OUR COMPANY

OVERVIEW

Urosphere is your key research partner for urology, nephrology, gynecology, andrology, gastroenterology and uro-oncology. With our unique know-how in urogenital preclinical research acquired over 15 years, Urosphere has built a portfolio of models and services that support the biotech and pharma industries in drug development and target discovery. Over 150 of these companies have entrusted our team to support the development of more than 400 compounds.

Our Origins

On its creation in 2004, Urosphere already had strong expertise in all aspects of urology and nephrology. We’ve built on it since. Our clients’ needs combine with our own expertise, flexibility and network in the research community to help us continuously refine and develop our models. We have also diversified our activity to include models for oncology and gastroenterology.
In 2013, Urosphere created Ixaltis, a biotech company specialized in urological diseases. Urosphere participated successfully in the generation of non-clinical data for IXA-001, supporting its clinical use for mixed urinary incontinence. Today, IXA-001 has completed two Phase 2 trials, demonstrating efficacy in this pathology.

Through its 2017 acquisition of Urolead, Urosphere implemented its oncology platform with a unique collection of patient-derived xenografts (PDX) from bladder, kidney and prostate cancers.

Today, Urosphere has become a trusted partner in urogenital preclinical research from functional pathologies, inflammation and pain to cancer.

Our models are recognized for their effectiveness and quality. Since 2015, the company has held ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Our Vision & Mission

Why urogenital diseases? Despite their high incidence rate, many urogenital diseases, such as urinary incontinence, have historically been overlooked pathologies, with no satisfactory solutions despite a great impact on patients’ quality of life. Until the twentieth century, urology was a matter for surgeons.
Since then, therapeutic innovations such as alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists for BPH treatment have established the idea that pharmacological treatments could be used before surgery. New treatments increase understanding of the physiopathology by using appropriate experimental models that better reflect the human situation.
Today, as a proven innovator and trusted partner of clinicians, Urosphere supports beneficial new therapies in urogenital diseases from surgery to pharmacology. With more than 400 therapeutic molecules tested, we continue to apply our unique experience and take our mission a step further to:

  • Discover new preclinical research models and solutions for use on our platform
  • Support our clients in their drug development and new target identification
  • Develop customized protocols to specific clients’ needs
  • Support a precision medicine approach to benefit patients.

Dynamic and innovative, Urosphere has built a valuable network of renowned institutions and academic research experts to help fulfil its mission in tandem with its own highly qualified scientists.

Our Partners

Urosphere establishes long-term scientific partnerships to deliver the best, most comprehensive service while developing innovative experimental models.

Inserm

Inserm is one of Europe’s leading biomedical research institutes and a major stakeholder in the world of health. Thousands of Inserm researchers, engineers, technicians, and administrative staff work towards a common goal: improving the health of all through the study of life sciences and diseases and their treatments.

I2MC

The Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC) was created in Toulouse in 2011 by Inserm and the Paul Sabatier University. Its research activity focuses on metabolic, cardiovascular and renal diseases. I2MC pools generalist scientists and clinicians working on metabolic risk factors (obesity, diabetes and dyslipidemia) and their cardiovascular complications (thrombosis, atherosclerosis, cardiac and renal failure).

Institut Curie

Founded in 1909 by the renowned Dr Marie Curie, the Institut Curie has three main missions: hospital care, scientific research and sharing of knowledge. As a private foundation recognized as serving the public interest since 1921, its 3,500 caregivers, researchers and nursing staff are dedicated to fighting cancer with innovative solutions.

HôPITAUX DE TOULOUSE

Hôpitaux de Toulouse is one of France’s largest University hospitals, with 14,000 staff including more than 3,000 physicians. It is ranked as the second-best hospital in France. Research and innovation are an important part of Hôpitaux de Toulouse’s activities. Urosphere also has partnerships with other French hospitals for ethically obtained fresh human tissues.

Clinique Urologique Nantes-Atlantis

Located at Saint-Herblain, near Nantes (France), the Clinique is France's first institution exclusively specialized in urology and ambulatory surgery in urology. With more than 20,000 patients a year and more than 5,000 hospitalizations, the Clinique Urologique Nantes-Atlantis proposes cutting-edge technologies for diagnosis and treatment.

Bpi france

Bpifrance is on hand to respond efficiently to businesses’ financing needs at each step in their development. Bpifrance, whose equal shareholders are the French State and the Deposits and Consignment Fund (Caisse des Dépôts), acts in support of public policy established by the French State and Regions.

The European Union

The EU offers targeted support for regional companies’ projects with a focus on innovation and value creation. Since 2014, the EU has invested more than €3 billion in the Occitanie region.

EUROBIOMED

Created in 2009 by all the players in the health sector in the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur and Occitanie regions, Eurobiomed brings together an ecosystem of more than 400 industrial players, large groups, SMEs and startups, research laboratories and working universities together to develop and market innovative products and services to generate growth and jobs in promising markets.

Région Occitanie

The Occitanie region offers targeted support for regional companies’ projects with a focus on innovation and internationalization. Within the region, Occitanie attracts and hosts French and foreign companies interested in settling in the area. It also helps to strengthen ties between academia and business.

NUBBO

The Nubbo incubator supports innovative businesses with a strong potential for development. Nubbo is dedicated to entrepreneurs aiming at accelerating access to their markets, capital and to increasing the success rate of their businesses.

Toulouse Métropole

Toulouse Métropole supports industry and technology consolidation and diversification. Toulouse Métropole stimulates business activity and job creation by hosting new companies in its incubator.