Our Story
Founded in May 2024, Nikaia Pharmaceuticals is a pioneering biotech company dedicated to transforming the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases through NIK (NF-κB-inducing kinase) targeting.
Our foundation rests on the powerful collaboration between two visionary scientists: Thierry Passeron, a clinician and translational researcher, and Rachid Benhida, a renowned chemist and Deputy Director of the Institut de Chimie de Nice (ICN). Their combined expertise in biology and chemistry has been crucial in developing groundbreaking NIK blockers.
Their journey began with groundbreaking research into melanoma, where they identified NIK’s critical role in tumor progression and resistance. Together, they designed and developed small-molecule inhibitors that specifically target NIK, offering a promising new approach to treating not only melanoma but a wide range of cancers and autoimmune diseases.
Thierry Passeron’s deep understanding of disease mechanisms, particularly in dermatology, perfectly complements Rachid Benhida’s innovative drug design strategies. Their synergy has already generated significant preclinical advancements, with NIK inhibitors showing potential to suppress tumor growth, enhance the efficacy of existing therapies, and restore immune balance.
Today, we are completing the preclinical development of a first-in-class small molecule NIK blockers in oncology, with plans to advance into clinical trials. Simultaneously, we are expanding our pipeline in autoimmune diseases, focusing on challenging conditions like bullous pemphigoid, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
By bridging cutting-edge biology and innovative chemistry, we are creating precision therapies that address disease root causes, offering new hope to patients worldwide. Together, we are unlocking NIK’s potential to redefine treatment paradigms.