Xpress Biologics
" Xpress Biologics, a Belgian based CDMO, has several strategies to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic which includes: - The development of a serology assay to detect Covid-19 seroconversion in humans based on the manufacturing of 3 specific COVID-19 antigens ( full-length Spike protein, S1 subunit, RBD domain) using Pichia pastoris as expression system - Plasmid DNA manufacturing expertise for the development of anti-COVID DNA vaccines - Recombinant protein or antibody fragments manufacturing expertise for diagnostic and treatment of COVID-19 Xpress Biologics has adapted technological platforms that are available to meet the COVID-19 pandemic challenge. In particular our Molecular Biology solution can rapidly help us develop microbial strains for robust and efficient expression of several type of biologics such as viral antigens, neutralizing antibody fragments and DNA vaccines while through our Upstream Process platform we can rapidly engineer industrial processes for...

Read more: Alexandre Di Paolo, Business Development Manager

UMONS/ Haute école Condorcet/ UCLouvain/ Epicura/ Machine sight
" In view of the risk of a respirator shortage in intensive care units throughout the world following the COVID 19 epidemic, a simple solution based on existing means or means that are easy to implement is being sought by a consortium of respiratory physiotherapists, researchers of UMONS, physicians of the the intensive care unit of the Epicura hospital and a mechatronics engineering company. In view of the risk of a respirator shortage in intensive care units throughout the world following the COVID 19 epidemic, a simple solution based on existing means or means that are easy to implement is being sought by a consortium of respiratory physiotherapists, researchers of UMONS, physicians of the the intensive care unit of the Epicura hospital and a mechatronics engineering company. "
Funding: internal funding
Contact: Pr. Alexandre Legrand, head of the laboratory of Physiology and Respiratory Rehabilitation...

Read more: Alexandre Legrand, Professor

Comunicare Solutions
" Comunicare Solutions is a health technology startup, specializing in patient empowerment, self-management and digital therapy. In the context of Covid-19 sanitary crisis, we proposed our solution for the remote support to chronic patients, especially the most at risk patients who suffered from chronic systemic diseases of respiratory origin, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease like heart failure or complex hypertension. The application enables caregivers to inform those patients about additional precautions, to screen patients reported outcomes but also to keep in touch with them via video consultation"
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Delphi Genetics SA
" The aim of the project is to develop an antiviral gene therapy specifically targeting Covid-19. The benefits should be (i) targeting precisely the virus directly in lung cells allowing limitation of virus development from the starting point, (ii) restoring essential functions of the patient's cells and (iii) antibodies production by the patient due to reduction of viral load but not immediate clearance. In addition, the therapy could also be used preventively for people who come into regular contact with affected patients. The therapy is a gene therapy using AAV for patient administration. Delphi Genetics is developing and producing the plasmids required for targeting the virus and production of AAV. "
Contact: Cedric Szpirer Delphi Genetics SA 071 25 10 00

DNAlytics
" Research projects : contributions to research projects with academics and hospital representatives (-omics data investigations, biomarkers and multi-marker indicators, stratification of populations, predictive models for diagnosis/prognosis, ... Development / production capabilities: internal processes and quality system compatible with ISO.13485 (medical devices). Skills and expertise: data sciences, machine learning and other technologies from artificial intelligence; statistics, bio-IT; model encapsulation into software, mobile apps or web platforms "
Funding: Prestations sub-contracted by lead researchers, or partnerships through regional/EU projects with public funding.
Publication References: Complete list on www.dnalytics.com/publications/ 
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AEPODIA
" Experts in the early development of drugs and medical devices up to clinical proof-of-concept (from preclinical to Phase 2). Via its network of partners, Aepodia facilitates access to patients and to validated clinical centres throughout Europe. With offices in Belgium and France, Aepodia is a recognized partner for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies since 2007. "
Contact: www.aepodia.com This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ULiège and RevaTis SA (Spin Off)
" The project aims to assess the effects of muscle derived stem cells on a preclinical model of acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by a perfusion of endotoxins. We focused on the modulation of neutrophil excessive activation. RevaTis developped a GMP production of muscle derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and is authorized to produce clinical batches. The IPCLab (Liege University) developed an ARDS model in pigs. We aim to demonstrate a reduction of the ARDS severity, a reduction of the cytokines storm and a modulation of the excessive activation of neutrophils observed in ARDS. "
Funding: Research grants from Ulg (POC) and FNRS (CURE) are pending. RevaTis supplies muscle derived Stem Cells for R&D projects
Publication References: Sci Rep. 2017 Apr 6;7(1):696. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-00803-7. From skeletal muscle to stem cells: an innovative and minimally-invasive process for multiple species. Ceusters J, Lejeune JP, Sandersen C, Niesten A...

Read more: Didier Serteyn, Professor - Justine Ceusters, CSO RevaTis - Charlotte Sandersen, Professor

Equaly sa
" Novel methods to prevent and treat Covid-19 viral infection by inhibiting virus entry "
Funding: not disclosed 

Equaly sa
" A novel strategy to prevent virus entry through the ACE2R A novel strategy for preventive vaccination to Covid-19 Monoclonal antibodies targeting the ACE2R are used to block virus entry. Vaccines are prepared eliciting a Th1response together with cytotoxic T cells. "
Funding: private
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Aesculape CRO Belgium BV
" Treatment of COVID 19 complications with antibodies "
Funding: partly public partly private
Contact : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 0492 735931

EXO Biologics
" EXO Biologics plans to extend its research and development program towards the COVID-19 crisis by using its unique and disruptive technology based on Extracellular Vesicles. These nanometer size particles are gaining momentum in the scientific community as potential alternatives to stem cell and biologic drugs therapies in the fields of immunology, neurology, oncology, cardiology, gastroenterology among others. EXO Biologics has 12 years of experience in cell-based regenerative medicine and 8 years of experience in Extracellular Vesicles. Our advancements in research will play an important role for our company mission to provide affordable and accessible therapies to patients with unmet medical needs. "
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

3D-Side S.A.
" "- 3D printing of swabs in SLS - 3D printing of valves - 3D printing of connectors for respiratory systems - Advice on guidelines on the manufacturing and post processing of such devices." "
Contact: Khanh TRAN DUY This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Covartim
"In the global effort to help the healthcare professionals in the fight against the Covid pandemic, we are providing documents to help manufacturers that are not familiar with medical devices to properly document their work to help them in their product development and achieving compliance. These templates are derived from our technical file documentation and include some reference to guidances (mostly applicable in Belgium) for devices and accessories to answer to hospital products shortage."
Contact : Covartim www.covartim.be This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Aseptic Technologies SA
" Table-top equipment for FFP2 mask decontamination by means of UV-C, developed jointly by Lasea s.a. and Aseptic Technologies s.a. Allows re-use of FFP2 masks up to 5 times (under validation process) "
Contact: Patrick Baleriaux CEO Aseptic Technologies s.a This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Malcourant Mécanique
" We have developed a semi-automatic machine to weld polyethylene sheets in order to make the COVID-19 protective mask envelope. This development has been carried out entirely in-house, study - manufacture - assembly. We called the company ICS to improve the working conditions for the welding jaws. "
Contact: malcourant-mecanique.be incosol4u.com