BIMINI Biotech secures Eurostars grant for MYELO-WASP project to develop first-in-class leukemia therapeutics
Leiden, 9 April 2026 – BIMINI Biotech is pleased to announce that the MYELO-WASP project has been awarded funding through the Eureka Eurostars programme, supporting the development of first-in-class small molecules targeting the Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome Protein (WASp) for the treatment of myeloid and lymphoid leukemias.
The international project brings together a strong consortium of partners: lead partner BIMINI Biotech (Netherlands), Institute of Oncology Research (Switzerland) and Navegador Biosciences (Portugal). The project has a total budget of €2.2M and aims to advance a novel therapeutic approach targeting WASp, a key regulator of cytoskeletal signaling in leukemia.
Within MYELO-WASP, the partners will complete the translational preclinical development of BIMINI’s proprietary small-molecule modulators of WASp, which have demonstrated selective induction of growth inhibition and apoptosis in leukemic cells. The project will also focus on identifying responsive leukemia subtypes and predictive biomarkers, enabling precise patient stratification and niche indication selection for optimal clinical efficacy.
The project’s outcome will be a comprehensive preclinical data package supporting CTA-enabling studies and first-in-human clinical trials.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains one of the most challenging hematologic cancers to treat due to its aggressive progression and highly heterogeneous genetic landscape. Despite advances in targeted therapies, most patients still rely on chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, with relapse rates remaining high and long-term survival limited, particularly in older patient populations. Novel targeted therapies with new mechanisms of action are urgently needed to improve outcomes.
Dr. Maurits van den Nieuwboer, COO of BIMINI Biotech:
“At BIMINI we believe that targeting the cytoskeleton of cancer cells opens a new therapeutic frontier in blood cancers. The MYELO-WASP project allows us to move our discoveries closer to the clinic, together with outstanding partners across Europe.”
Prof. Francesco Bertoni, Deputy-Director at the Institute of Oncology Research:
“The MYELO-WASP project will enable us to continue exploring the promising new field of targeting the cytoskeleton machinery for hematological cancers, extending our work beyond lymphoma.“
Peter Dmitriev, CEO of Navegador Biosciences:
“We are thrilled to be part of the MYELO-WASP project. For us, it’s about more than just research—it’s about collaborating with leading European partners to explore new ways to target the cytoskeleton in blood cancers and, ultimately, make a real difference for patients. Looking forward to what we’ll achieve together.“
Through this collaboration, the MYELO-WASP consortium aims to deliver a new class of targeted therapeutics addressing an important unmet need in leukemia treatment and pave the way for future clinical development.
Eurostars is part of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs. The partnership is co-funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe
—————————————–
ABOUT BIMINI
BIMINI Biotech is a preclinical stage company developing novel first-in-class small molecule therapeutics in oncology with a focus on lymphomas and leukemia, malignancies with a strong unmet need. The company was established in 2019 and is based in Leiden (The Netherlands).
ABOUT IOR
The Institute of Oncology Research, established in 2003 in Bellinzona (Switzerland), hosts researchers from all over the world performing basic and translational research in oncology with special focus on cancer biology, genomics, and experimental therapeutics. The IOR is affiliated to the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) and is located in a brand-new high-tech research building that hosts more than 20 different research groups, with state-of-the-art labs and facilities. IOR is committed to discover practical and far-reaching solutions to target tumor cells to ultimately improve the outcome of people affected by cancer.
ABOUT NAVEGADOR BIOSCIENCES
Navegador Biosciences is a company that specializes in drug development and strategic consulting for the life sciences industry. The company provides expertise across the discovery and preclinical stages of drug development, offering programs designed to be regulator-ready and fast-moving.