The Conthey-based biotechnology company will advance the preclinical and clinical validation of its lead candidate through collaborations with Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and HES-SO Valais-Wallis.

IBEX Therapeutics has secured CHF 640,000 in funding from Innosuisse to continue developing its topical treatment for oral mucositis, a painful complication associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Founded in Conthey in 2021, the company develops supportive therapies for oncology and oral diseases using plant extracts and probiotics.

Addressing a complication of cancer treatment

Oral mucositis causes painful inflammation and ulceration of the lining of the mouth. According to IBEX Therapeutics, it affects approximately 33,000 oncology patients in Switzerland and more than 780,000 across Europe each year.

The condition can interfere with eating and, in severe cases, disrupt cancer treatment. Effective therapeutic options remain limited.

IBEX Therapeutics’ candidate combines a proprietary extract of Epilobium lanceolatum, sourced from the Swiss Alps and rich in Oenothein B, with Aloe barbadensis. The formulation is being investigated for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, tissue-healing, bactericidal and antifungal properties.

Two complementary validation pathways

The Innosuisse-supported project brings together clinical and applied research capabilities.

In collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals, IBEX Therapeutics will generate clinical safety and efficacy data in patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. The study will monitor the development of oral mucositis during treatment.

HES-SO Valais-Wallis will lead the preclinical research component. Its work will examine the interaction between the formulation’s active ingredients, including their anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and antifungal effects and their potential contribution to restoring the oral microbiome.

The results from these two workstreams could also support an additional patent application.

“This funding from Innosuisse marks a turning point for IBEX Therapeutics,” said Pierre Morgon, CEO and co-founder. “It gives us the means to accelerate our development and generate the preclinical and clinical data expected by investors.”

Preparing the next development stage

Alongside the Innosuisse-supported project, IBEX Therapeutics is seeking an additional CHF 800,000 over the next two years. The company intends to use this funding to continue product development before entering into an agreement with a strategic partner for international distribution.

The project provides a concrete example of how a Valais-based biotechnology company can connect local applied research capabilities with specialist clinical expertise elsewhere in Switzerland.

➡️ Further information: IBEX Therapeutics
➡️ Related reading: Why Valais: a connected environment for Life Sciences scale-up and manufacturing