BEYOND COMPLEMENT
Dual-mechanism Antibodies to Harness C1q’s Central Role in Neuroinflammatory Diseases
Montis: beyond complement
Montis Biosciences is a biotechnology company developing next-generation therapeutics that harness the dual biology of complement C1q by simultaneously targeting the complement and myeloid axes, two fundamental drivers of autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases.
The company’s pipeline targets neuroinflammatory diseases, with a lead program in Guillain-Barré syndrome, a debilitating autoimmune neuropathy, that is driven by complement and macrophage activation. In parallel, the company is progressing its antibodies in other autoimmune, neurodegenerative and ophthalmic diseases, where both C1q-driven mechanisms are increasingly recognized as key contributors to disease onset and progression.
Montis Biosciences is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and is supported by a world-class investor syndicate including DROIA Ventures, Pfizer Ventures, Polaris Innovation Fund, ALSA Ventures and VIB.
Mission & Values
Our mission is to improve the lives of patients by developing groundbreaking therapeutics for inflammation-driven autoimmune diseases, CNS disorders and ocular diseases.
Our talented and dedicated team of scientists and professionals is continuously pushing the boundaries of scientific innovation, guided by our unwavering commitment to patients. We uphold the highest standards of quality and ethics and strive for excellence in every aspect of our work. We embrace change and challenge conventional thinking. Our diverse team, encompassing a wealth of backgrounds and perspectives, fosters a collaborative environment where individuals can thrive and be their authentic selves.
Leadership team
Federico Grossi
Clinical Advisor & Acting CMO
Carol Walton
BD Advisor
Beatriz Goyenechea
Antibody Advisor
Kunal Bhatia
BD Advisor
Board of directors
Investors
Our Science
Montis’ lead program focuses on modulating the multifaceted roles of C1q, the activator of the classical complement pathway and a key immune system mediator in neuroinflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
Unlike existing classical complement targeting approaches that focus on blocking the classical complement pathway, Montis has discovered novel anti-C1q antibodies, capable of both modulating C1q’s complement-independent functions and inhibiting the classical complement cascade. These antibodies hold the potential to offer a paradigm shift in the complement field and to revolutionize treatments for certain neurodegenerative diseases and autoimmune neuropathies. Based on extensive in vitro end in vivo evaluation, Montis has selected potent its lead candidates and is working to advance them to IND enabling work and clinical evaluation in diseases of high unmet medical need.
Montis’ second program focuses on inhibiting CD93, a novel perivascular target, in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). A potent drug candidate was selected, holding best-in-class potential in this inflammation-driven and underserved oncology indication. Montis plans to partner this promising asset.
Pipeline
Scientific founders & advisors
- Professor at Faculty of Medecine, KU Leuven
- Distinguished expert on endothelial cell biology
- Professor at Faculty of Medecine, KU Leuven
- Expert of macrophages and tumor immunity
Tom Eirik Mollness, MD, PhD
- Professor at the University of Oslo, leading the Norwegian Complement Research Group
- Specialized in the role of complement in human disease
Thomas Sharp, PhD
- Associate Professor at University of Bristol
- Specialized in visualising complement activation
Andrea Tenner, PhD
- Professor at University of California, Irvine
- Specialized in the role of the complement system in neurodegenerative
Mohamed Daha, PhD
- Emeritus Professor of Immunology at UMC Leiden
- Specialized in the role of complement in innate- and autoimmunity
Bart De Strooper, MD, PhD
- Professor of Medecine at KU Leuven and UK Dementia Research Institute
- Distinguished expert in Alzheimer disease
Koen Poesen, PhD
- Professor at Faculty of Medicine KU Leuven
- Expert in lab diagnostics and biomarkers for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases
Luis Querol, MD, PhD
- Professor of Medicine at the Autonomous University of Barcelona
- Expert in autoimmune neuropathies
Careers
Montis Biosciences is a young innovative biotech company based just outside Leuven, Belgium.
We are committed to developing cutting-edge therapies for the treatment of serious diseases and we want to make a positive impact on the lives of patients around the world.
Montis Biosciences creates a collaborative and supportive environment where employees are empowered to reach their full potential. We value teamwork, innovation and creativity and we are committed to fostering a culture of respect, diversity, inclusion and open communication.
Current career opportunities
There are no open positions for the moment, but feel free to send your spontaneous application to info@montisbio.com.
Contact
Montis Biosciences
Arenberg Bio-Accelerator
Gaston Geenslaan 3
3001 Leuven
Belgium