The Memo by LSI

The following article was published by LSI – Life Science Intelligence in the build up to the LSI Europe 2024 Event in Sintra, Portugal. Find the original version of the article on LSI’s website here.

THERYQ is spearheading a new era in cancer care with its FLASH radiotherapy, a technology that delivers powerful results in record time while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Under the direction of CEO Ludovic Le Meunier, THERYQ is set to make a profound impact on the effectiveness and safety of radiotherapy treatments.

Origin Story

Located in the south of France, THERYQ began as a specialized division within PMB-ALCEN. “About 10 or 12 years ago, PMB got the chance to work on a machine inside a hospital where we discovered what we now refer to as the flash effect in radiotherapy,” recalls Ludovic Le Meunier, CEO of THERYQ. “This discovery marked a turning point, revealing the potential to revolutionize how we treat cancer.”

The flash effect, a groundbreaking phenomenon in radiotherapy, demonstrated an unprecedented ability to treat tumors with a single, ultra-quick burst of energy. Recognizing the transformative potential of this technology, the team at PMB-ALCEN dedicated years of research and development to perfecting it. “It was a challenging journey,” Ludovic explains, “but after several years of hard work, the technology gained enough momentum to stand on its own. That’s when we knew it was time to create THERYQ as an independent company.”

THERYQ was spun off from PMB-ALCEN, becoming part of ALCEN’s Healthcare branch. Today, THERYQ specializes in the design and production of radiotherapy machines incorporating linear accelerators. The company’s expertise spans project management, R&D, industrialization, and manufacturing—key competencies that have been critical to its success.

The Current Landscape

Radiotherapy is a cornerstone in the fight against cancer, being the second most commonly used treatment after surgery. However, despite its widespread use, conventional radiotherapy faces significant limitations that impact its effectiveness and patient outcomes.

One of the major challenges with conventional radiotherapy is the requirement for multiple treatment sessions. “Patients often need to undergo 20 to 30 sessions, each lasting several minutes,” Ludovic points out. “This repeated exposure not only takes a toll on the patient but also increases the risk of side effects.” These side effects arise because traditional radiotherapy damages not only the tumor but also the surrounding healthy tissues, leading to what Ludovic describes as “toxicity to healthy tissues.”

This toxicity is particularly problematic in the treatment of certain aggressive cancers, such as glioblastoma. “Glioblastoma is an extremely aggressive brain tumor with a survival rate of just 5% at six months and only 1% at five years,” Ludovic explains. “We know that with conventional radiotherapy, we could potentially destroy these tumors if we could safely deliver more energy. But doing so would also destroy healthy brain tissue, making the treatment itself life-threatening.”

The limitations of conventional radiotherapy highlight the urgent need for innovation in this space. “The current standard of care has significant room for improvement,” Ludovic emphasizes. “We need to find ways to reduce the number of treatment sessions, minimize side effects, and most importantly, increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy for those patients whose tumors are currently resistant.”

Inside the Innovation

THERYQ is addressing these challenges head-on with its FLASH radiotherapy technology. […] The core of this technology lies in its ability to accelerate electrons to deliver a powerful dose of energy to the tumor in a fraction of a second. As Ludovic explains, “The main idea behind our technology is to accelerate electrons—lots of them—so we can give much more energy in a fraction of a second. That’s what we call the flash effect.”

The flash effect is transforming radiotherapy by combining unmatched speed and exceptional precision. “When we deliver such a powerful dose of radiation so quickly, we still manage to destroy the tumor effectively, just like conventional radiotherapy,” Ludovic notes. “But what’s remarkable is that we do it with 40% less damage to the healthy tissues surrounding the tumor. This reduced toxicity is a game-changer, especially for cancers that are currently considered untreatable with existing radiotherapy technologies.”

THERYQ’s FLASH radiotherapy is implemented through two main systems: FLASHKNiFE and FLASHDEEP. […] “FLASHKNiFE is a versatile machine that we’ve developed to address a wide range of tumors, particularly skin cancers,” says Ludovic. “It’s also highly effective in intraoperative radiotherapy, giving surgeons a powerful tool to target tumors during surgery.” The potential of THERYQ’s FLASH radiotherapy doesn’t stop there. THERYQ’s second machine, FLASHDEEP, is designed to tackle deep-seated tumors within the body. […]

“With our machines, [… ] we’re providing a solution that’s not only more effective but also more compassionate.”

Progress and Milestones

THERYQ has made remarkable strides in its mission to revolutionize cancer treatment. “Our first major milestone was in 2018,” says Ludovic. “We treated our first patient with FLASH radiotherapy—someone who had a cutaneous lymphoma resistant to all available treatments. After just one session, the tumor was gone, and to this day, there has been no recurrence or side effects. This was a clear validation of our technology.”

Following this success, THERYQ has been focused on scaling up its operations and bringing its technology to more patients. “We’re currently in the process of installing our FLASHKNiFE machines across several institutions in Europe,” Ludovic explains. “These installations are crucial as we prepare for large-scale clinical trials […] These partnerships with leading medical institutions are a testament to the confidence the medical community has in our technology.”

THERYQ’s progress is further bolstered by strong financial backing and strategic partnerships. “We’ve been fortunate to secure significant support from European institutions, including EIT Health and France 2030,” says Ludovic. “These funds are crucial for advancing our clinical trials and preparing for commercialization.”

As THERYQ moves forward, Ludovic remains focused on the company’s ultimate mission: to revolutionize cancer treatment. “Our technology has the potential to change the way we treat cancer, not just by improving existing therapies but by offering new hope to patients who currently have no therapeutic options,” he concludes. “Every milestone we achieve brings us one step closer to that goal.”