Congruence Therapeutics: A Bold Vision to Further the Research of Rare Diseases
For 40 years, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ has invested in various innovative companies in the life sciences industry. While this field represents a certain financial risk, the team of specialists assembled by the Fonds prides itself on being able to evaluate its social and economic potential. This is why the Fonds did not hesitate to make an early investment in Congruence Therapeutics, a biotechnology company dedicated to research into rare diseases.
In collaboration with Nadia Di Chiara 
Congruence is a biotech company launched in September 2021, whose mission is to further the knowledge of rare diseases and discover treatments to help improve quality of life for those affected by them.
"We're combining traditional biology with state-of-the-art processes and instruments, including artificial intelligence. There are very few companies that do the same," says Dr. Clarissa Desjardins, president and founder of Congruence.
Congruence is not Dr. Desjardins' first business, nor her first collaboration with the Fonds as an investor. She founded Clementia Pharmaceuticals, which was later sold to pharmaceutical company Ipsen, whose flagship product, palovarotene, had been approved by Health Canada. The Fonds was therefore a natural and valuable ally to start this new company. "Doing research in health comes first and foremost from a desire to make a real difference for our patients. This is a value that we both hold dear," explains Dr. Desjardins, speaking of the Fonds and herself.
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*Audio interview in French only, but English subtitles available.
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Helping an Innovative Company Take its First Steps
Building on its past experience with Dr. Desjardins, the Fonds quickly embarked on the adventure by raising an initial investment of US$15 million, alongside partner fund, Amplitude. This attracted the interest of specialized investors, who later joined the project. The investment eventually reached US$50 million, which allowed Congruence to further its development. "Dr. Desjardins is a seasoned entrepreneur with a lot of experience and an impressive international network. We know what she is capable of," explains Nadia Di Chiara, Director of Life Sciences Investments at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ.
The company's innovative approach positions it as an emerging but very promising player in its industry. "When I presented my project to the Fonds, I realized that their team had identified the same industry trends as I had. What Congruence intends to do is bold and the Fonds' support allows us to make our vision a reality," says Dr. Desjardins. It is with this in mind that the Fonds is supporting the company's start-up."Our strategy and expertise allow us to accompany the business at all stages of its development," adds Nadia Di Chiara.
Furthering Medical Knowledge in a Field That Has Been Left Behind
The patients affected by the rare illnesses Congruence is interested in researching are often left to fend for themselves. Dr. Desjardins is determined to use her experience and success as an entrepreneur and make a real impact for people. "When researching rare diseases, the outcome is very important for those affected and their families," she explains. "In collaboration with the medical community, we are developing new treatments, and not just another version of an existing treatment; it's going to make a real difference." This human aspect resonates strongly with the Fonds.
"Dr. Desjardins is very committed to patients and their families. We share the same values. She draws great strength from the proximity she maintains with them and the medical community," adds Nadia Di Chiara.
Congruence intends to create RevenirTM a platform designed to contribute to the development of various treatments for rare diseases associated with problems in protein folding, a condition for which there is currently no treatment.
Through this investment, the Fonds is contributing to starting up a biotechnology company and kick-starting the innovative vision of a proven entrepreneur. Ultimately, this partnership is creating a real paradigm shift in rare disease research and may provide many people the hope of finally having a treatment for their condition. That's what we call the Fonds' double impact.
Through this investment, the Fonds is contributing to starting up a biotechnology company and kick-starting the innovative vision of a proven entrepreneur. Ultimately, this partnership is creating a real paradigm shift in rare disease research and may provide many people the hope of finally having a treatment for their condition. That's what we call the Fonds' double impact.
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