EpiCure is a research project of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich and is scheduled to be incorporated as an independent biotech company in 2026/2027.
The focus is on epigenetic therapies, a mechanism of action that still holds considerable untapped potential in oncology. Carbacitabine (CAB) is being developed as the lead compound; it is a rationally designed drug molecule for blood cancers, based on epigenetic expertise, and is primarily positioned for high-risk patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
CAB was specifically developed to address the weaknesses of clinically used standard therapies and achieves approximately 100-fold reduced toxicity with superior efficacy in patient-derived tumor models.
The regulatory foundation has been laid: The BfArM has approved the preclinical development program in its Scientific Advice. The first clinical trial is planned for 2027/28.
Dr. Matthias Heiß has coordinated the CAB research for four years and has been working on the spin-off plans for over two years. As project manager and planned managing director of EpiCure, he is responsible for the strategic and operational development of the project.
