The butterfly – a symbol of hope for oncology patients – chosen as the emblem of Taveren Therapeutics, a new biotech company emerging from IOCB Prague

Dr. Kečkéšová’s interest was sparked by the fact that certain human tissues almost never develop cancer, leading her to ask how they resist such a deadly disease. In the cells of these tissues, she identified 87 proteins with strong tumor-suppressing potential (Keckesova et al. 2017, Nature). Several of these factors have since been studied in detail, and her team has been working to design therapeutic molecules that build on their biological mechanism.

“We started by examining tissues in which cancer is rare, such as the heart, muscles, and cartilage,” says Dr. Kečkéšová. “We discovered that these tissues contain factors that prevent cancer cells from settling there. Based on this, we identified new tumor suppressors and are now developing molecules that can activate their protective effect.”

The research team is currently working with three therapeutic compounds capable of reactivating one of these tumor suppressors, LACTB. The molecules were identified in collaboration with the laboratory of Prof. Michal Hocek at IOCB Prague and have since undergone extensive testing, from cell cultures to mouse models that mimic human tumors. The project is now approaching the final stages of preclinical evaluation and, if successful, the company will move forward with an application to begin clinical trials involving human patients.

“This story is a superb example of the connection between truly original basic research and a highly promising clinical application with the potential to lead to a new way of treating cancer,” says IOCB Prague Director Prof. Jan Konvalinka. “It’s another demonstration of how the combination of cutting-edge biology and innovative medicinal chemistry, characteristic of our institute, bears fruit. I’m proud that we can create an environment where this is possible. I wish Taveren every success.”

The first major private-sector support for Dr. Kečkéšová’s research came in 2018, when BTCZ Ventures, part of BPD Partners Group, invested EUR 1.75 million. In June 2023, the company and IOCB Prague signed a further agreement, this time for EUR 1 million. With the latest contribution to Taveren Therapeutics, the total investment from BPD Partners in this research has reached nearly EUR 4 million.

Founded by BPD Partners together with B3 Holding (owned by the Brůžek family), BTCZ Ventures is a company that invests in promising medical technology and biotechnology startups. Miroslav Tvrzník, Director of M&A and Renewable Energy at BPD Partners, explains why they chose this project: “Our company recognized the strong potential of Dr. Kečkéšová’s research immediately after her return from MIT to the Czech Republic. We’re very pleased that, in close cooperation with such an important institution as IOCB Prague, we’re supporting a project that could bring significant progress in the fight against one of the most serious diseases of our time. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Dr. Kečkéšová within the newly established company Taveren Therapeutics.”

Two additional Czech entities have already expressed interest in participating in the final stage of preclinical funding. The leadership of Taveren is also in discussions with US investors who could support subsequent clinical trials. The aim is to finance the first two phases of clinical testing independently with selected investors and venture capital and, at the appropriate time, establish a strategic partnership with a major pharmaceutical company.

Taveren Therapeutics will operate in a fully digital mode. All research and testing will be carried out by specialized contract laboratories providing end-to-end services. Dr. Kečkéšová expects this model to make the company flexible, efficient, cost-effective, and highly trustworthy in the eyes of regulatory authorities.