Belgium-based biotech startup Quidditas has raised €2.62 million to fast-track its next-generation genome editing platform. While CRISPR has paved the way for genetic medicine, it still struggles with key limitations—like low precision, poor efficiency, and difficulty handling large DNA segments. That’s where Quidditas comes in, offering a more advanced solution that could reshape how we approach gene therapy.
At the heart of its innovation is a technology called GREAT. Unlike traditional tools, this platform gives scientists full control over where and how DNA or RNA is edited. It can cut and replace any length of genetic material, making it possible to swap out entire genes or exons with high precision. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for treating rare and complex genetic diseases—conditions current tools often can’t fix.
Funding Fuels Growth and Research
The funding round was led by French investment firm iXLife Capital, which contributed €900,000. Other participants included Key Ventures, several business angels, and a major €1.72 million public grant from Belgium’s Win4Company program. This mix of private and public support is a strong vote of confidence in Quidditas’ vision.
With the new funding, the company plans to expand its research team and scale development. The goal is to not only treat genetic diseases but also apply the technology in areas like protein production and stem cell therapy. These broader applications could bring transformative benefits to healthcare and biotechnology.
A Founding Vision to Cure From the Start
Quidditas was founded in 2022 by two molecular geneticists—Dr. François Cherbonneau and Dr. Aurore Prunevieille. Both bring years of experience from top institutions like Paris’s Saint-Louis Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Their mission is clear: to create a tool that fixes the root causes of disease, not just the symptoms.
Rather than improve on CRISPR, they’ve built something entirely different. The GREAT platform doesn’t just snip DNA—it rewrites it with unmatched control. This means researchers can replace faulty sequences with healthy ones without size limitations, leading to more reliable and long-lasting results.
A New Era for Genome Editing
According to Dr. Cherbonneau, the future of medicine depends on tools that are both powerful and adaptable. “We’re developing a solution that moves beyond what’s currently possible,” he said. “With GREAT, we can finally target complex diseases that current genome editing tools can’t handle.”
The platform is also flexible enough to be used in other biotech areas. Whether it’s boosting protein bioproduction or advancing regenerative medicine, the potential is vast. As the company scales, it aims to work with hospitals, research labs, and industry partners to expand its impact.
Backing from Biotech Leaders
Dr. Jean-Pierre Kinet, Managing Partner at iXLife Capital and a former Harvard professor, sees enormous promise in Quidditas. “This is a leap forward for genome editing,” he said. “Their technology could unlock treatments for diseases that have been out of reach until now.”
Thanks to this €2.62 million boost, Quidditas is well-equipped to lead the next wave of innovation. Its platform could become a cornerstone of future therapies, helping patients who currently have no options and pushing the entire biotech field forward.
