Gilles Pagès, founder of Nice-based start-up Roca Therapeutics, has been awarded the National Academy of Medicine Prize in recognition of more than 15 years of research into the treatment of kidney and urinary tract cancers…
His work focuses on targeting the abnormal blood vessels that supply tumours with oxygen and nutrients, effectively starving cancer cells and slowing their development. By developing small molecules that can be taken orally, the aim is to offer patients less invasive treatments that could one day complement or even replace certain traditional therapies.
While the treatments are still undergoing preclinical testing, early results are described as highly encouraging. Researchers have observed promising outcomes not only for kidney and urinary tract cancers but also for other conditions where abnormal blood vessels play a role, including certain eye diseases and paediatric brain tumours. Collaborative work with Monaco’s Flavien Foundation has already led to a clinical trial exploring potential benefits for children suffering from relapsed medulloblastoma, a fast-growing malignant brain tumour, with initial findings offering renewed hope for patients and families.
The start-up’s name, Roca Therapeutics, draws inspiration from Monaco’s “Rocher,” or Rock in English, reflecting strong ties with the Principality through ongoing research partnerships. Looking ahead, the next phase will focus on advancing clinical trials and refining treatments that could transform care for cancer and other serious vascular-related diseases.
Image: Monaco Info