It marks a major milestone for collaborative research and medical innovation: the agreement establishing the NVDIAG Joint Laboratory (LabCom) has been officially signed. Supported by the French National Research Agency (ANR) and the Sud-Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, NVDIAG unites the forces of LISM (AMU/CNRS) and the company BioCytex (Stago Group).

The goal? To transform blood cancer diagnosis through a disruptive scientific approach using extracellular vesicles.

Why NVDIAG? Overcoming current limitations

Today, the majority of medical markers are proteins located on the cell surface (membrane proteins). However, traditional antibodies are often produced from fragments of « soluble » proteins that do not reflect their natural conformation in the human body. This can lead to inaccurate diagnostic test results.

NVDIAG’s approach is a game-changer. By using extracellular vesicles (tiny spheres of roughly 100 nm) as platforms, the LabCom succeeds in presenting these proteins in their actual physiological state.

Nano-antibodies (VHH) for unprecedented precision

This technology makes it possible to generate camelid nano-antibodies (VHH) capable of recognizing targets that were previously masked or distorted. These next-generation tools will radically improve the quality of flow cytometry and ELISA tests.

Our strategic focus areas:

  • Multiple Myeloma: Development of companion diagnostic tests targeting CD38, capable of functioning even in patients undergoing treatment (Daratumumab/Isatuximab).

  • Acute Leukemias: Optimization of diagnostics for CD19 (ALL) and CD33 (AML) targets.

  • Bernard-Soulier Syndrome: Creation of complex differential diagnostics (CD42a/CD42b targets).

Combining public excellence and industrial expertise

Under the scientific direction of Alain Roussel (LISM) and the industrial expertise of Maxime Moulard (BioCytex), NVDIAG embodies a solid bridge between fundamental research and the medical market.

« This LabCom represents our shared commitment to transforming scientific innovation into concrete solutions for patients, addressing unmet needs in hemostasis and oncology. »

By combining LISM’s know-how in structural engineering and BioCytex’s 30 years of experience in the commercialization of diagnostic kits, NVDIAG is already establishing itself as a key player in the future of personalized medicine.

Read the press release
Photo credits: CNRS Délégation Provence et Corse

(Version en français)

C’est une étape majeure pour la recherche partenariale et l’innovation médicale : la convention de création du Laboratoire Commun (LabCom) NVDIAG a été officiellement signée. Soutenu par l’Agence nationale de la recherche (ANR) et la Région Sud-Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, NVDIAG unit les forces du LISM (AMU/CNRS) et de la société BioCytex (Groupe Stago).

L’objectif ? Transformer le diagnostic des cancers du sang grâce à une approche scientifique disruptive utilisant des vésicules extracellulaires.

Pourquoi NVDIAG ? Dépasser les limites actuelles

Aujourd’hui, la majorité des marqueurs médicaux sont des protéines situées à la surface des cellules (protéines membranaires). Cependant, les anticorps classiques sont souvent produits à partir de fragments de protéines « solubles » qui ne reflètent pas leur forme naturelle dans le corps humain. Cela peut fausser les résultats des tests diagnostiques.

L’approche de NVDIAG change la donne. En utilisant des vésicules extracellulaires (de minuscules sphères de 100 nm) comme plateformes, le LabCom parvient à présenter ces protéines dans leur état physiologique réel.

Des nano-anticorps (VHH) pour une précision inédite

Cette technologie permet de générer des nano-anticorps de camélidés (VHH) capables de reconnaître des cibles jusqu’ici masquées ou déformées. Ces outils de nouvelle génération permettront d’améliorer radicalement la qualité des tests de cytométrie en flux et ELISA.

Nos axes stratégiques :

  • Myélome multiple : Développement de tests compagnons ciblant CD38, capables de fonctionner même chez les patients sous traitement (Daratumumab/Isatuximab).
  • Leucémies aiguës : Optimisation du diagnostic pour les cibles CD19 (LAL) et CD33 (LAM).
  • Syndrome de Bernard-Soulier : Création de diagnostics différentiels complexes (cibles CD42a/CD42b).

L’alliance de l’excellence publique et de l’expertise industrielle

Sous la direction scientifique d’Alain Roussel (LISM) et l’expertise industrielle de Maxime Moulard (BioCytex), NVDIAG incarne un pont solide entre la recherche fondamentale et le marché médical.

« Ce LabCom représente notre volonté commune de transformer l’innovation scientifique en solutions concrètes pour les patients, en répondant à des besoins non satisfaits en hémostase et en oncologie. »

En combinant le savoir-faire en ingénierie structurale du LISM et les 30 ans d’expérience de BioCytex dans la commercialisation de kits de diagnostic, NVDIAG s’impose déjà comme un acteur clé du futur de la médecine personnalisée.

Lire le communiqué de presse

Crédits photo CNRS Délégation Provence et Corse

Last October, Alain Roussel had the pleasure of presenting our latest work on the characterization of complex molecular interactions.

The challenge: « Seeing » the infinitely small on giant structures

Characterizing the interaction kinetics between small Nanobodies (15 kDa) and Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) of 100 nm, which weigh several million Daltons, represents a significant technical challenge for Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI).

Thanks to the increased sensitivity of the new Octet® R8e system, our teams have reached a decisive milestone:

  • Unrivaled sensitivity: Detection of kinetic signals previously inaccessible, particularly for the #MUC1 and #CD38 projects.
  • Native environment: Analysis of membrane proteins in their natural biological context, ensuring optimal stability and folding.
  • Methodological innovation: Validation of an innovative « multi-layer » approach using an ALFA-tag anchor to stabilize vesicles on the sensors.

A big thank you to Sartorius for the invitation and the high-quality exchanges during this event!

Check out our poster here

The NVDIAG team participated in the annual congress of the French Association of Cytometry (AFC), held from December 17 to 19, 2024, at the Palais du Pharo in Marseille. On this occasion, Cléa Vessière presented a poster entitled « Innovative nano-antibodies for a new generation of diagnostic tests to monitor CD38 in multiple myeloma », highlighting innovative approaches for multiple myeloma monitoring. This congress, bringing together experts and young researchers to discuss advances in cytometry and biomedical research, provided a valuable opportunity for exchanges on cutting-edge technologies and current scientific challenges.

Check out our poster here

In June 2024, representatives from we had the opportunity to participate in the 12th Antibody Industrial Symposium 2024 (AIS2024), a leading conference for scientists, industry professionals, physicians, and policymakers. This event served as the ideal platform to discuss cutting-edge topics in therapeutic antibodies, recombinant proteins, and cellular immunotherapy, from research and development to clinical application.

During the symposium, we engaged in valuable exchanges with experts from across the globe, sharing insights and exploring the latest advancements in the field. Their participation highlighted the LabCom’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and collaboration within the biotechnology and healthcare sectors.

We are proud of the team’s contributions and look forward to the continued advancements and partnerships resulting from this exciting event.

More info about the 12th Annual AIS Conference