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From left to right, Oscar Martínez, Gisela Lorente, Nadia Pons and Adrian Torres / Photo: Aptadel
 11.02.2025

Aptadel Therapeutics and Little Warrior Foundation join forces in the fight against Ewing sarcoma

Aptadel Therapeutics, based in the Barcelona Science Park, receives support from the American Little Warrior Foundation with a financial injection of half a million dollars (480,000 euros) to strengthen its therapeutic program against Ewing sarcoma, a type of childhood tumour with low life expectancy that affects the bones and soft tissues.

The biotechnology company, a spinoff of the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and co-founded by the Fundación Alba Pérez, is dedicated to the development of preclinical drugs based on RNA technologies. It is currently working on the creation of its own state-of-the-art platform for the treatment of different types of cancer, with special attention to pediatric oncology.

RNA therapies in cancer treatment represent an innovative approach to specifically attack cancer cells without affecting healthy ones. In this line, Aptadel is developing a platform of conjugated RNA aptamers (ApDC) with anti-metastatic effect and intracellular transport of therapeutic agents. This mechanism allows preventing their propagation and, at the same time, improve the effectiveness of the released drug as well as reduce side effects.

The support of the Little Warrior Foundation shows its commitment to contribute to the fight against Ewing sarcoma by supporting the development of innovative solutions. This North American foundation seeks to improve therapeutic options and the quality of life of patients impacted by this rare disease. Its collaboration with Aptadel is part of this commitment, in a context in which childhood cancer is still one of the main causes of childhood mortality worldwide.

This alliance represents a strategic step for the startup, which is in the midst of attracting funding. This is the first investment by this foundation outside the United States, which has also shown its interest in joining the company’s shareholders. Since its creation in 2020, Aptadel Therapeutics has managed to raise 1.75 million euros in its first round of financing, and plans to close this year with a new investment of 1.5 million euros to continue developing its innovative therapeutic platform.

At the local level, Aptadel was one of the eleven companies selected to participate in the BCN Health Booster accelerator, an initiative promoted by the University of Barcelona Science Park and Barcelona City Council, with the support of Barcelona Activa and the collaboration of Biocat. This accelerator received an investment of 1 million euros as part of the Barcelona Science Plan 2020-2023.