Based in Besançon, Orinova is developing an innovative nanomedicine for the treatment of localized solid tumors, notably glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
Founded in 2024, the company originates from ten years of research conducted within two Besançon-based laboratories: Chrono-environnement (CNRS) and RIGHT (Inserm). Following three years of technology maturation at SATT Sayens, Orinova was established to translate these findings into a business venture. Today, the company employs six staff members across Besançon, Lyon, and the Paris region and continues to advance its preclinical phase.
A breakthrough technology
Orinova has developed a 100-nanometer injectable nanocapsule, administered directly into tumors. This platform enables the encapsulation of various chemotherapeutic agents to specifically target multiple solid tumor types, including glioblastoma, prostate, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers.
In vivo proof-of-concept studies have demonstrated treatment efficacy in animal models, opening new therapeutic avenues for these cancers. After three years of technology maturation with SATT Sayens, the company was formally structured and established in 2024 to advance the project toward clinical development.
Structured regional support
Behind this innovation lies a regional ecosystem supporting each stage of development:
- Technology maturation: SATT Sayens facilitated the scientific and technical validation of the project.
- Incubation: DECA-BFC supported Orinova in structuring the company and developing the project.
- Scientific and technical guidance: Pôle des Microtechniques provided specialized expertise.
- Economic and financial support: AER BFC implemented the Presta’INNO program, supported by the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region and Bpifrance. This program funded technical and techno-economic feasibility studies, a crucial step before fundraising and commercial development.
This continuum of support secures key milestones: feasibility, company structuring, financing, and networking.
See the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté regional innovation support guide (FR)
Tangible results
Thanks to this support and the team’s commitment, Orinova has achieved several milestones:
- i-Lab Grand Prize 2025 (France 2030): selected among the top 13% of projects, receiving a €600,000 grant.
- Ongoing seed funding round: aimed at financing early commercial development stages and recruitment.
- Six staff members mobilized across Besançon, Lyon, and Paris to advance the project.
Contributing to the regional biotech ecosystem
Orinova demonstrates how a regional project can progress from research to an innovative company by leveraging a structured ecosystem. The company also contributes to the development and structuring of the biotech sector in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, showing that local initiatives can meet national and international standards.