To develop even more precise compounds that make treatments more effective and reduce the psychological strain on patients due to a reduction in side effects – that’s the aspiration of the Freiburg company EMUNO Therapeutics GmbH. Behind the start-up, a spin-off of the University of Freiburg and the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, are the pharmacist Dr. Emilia Neuwirt and Prof. Dr. Olaf Groß, professor of experimental neuropathology at the Faculty of Medicine and group leader at the Institute of Neuropathology of the Medical Center – University of Freiburg. Neuwirt was a doctoral candidate in Groß’s research group at the Cluster of Excellence CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies from 2017 to 2023.

In her dissertation project, the scientist searched for suitable compounds to achieve a better understanding of the signalling paths of immune cells. It became apparent only gradually that this project would lead to a patent filing and the founding of a company, says Neuwirt. Initially, the question was what would happen with the patent application she  filed via the University of Freiburg while working on her doctorate: ‘We developed the compound EMT-224 and had it patented for clinical applications, because we saw its potential to support the human immune system during the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. At the end of my doctorate, we decided to use the property right ourselves.’ The University granted us the exclusive licence for it. Among other things, EMUNO is currently working on developing EMT-224 into a clinical application – successfully: The European Commission is supporting the further development of the compound with an EIC Transition Grant worth approximately 2.5 million euros.

Personal growth and development as an entrepreneur

Neuwirt sees her freedom as an entrepreneur as being closely linked to her position as a CIBSS postdoctoral researcher. For example, this made it possible for her to participate in programmes for early career researchers, such as the CIBSS Launchpad Programme for Postdoctoral Researchers, ‘kite mentoring’, and ‘CORA Coaching’. ‘I was able to profit from both opportunities: furthering my personal growth and developing my leadership skills’, says the young entrepreneur, who also attended several seminars and training courses offered by the University’s Founders’ Office – including a business plan course. The staff of the Founders’ Office also provided Neuwirt and Groß guidance on the formalities of founding a company. ‘We approached them with our questions on our own initiative, and that led to a productive working relationship. The team informed us regularly about funding programmes, events, and offers that could be suitable for us and found valuable contacts for us in their local and national start-up and entrepreneurial network’, says Neuwirt in retrospect.

“We support, advise, and guide students, graduates, and academics of all career stages who approach us with a business idea.“ Dr. Thurid Gspann, Director of ZFT

The Founders’ Office is part of the University of Freiburg’s Technology Transfer Office (ZFT), which serves as an interface between research and business in various ways. ‘We support, advise, and guide students, graduates, and academics of all career stages who approach us with a business idea. We’re particularly pleased when innovative research projects lead to viable business models, as in the case of EMUNO’, says Dr. Thurid Gspann, director of ZFT.

The goal: Combining science and industry

With its rooms rented at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, EMUNO profits from being able to use infrastructure already available on location. In addition, the start-up is still closely connected to the University of Freiburg and its scientific institutions. Neuwirt, still affiliated with CIBSS as a member of Groß’s research group, emphasizes that with EMUNO, she ‘can still maintain scientific contact with academic research and be a connecting link between research and industry’. As an interdisciplinary research facility – and one that is also located in the tri-border region close to the pharmaceutical hub Basel – the University offers ‘excellent possibilities for collaboration – even beyond your own bubble’.

CIBSS profile Prof. Dr. Olaf Groß

CIBSS profile Dr. Emilia Neuwirt

Original press release University Freiburg