After years of joint work between Bio4Dreams andthe University of Padua, a scientific project has been transformed into a new business venture: Clhep.
Clhep is developing a new generation of therapeutic peptides in oncology, for more selective therapies and less impact on healthy tissue.
The approach focuses on Hexokinase 2 (HK2), a protein involved in the growth of various types of cancer, and is already supported by preclinical evidence and a patent portfolio.
At the end of 2025, Bio4Dreams co-founded Clhep together with Francesco Ciscato, a researcher at the CNR, and professors Andrea Rasola and Paolo Bernardifrom the University of Padua, joining the company as a founding partner and investor.
A tailor-made incubation program has also been launched to accelerate preclinical development, strengthen governance, and prepare for the next stages of growth.
This is also the first spin-off created in collaboration with the University of Padua, a concrete result of a technology transfer model that works.
“Clhep will aim to develop and consolidate this technology, with the potential to create a new class of antineoplastic drugs and make them available to patients as soon as possible.”
Francesco Ciscato, CEO of Clhep and CNR Researcher
“We are happy to invest in research and in concrete actions to take it beyond the laboratory.”
Monica Fedeli, Vice Rector for Third Mission and Relations with the Territory, University of Padua.
“We work closely with universities and research centers because that is where true innovation is born.”
Demetra Pelos, Strategic Projects Director & Head of Business Nursery at Bio4Dreams
👉 Read the full news article
