Quidditas gains €2.62M to drive development of advanced genome editing technology

Current genome editing technologies like CRISPR have transformed the field, but they still face significant challenges in efficiency, specificity, standardisation, and the size of DNA sequences they can manipulate. These limitations restrict their use in treating complex or rare genetic diseases and broader biotechnological applications. Quidditas addresses these challenges with its innovative genome editing platform, GREAT technology, which enables fully controlled, precise genetic recombination of nucleic acids of any length at any genomic location, allowing the replacement of entire genes or exons and overcoming existing technical barriers.
Today, Quidditas Therapeutics, a biotechnology firm specialising in genome editing, announces securing €2.62M in funding to accelerate the development of its pioneering technology. French biotech-focused fund iXLife Capital led the round with a €900K contribution, supported by VC group Key Ventures, family businesses, and business angels. The investment includes a €1.72M grant from the Ministry of Research in Wallonia through the Win4Company program, supporting innovative companies in Belgium’s Walloon region.
This funding will enable Quidditas to expand its research capacity, strengthen its R&D efforts, and scale up its unique genome editing technology for treating complex and rare diseases. The company also aims to explore new avenues in protein bioproduction and stem cell research, broadening its technology’s impact across multiple biomedical fields.
Headquartered in Liège, Belgium, Quidditas was founded in December 2022 byFrançois Cherbonneau, PhD, M.Eng, andAurore Prunevieille, PhD, M.Eng, two biotechnologists with experience at leading institutions including Paris Saint-Louis Hospital (France) and Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School (US).
Their doctoral research focused on molecular genetics and immunology, and together they bring over a decade of experience in biotherapy and biotechnology. Their vision to “cure from the beginning” drives the development of therapeutic solutions that overcome current genome editing tools’ limitations in standardisation and scope.
Quidditas’ GREAT technology represents a novel approach rather than building on existing genetic tools. It can cut any single or double-stranded nucleic acid (RNA or DNA) and paste any length of nucleic acid anywhere in the genome with full control. This enables complete gene or exon replacement through excision of selected sequences and insertion of new, double-stranded sequences, creating precise gene recombination while bypassing current technical limitations. This multifunctional and adaptable technology places Quidditas at the forefront of next-generation genome editing.
Quidditas aims to revolutionise gene therapy by enabling substantial, targeted genetic modifications that can create previously impossible treatments. This breakthrough method could address complex rare diseases through gene therapy while opening new possibilities in bioproduction, stem cell research, and other biomedical fields.
“Genome editing holds immense promise, especially in treating rare and complex genetic disorders. At Quidditas, our goal is to push the boundaries of what’s possible by developing a precise and adaptable solution that can address critical medical needs,” said François Cherbonneau, CEO and co-founder of Quidditas. “We are grateful for the investors backing us, bringing us one step closer to realising our vision of transforming healthcare through genomic medicine. We would also like to thank the Walloon region for its support, as this grant will help reinforce Belgium’s role as a key player in European biotech innovation and bioproduction.”
While CRISPR has introduced new ways to treat genetic diseases, its large-scale use remains limited by technical challenges in efficiency, specificity, and DNA recombination size. Quidditas’ technology bridges this gap, advancing gene therapy by enabling precise excision and insertion of nucleic acids of any length, allowing complete gene or exon replacement with full control.
Quidditas is a biotechnology company developing a precise and adaptable genome editing platform with applications in gene therapy, protein bioproduction, and regenerative medicine. With its commitment to innovation and scientific excellence, Quidditas aims to collaborate with leading researchers, healthcare providers, and industry partners to advance the next generation of genomic medicine.
“iXLife is committed to backing companies capable of revolutionising the biotech space,” saidJean-Pierre Kinet, MD, managing partner at iXLife Capital, renowned immunologist and Emeritus Professor at Harvard Medical School. “Quidditas’ genome editing technology represents a transformative leap forward in the field, with the potential to address some of the most challenging diseases. We are excited to support its mission to bring impactful solutions to patients in need.”
With the combined support of leading investors and public funding, Quidditas is poised to make major advances in genome editing, bring life-changing treatments to patients with rare genetic disorders, and expand applications in biotechnological processes.