Spaatz Genetic Research and Pterois Labs
Pterois Therapeutics

Innovating Therapies Transforming Lives

Turning nature’s secrets into hope.

Get Started Our Science
Species
Pterois volitans (lionfish)
Target
Venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2)
Field
Marine-derived oncology
Native range Invaded range Spread routes

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Marine biodiversity

Turning nature’s secrets into hope.

Covering more than 70% of our planet’s surface, the oceans are home to an immense and largely unexplored biodiversity, including bacteria, algae, sponges, corals, mollusks, and countless other organisms.

Many of these life forms thrive in extreme environments (intense pressure, temperature variations, or high salinity) and, in doing so, produce unique bioactive molecules essential for their survival. These molecules hold tremendous potential for innovation in biotechnology and medicine.

An invasive species

A threat to coral reefs, a resource for medicine.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, the lionfish has no natural predator in the waters it has invaded. It is now established from the US Atlantic coast to the Caribbean and has spread into the eastern Mediterranean since the mid-2010s. Every fish we use is one less predator on a fragile reef.

2M+

eggs released per female each year

4days

between two spawns, all year round

90%

fewer prey fish on heavily invaded reefs

US Atlantic coastCaribbeanGulf of MexicoEastern Mediterranean

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science; Wageningen University & Research (2024).

Pterois volitans
Pterois volitans, order Scorpaeniformes. Venomous dorsal, pelvic and anal spines.
Our science

From the depths of the ocean to the clinic.

01

Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment from the Depths of the Ocean

Pterois Therapeutics is a pioneering marine biotechnology company harnessing the untapped potential of the ocean’s biodiversity to fight cancer. Our breakthrough research focuses on bioactive molecules derived from the venom of Pterois volitans (lionfish), a unique natural source of highly selective, potent therapeutic agents. By transforming a harmful invasive species into a medical resource, we turn a global ecological challenge into a life-saving opportunity.

02

Next-Generation Therapies with Unmatched Selectivity

Our proprietary extraction and purification technologies enable the isolation of phospholipase A2 enzymes with remarkable anticancer activity and high therapeutic indices (Patent Pending). These bioactive proteins target tumor cells with precision, triggering apoptosis while sparing healthy tissues. This innovative mechanism of action opens new therapeutic pathways for drug-resistant cancers and delivers hope to patients with limited treatment options.

03

From Natural Venom to Advanced Biopharmaceuticals

Pterois Therapeutics is at the forefront of translational oncology. Our pipeline spans natural venom-derived compounds, recombinant protein production, and next-generation mRNA therapeutics, all based on the same powerful biological mechanism. Each platform is designed to accelerate drug development, enhance safety, and enable personalized cancer therapies that can adapt to evolving clinical needs.

04

Sustainability Meets Innovation

Our mission goes beyond medicine. By valorizing an invasive marine species, we contribute to the restoration of fragile coral ecosystems while creating economic value for coastal communities. This dual impact, environmental and medical, reflects our commitment to sustainable innovation and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on health, life below water, and innovation.

MARISM // ENDO-SYSvariant selection
Antibody conjugatemAb + PLA2 variant
Tumor cellantigen present
Healthy cellno antigen, no binding
Binding

Schematic representation. The antibody-conjugate route is exploratory research, not an approved treatment.

Mechanism of action

Precision at the cell membrane.

1

Selection and targeting

Out of millions of possible sequences, MARISM narrows the field to one optimised PLA2 variant. Coupled to a monoclonal antibody, it is carried to the tumor antigen and binds there, and only there.

2

Hydrolysis

Held against the membrane, the variant cleaves its phospholipids. The bilayer loses its integrity exactly where the antibody bound.

3

Apoptosis

The tumor cell enters programmed cell death. A healthy cell, carrying no target antigen, is never bound and stays intact.

From reef to molecule

Our process in five steps.

01

Sustainable sourcing

Lionfish removed from invaded Caribbean reefs by authorised fishers.

02

Venom extraction

Venom collected from the spines under a controlled cold chain.

03

Purification

A proprietary multi-step process isolates the PLA2 fraction.

04

Characterisation

Activity assays, electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and sequencing.

05

Applications

Oncology, rheumatology, neurodegenerative diseases and cosmetics.

About us

From the sea to new medicines.

Pterois Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative therapies inspired by the extraordinary biodiversity of the oceans. Our research focuses on marine organisms living in extreme environments, capable of producing unique bioactive molecules with exceptional therapeutic potential.

We are currently advancing a pipeline of novel compounds targeting cancer and other severe diseases, leveraging cutting-edge extraction, purification, and drug development technologies. By bridging marine science and biotechnology, we aim to unlock nature’s hidden potential and transform it into life-saving treatments.

With strong international collaborations and five patent applications already filed, Pterois Therapeutics is positioning itself at the forefront of marine-based drug discovery, committed to delivering hope and breakthrough solutions to patients worldwide.

Our mission

At Pterois Therapeutics, our mission is to harness the untapped potential of marine biodiversity to create breakthrough therapies. We strive to transform unique molecules from the ocean into innovative medicines that fight cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Guided by science, collaboration, and a commitment to patients, we aim to bring new hope where it is most needed.

The platform

At the heart of our research lies a pioneering platform that isolates and purifies phospholipase A2 enzymes with remarkable anticancer properties. These molecules target tumor cells with exceptional precision, inducing apoptosis while preserving healthy tissue, a revolutionary approach that opens new horizons for patients resistant to conventional therapies.

Nature and science

Our work bridges nature and science: by valorizing an invasive marine species known for its ecological impact, we not only create life-saving medicines but also contribute to ocean biodiversity restoration and sustainable marine resource management.

One molecule at a time

From natural venom-derived compounds to recombinant proteins and mRNA-based therapeutics, Pterois Therapeutics is redefining the future of oncology one molecule at a time. Guided by innovation, sustainability, and a deep commitment to human health, we strive to turn nature’s most potent defenses into powerful allies in the fight against cancer.

Why Pterois Therapeutics?

From Ocean Venom to Cancer Innovation

Pterois Therapeutics transforms the venom of Pterois volitans into breakthrough anticancer therapies with unmatched selectivity. Our unique platform targets tumor cells precisely, overcoming resistance where conventional treatments fail. With a diversified pipeline, from natural bioactives to recombinant proteins and mRNA therapeutics, we deliver innovative solutions while contributing to marine ecosystem restoration. A rare convergence of science, sustainability, and impact.

01

Breakthrough Science & Unmet Medical Needs

We develop next-generation anticancer therapies based on marine bioactive molecules with unique mechanisms of action, capable of targeting tumor cells with high selectivity, offering new solutions where conventional treatments fail.

02

Diversified, Scalable Innovation Pipeline

Our platform spans natural venom-derived compounds, recombinant proteins, and mRNA therapeutics, ensuring multiple clinical applications, scalable production, and strong commercialization potential.

03

Sustainability with Real-World Impact

By valorizing an invasive marine species into life-saving medicines, we combine environmental restoration with medical innovation, creating a rare triple value: scientific, societal, and ecological.

Pterois volitans above a red sponge
Patents filed

A protected PLA2 platform.

Five French patent applications protect our PLA2 platform, from the extraction process to its therapeutic, nutraceutical, cosmetic and computational applications.

Oncology

Therapeutic compositions based on Pterois volitans venom, methods of production and uses in oncology

Patent pending, INPI (France)
AI & computational design

Method for generating optimised PLA2 variant structures using multi-scale artificial intelligence and quantum optimisation

Patent pending, INPI (France)
Neurodegenerative diseases

New therapeutic uses of phospholipases A2 from Pterois volitans for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Patent pending, INPI (France)
Nutraceuticals

Oral nutraceutical compositions based on purified Pterois volitans phospholipases A2 for joint health, intestinal barrier function and skin beauty

Patent pending, INPI (France)
Cosmetics

Anti-ageing cosmetic compositions based on Pterois volitans phospholipases A2 (PLA2)

Patent pending, INPI (France)

An international extension under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is in preparation.

Beyond the lionfish

Marine venoms, a library barely opened.

The ocean holds thousands of venomous and chemically defended species, and only a small fraction of their molecules has ever been described. Each one is a protein refined by evolution to act fast and at very low dose, exactly what a therapeutic agent has to do.

The PLA2 of Pterois volitans is our starting point, not our limit. The same extraction, characterisation and modelling chain applies to other venomous fish, to cnidarians and to marine molluscs. Our taxonomic base already covers 157 species across 19 families, and our work is moving towards screening several molecules from several species in parallel.

157 species referenced 19 taxonomic families 4 treatment areas Candidate molecules

Venomous fish

Scorpaenidae, Synanceiidae

Lionfish, scorpionfish and stonefish carry venoms rich in enzymes and pore-forming proteins. The family our work started with.

Cnidarians

Anthozoa, Cubozoa

Corals, sea anemones and jellyfish produce peptides acting on ion channels and cell membranes, a known source of analgesic and immunological leads.

Marine molluscs

Conidae

Cone snails produce conotoxins, among the most selective natural ligands known, and already behind an approved analgesic.

Sponges and other invertebrates

Porifera, Echinodermata

Fixed to the substrate, they defend themselves chemically. Several marine drugs on the market trace back to this group.

Beyond oncology, these groups are explored through our MARISM platform. Exploratory work; the compounds named here are not products of Pterois Therapeutics.

Technology platform

MARISM, protein engineering for marine venoms.

Our computational work runs on MARISM, the marine venom protein engineering platform operated by Spaatz Genetic Research. Six coupled engines design, optimise and secure active proteins. They were built on the PLA2 of Pterois volitans and now extend to a wider taxonomic base.

ENDO-SYS is its working interface, where each engine can be run inside the full loop or on its own.

Visit marism.fr
MARISM // ENDO-SYS
Species referenced157
Taxonomic families19
Coupled engines6
Treatment areas served4
Operated bySGR
01

Tensor core

Encodes a protein across sequence, 3D structure and dynamics, and produces the shared representation the other engines use.

02

Quantum lattice

Explores the combinatorial space of variants under several objectives at once.

03

Evolutionary swarm

Refines candidate sequences over many generations of cooperative agents.

04

Membrane twin

Simulates how a candidate behaves at a parameterised lipid bilayer.

05

Meta loop

Recalibrates the models continuously against measured laboratory results.

06

Sentinel

Screens candidates for immunogenicity and biosafety before any bench work.

Investors

One molecule family, four treatment areas.

Our phospholipase A2 platform from Pterois volitans venom opens several markets from a single scientific base. Each treatment area is protected by its own patent application.

PLA2 PTEROIS VOLITANS 01 02 03 04 Oncology Rheumatology Neurodegenerative Cosmetics
4

Treatment areas: oncology, rheumatology, neurodegenerative diseases and cosmetics

5

Patent applications filed with INPI, international (PCT) extension in preparation

1

Research laboratory at Pépinière Bio&D, Créteil, in the Paris region

Oncology

Selective phospholipase A2 enzymes that trigger apoptosis in tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. The lead indication of the platform, aimed at drug-resistant cancers.

Patent pending

Rheumatology

Oral PLA2 formulations with gastro-resistant encapsulation, designed to support joint health and cartilage. A nutraceutical route that does not require a full drug development pathway.

Patent pending

Neurodegenerative diseases

At low concentrations, the same PLA2 family shows a neuroprotective profile under study for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS and Huntington’s disease.

Patent pending

Cosmetics

Anti-ageing topical formulations based on a cosmetic-grade PLA2 fraction, developed under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 without therapeutic claims.

Patent pending

Investors and strategic partners can request our investor presentation and access to the data room.

Request the investor presentation
Explore Pterois Therapeutics solutions

Redefining cancer treatment with marine biodiversity.

At Pterois Therapeutics, we are redefining cancer treatment by unlocking the therapeutic potential of marine biodiversity. Our innovative platforms transform the venom of Pterois volitans into next-generation solutions, from natural bioactives to advanced biotechnologies, designed to fight resistant cancers, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Data-driven discovery

Choose your track

At Pterois Therapeutics, we understand that every partner has unique goals and challenges. That’s why we offer tailored collaboration pathways designed to match the specific needs of your sector, whether you’re in biopharma, academic research, clinical development, investment, or environmental innovation.

Our flexible partnership models help you integrate our marine-based technologies into your own strategies, accelerate innovation, and maximize real-world impact.

Track 01

Biopharma Track

Partner with us to co-develop next-generation oncology therapies. From early-stage discovery to clinical development, we offer access to unique marine-derived compounds, cutting-edge platforms, and translational expertise.

Track 02

Research & Academia Track

Collaborate on breakthrough science. Our advanced extraction, purification, and molecular characterization technologies are available for joint research, publications, and innovation programs with universities and research centers.

Track 03

Investment & Venture Track

Invest in the future of precision oncology. We provide structured opportunities for venture partners and strategic investors to support the development of disruptive therapies with strong market potential and global impact.

Track 04

Sustainability & Innovation Track

Join us in transforming an ecological challenge into a medical solution. Together, we can create circular value by integrating marine biodiversity, environmental restoration, and cutting-edge biotechnology.

We’re good with numbers

The opportunity in figures.

$2.5+ bn

Estimated global market potential for marine-derived oncology therapies by 2030

+150 M

Cancer patients worldwide who could benefit from next-generation targeted treatments

>90%

Tumor growth inhibition observed in vitro with our lead compound

Always connected

Science moves faster together.

Global Scientific Collaboration

We actively collaborate with leading research institutes, universities, and oncology centers worldwide, ensuring that our discoveries are continuously enriched by cutting-edge science and multidisciplinary expertise.

Open Innovation & Knowledge Sharing

Pterois Therapeutics believes in open dialogue with the scientific and medical community. We regularly share insights, data, and breakthroughs to accelerate the development of next-generation therapies and build a strong innovation ecosystem.

Partners, Patients, and Progress

From strategic industry partnerships to patient advocacy networks, we stay connected to those who matter most. Our commitment is to turn collaboration into impact, delivering real therapeutic advances faster and more effectively.

Ready to get started?

Partner with us in pioneering marine-inspired therapies.

Discover a new era of cancer treatment inspired by the ocean. Reach out to start your journey today.

Research laboratory

Pépinière Bio&D
94, avenue du Général de Gaulle
94000 Créteil, France

Paris office

123, rue de la Glacière
75013 Paris, France

Tel. +33 (0)1 85 09 68 48

lab@pterois.fr

USA office

Kendall Square, One Broadway, 14th Floor
Cambridge, MA 02142, USA

Tel. +1 (857) 491 8450

contact@pteroisTherapeutics.com

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