more than 50% of cases. According to the company, BPR001-615 has demonstrated efficacy both as a monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapies and immunotherapies, acting by inducing unresolved Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress to selectively kill tumour cells.

Noomane Fehri, managing partner at MEDIN Fund Management Company, said: “We are pleased to support the BiPER team during this key phase of its development. Its innovative science, strategic vision and team leadership were key factors in our decision to invest, as well as its potential to address a broad patient population in multiple indications with a promising molecule.”

The company also highlighted that its AI-powered R&D centre will accelerate additional oncology and non-oncology programmes and optimise the clinical development of BPR001-615. Gastric cancer, the fifth most common cancer worldwide, remains associated with significant unmet medical need despite advances in immunotherapy, creating a potential opportunity for novel therapies such as BPR001-615.