Nordic Life Science 1
COMMENTARY // FINLAND Rappta Therapeutics – Molec
ular glue for hard-to-treat cancers Helsinki-based Rappta Therapeutics is developing a new class of small molecules that reactivate PP2A, a tumor-suppressor enzyme commonly inactivated in cancer cells. In 2025, Rappta signed a global licensing agreement with SpringWorks Therapeutics for its lead compound, RPT04402, receiving USD 13 million upfront and potential milestone payments totaling up to USD 250 million. Preclinical results show strong tumour regression in models of PP2Amutant uterine cancer. SpringWorks plans to file an IND application for the therapy by the end of 2025. Sartar Therapeutics – Precision therapy to the clinic Helsinki-based Sartar Therapeutics is advancing SAR003, a targeted therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and other soft tissue sarcomas. The drug works through a novel molecular glue mechanism that triggers selective cancer-cell death. In October 2025, Sartar completed a successful EUR 4.7 million share issue enabling it to move toward clinical development. The company also holds ODDs from both the EMA and FDA for the treatment of GIST and FDA recently granted ODD also for the treatment of all other soft tissue sarcoma subtypes. Tenboron – Precision radiation therapy Tenboron (Helsinki) is developing boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), a targeted radiation approach that delivers energy directly to tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue – offering hope for aggressive, treatment-resistant cancers. TILT Biotherapeutics – Turning viruses into allies Helsinki-based TILT Biotherapeutics is developing TILT123, an oncolytic adenovirus therapy that reprograms the tumor micro-environment to boost immune responses against solid cancers. In May 2025 the company raised USD 25 million in a Series B financing round, supporting Phase 1/2 development in ovarian, head and neck, and lung cancers and further studies in melanoma. TILT is also collaborating with Merck & Co. (MSD) to test TILT-123 alongside Keytruda (pembrolizumab), exploring new immune-therapy combinations for hard-to-treat cancers. Valo Therapeutics – Custom vaccines against cancer Helsinki’s Valo Therapeutics is developing personalized cancer vaccines using its proprietary PeptiCRAd platform. The approach combines an oncolytic adenovirus with tumorspecific peptides that “teach” the body to recognize and attack cancer cells. By coating the virus with these peptides, Valo can quickly adapt the vaccine to different cancer types without genetic modification. Diagnostics and early detection Abomics – Making medicine personal Abomics turns genetic research into practical tools for personalized healthcare. Its pharmacogenetic services help doctors choose safer, more effective medications based on a patient’s genetic profile. By translating complex data into clear treatment recommendations, Abomics is helping make precision medicine part of everyday clinical care. Aqsens Health – Biosensors for broad disease detection Aqsens Health (Turku) uses engineered bacteriophages as biosensors to detect disease-specific metabolic changes in urine. The technology can be adapted to identify not only prostate and bladder cancers but also other serious diseases such as pancreatic and lung cancer. It’s a fast, non-invasive method that could enable early detection and monitoring across multiple conditions. Blueprint Genetics and BiopSense – Genomedriven insights Blueprint Genetics provides world-class genetic testing for hereditary-cancer syndromes. BiopSense, a Jyväskylä based company, specializes in liquid-biopsy automation and cancermonitoring technologies. Together they bring cutting-edge genomics closer to everyday clinical practice. BiopSense specializes in liquidbiopsy automation and cancermonitoring technologies. NORDICLIFESCIENCE.ORG | 77