Kahimmune Therapeutics has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Gustave Roussy and SATT Paris-Saclay to develop next-generation immuno-oncology therapies based on discoveries from the non-coding genome, often referred to as the dark genome.

The agreement supports the launch of Kahimmune as a newly created spin-off from Gustave Roussy and SATT Paris-Saclay. The company was established at the end of 2025 and is focused on developing cancer vaccines derived from tumour-specific antigens identified within non-coding regions of the genome.

Under the terms of the agreement, Kahimmune has secured exclusive rights to the core technology underpinning its Kahinomics platform, as well as the first neoantigens generated using the approach, known as Kahigens. The platform is designed to identify previously unexplored tumour-specific antigens originating from non-coding RNAs, which account for around 98% of human DNA but remain largely uncharacterised.

Interest in the non-coding genome has increased significantly in recent years, with advances in immunology and molecular biology highlighting its potential role in disease. Research in this area was recognised with the 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine, reflecting growing momentum around the field.

Kahimmune plans to use the licensed technology to develop shared mRNA cancer vaccines incorporating dark genome-derived neoantigens. These vaccines are intended to be used in combination with existing cancer treatments to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The company’s first vaccine candidate will target colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer, two indications associated with high unmet medical need and poor long-term survival rates.

Christophe Javaud, head of the technology transfer office at Gustave Roussy Transfert, said: “Creating Kahimmune further demonstrates our capacity to enhance the leading scientific work coming out of public cancer research.”

He added: “This approach is particularly innovative because it explores the cancer immunopeptidome in developing next-generation immuno-oncology therapies.”

The scientific foundation of Kahimmune’s platform is based on research led by Sébastien Apcher, a researcher at Inserm and group leader of the non-conventional epitopes cancer immune responses unit at Gustave Roussy. His work has focused on pioneer translation products, a previously underexplored source of antigens that contribute to anti-tumour immune responses.

SATT Paris-Saclay has supported the underlying research since 2017, providing funding and technology transfer expertise to help move the project towards commercial development. Kenza Belhaj, director of life sciences investments at SATT Paris-Saclay, said: “SATT Paris-Saclay is extremely proud of having funded and supported this immuno-oncology innovation project, which addresses a major clinical need, since 2017.”

She added: “The creation of the Kahimmune Therapeutics start-up marks a crucial step in furthering the development of this innovation and making it available to patients.”

According to global cancer statistics, colorectal cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, while pancreatic cancer continues to be associated with particularly poor outcomes. Incidence and mortality rates for both cancers are projected to increase substantially by 2050.

Philippe Villain-Guillot, founder and chief executive officer of Kahimmune Therapeutics, said: “Kahimmune targets cancers that are unfortunately extremely common, aggressive and fast growing.”

He added: “The exclusive transfer agreement with Gustave Roussy and SATT Paris-Saclay enables us to enter this market with solid R&D assets and a significant competitive advantage.”

Kahimmune said a seed funding round is currently underway. Longer term, the company plans to license assets from its pipeline or establish partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies interested in its approach to dark genome-driven immuno-oncology.