We are proud to share a short interview with Marc Martinell, co-founder and CEO of Minoryx Therapeutics. This article discusses the fruitful partnership with Braintale. Over the past three years, this collaboration has used Braintale’s cutting-edge DTI- MRI technology to advance clinical research and improve diagnostics for rare brain diseases such as adrenoleukodystrophy. Marc shares his experience about how Braintale helps them develop therapies, explore physiopathology, the obstacles they face, and the potential for exciting new outcomes.
Learn more about how these two pioneering companies are working together to push the limits of medical research and patient care by reading this interview!
Can you tell us how you became involved with Braintale and the nature of your collaboration?
Marc Martinell: Braintale has been around for a while now. Our relationship began initially through collaboration on a clinical study where Braintale provided analytical support in a collaborative manner. A principal investigator in France was enthusiastic about their technology, which led to this initial connection. Over time, this collaboration evolved into a global partnership that encompasses both collaborative aspects and provisions that Braintale delivers for our past and ongoing studies.
For someone unfamiliar with Braintale, how would you describe their work and its significance?
Marc Martinell: Braintale is a company specializing in advanced nuclear magnetic resonance imaging techniques used in clinical research and diagnostics. Their technology (DTI) allows the identification and monitoring of patients efficiently within clinical trials, also providing information on treatment effect. This objective assessment is crucial for the successful recruitment and treatment of patients in our clinical development. However, in real-world settings, widespread adoption might be challenging due to the need for calibrated equipment: that’s a challenge Braintale is facing to extend as broadly as possible the potential of their technology.
What do you see as the primary value that Braintale brings to your work at Minoryx, and how do you envision this partnership evolving over the next five years?
Marc Martinell: The main benefit Braintale offers lies in their capability to convert a variety of information into understandable outcomes, which supports our thorough understanding of how treatments affect the brain. This is especially important for rare diseases, such as the ones we focus on, where precise and meaningful diagnostic tools are essential – both from a patient by patient and from a population perspective. Looking ahead, I believe Braintale should broaden the scope of their tech’s use to other brain conditions and clinical development. Their relevance and impact could be enhanced by doing so in both clinical research and broader medical applications.
How would you describe your interactions with the Braintale team? Which values do they bring to the table?
Marc Martinell: The Braintale team is very approachable, humble, and transparent. We regularly interact with key members like Julie, Vincent, and Marine, who manage our projects. Their openness and clarity make collaboration smooth and productive. They are very committed to their work and ensure that their technology meets the highest standards of quality and excellence.
In your opinion, what are the key success factors that would convince other pharma players to partner with Braintale?
Marc Martinell: Braintale’s strength lies in their ability to transform complex MRI data and distill it into meaningful, actionable insights. This capability is particularly valuable for pharmaceutical companies looking to monitor the efficacy of their treatments on brain conditions. Additionally, Braintale’s collaborative approach and their support in understanding and interpreting data truly supports the partnership spirit.