Project
presentation
Marseille Immunology Biocluster: Europe's cluster of excellence
The Marseille Immunology Biocluster is anchored in the heart of the dynamic Aix-Marseille region.
Marseille Immunology Biocluster is at the heart of the region’s dynamic development.
Today one of the most promising initiatives in the field of immunology in France, MIB is committed to promoting France’s international reputation.
Thanks to collaboration between academia, hospitals, industry, local authorities and the public sector, MIB benefits from a rich and diversified environment of excellence, accelerating the transition from fundamental research to clinical applications.
This alliance between academic knowledge and entrepreneurial dynamism is at the heart of MIB’s philosophy to create a one-stop-shop in the field of immunology, offering an integrated platform for research, innovation, and commercial and economic development.
The creation of the Marseille Immunology Biocluster marks a major turning point in the strengthening of immunology research in France, by concentrating expertise, innovation, resources and collaboration in Marseille.
MIB positions the region as a patient-focused center of excellence in the fight against infectious, autoimmune, oncological and inflammatory diseases.
It enhances the region’s scientific and economic appeal, and contributes to the international reputation of French research.
Marseille Immunology Biocluster: a catalyst for innovation
Immunology plays a central role in the pathogenesis of cancer, chronic inflammation/autoimmune disorders (AIDs) and infectious diseases (IDs).
Over 40 years of public-private collaboration, Marseille has succeeded in building an entrepreneurial biotech ecosystem specialized in immunology. MIB is well placed to pave the way for the next wave of antibody-based immunotherapies for these diseases.
MIB will catalyze the development of a large-scale Boston ecosystem by bringing together key players (academic research institutes, hospitals, contract research organizations (CROs), biopharmaceutical companies) to accelerate the development of antibody-based drug candidates for cancer, inflammatory, autoimmune and infectious diseases, from target discovery to clinical proof of concept.
MIB can draw on world-class research institutes and major hospitals, a full range of academic platforms and commercial CROs offering a full range of services in antibody discovery and development.
MIB will be leveraging new clinical and technical resources as early as 2025:
- C2IT will bring together clinical and translational research in immuno-oncology and AID.
- A “bed-to-bench” approach with the B-SCREEN platform (B lymphocyte screening in IO, AID and ID)
- Two platforms dedicated to technological innovations in antibody formats: CellScale for CART and MabScale (AMU/AMIDEX) for antibody engineering.
- In partnership with immunology companies, launch of a structured immunological database and hybrid AI/disease mechanism modeling for clinical trial design.
- Existing imaging, extracellular vesicle production and microscopy platforms will also be supported.
For a first proof of concept, MIB has identified a list of clinically relevant molecular targets and target indications.
The ambition is to create an innovation cluster in immunology, connecting endogenous resources with other leading sites in basic, translational and clinical research with a process designed to facilitate the maturation of academic projects and provide industrial projects with access to relevant expertise and technology. A project review committee comprising experts from the biopharmaceutical industry and venture capitalists will select the most promising projects.
Strategic government support for France 2030
National recognition of the potential of this biocluster is strategic.
As part of the ambitious France 2030 plan, the French President has backed the Marseille Immunology Biocluster’s flagship project. Selected as one of the five winners of the France 2030 call for biocluster projects, MIB has been awarded public funding of €97 million over 10 years to kick-start its activities.
This financial support testifies to the authorities’ confidence in MIB’s ability to become a driver of innovation and a key player in the biotech sector.
MIB is a concrete example of the French government’s commitment to transforming basic research into concrete applications for the benefit of patients on an international scale.
A project for a healthier society
Accelerating immunology projects
MIB plays a crucial role in accelerating immunology projects by facilitating international collaboration.
Attracting and retaining talent
Aware of the importance of human capital in science, MIB is committed to retaining the talent already present in France, while attracting new international experts.
By promoting growth
MIB is committed to supporting the growth of biotech companies, as well as encouraging the emergence of new startups. This support takes the form of financing, mentoring and the creation of a network of opportunities.
