CureSHANK & InnoSer Launch License‑Free Preclinical Platform for Phelan‑McDermid Syndrome
Diepenbeek, Belgium – June 26, 2025 – CureSHANK, an advocacy-driven nonprofit research foundation, today announced a landmark collaboration with InnoSer Laboratories to offer a license‑free, industry-quality preclinical testing service for Phelan‑McDermid Syndrome (PMS). This pioneering initiative is designed to empower researchers by removing cost and IP barriers that have long hindered progress toward therapies for this rare neurodevelopmental disorder.
What is Phelan‑McDermid Syndrome (PMS)?
PMS, caused by deletions or mutations of the SHANK3 gene, is the most common single-gene form of autism. It affects an estimated 1 in 8,000 to 15,000 individuals and manifests in intellectual disability, delayed speech and motor skills, and social-communication challenges.
Despite urgent medical need, progress toward effective therapies has been slowed by the lack of license‑free, translationally relevant preclinical models.
Removing Commercial Roadblocks
CureSHANK has developed a novel license‑free mouse model—a full Exon 4–22 Shank3 deletion on a C57BL/6 background—which closely mirrors the genetic architecture of PMS in patients. Distributed via OzGene without associated licensing fees, this model radically democratizes access for both academic and commercial researchers.
A Turnkey CRO Solution
Partnering with InnoSer—a leading European preclinical CRO with rare-disease expertise—CureSHANK is offering a fully standardized, industry-grade preclinical service platform. According to Maarten Loos, PhD, Director at InnoSer Netherlands:
“Preclinical research is a critical and complex step… By combining a license-free mouse model with standardized preclinical services, we’re providing a practical, scalable solution… helping accelerate the journey from discovery to clinical trials”.
Beginning in 2026, InnoSer will validate key readouts predictive of clinical outcomes—covering behavioral phenotyping (via PhenoTyper™ cages and AHCODA™ analytics), biomarker assays, EEG, and pharmacokinetics—integrated with flexible gene‑therapy pipelines, including dosing from post-natal day 1.
The Impact for Researchers & Families
Geraldine Bliss, President of CureSHANK, noted:
“This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to accelerate the discovery of treatments for Phelan‑McDermid Syndrome… removing critical barriers that have slowed progress in PMS drug development”.
By delivering a high-quality, accessible preclinical testing platform, CureSHANK and InnoSer aim to compress drug development timelines, reduce redundant infrastructure costs, and facilitate global participation in SHANK3-targeted programs.
What Comes Next
🧪 Mouse model access is available now—license‑free via OzGene for researchers ready to begin.
🧬 Comprehensive CRO services at InnoSer will launch in 2026. Early collaboration discussions are already underway.
📧 Stay informed via CureSHANK and InnoSer’s newsletters for upcoming validation data, service launch details, and study timelines.
Why This Matters
This initiative can be a game-changer for PMS research: standardized, license-free models partnered with validated CRO pipelines cost-effectively bridge the gap from bench to clinic. At CureSHANK, we believe in open science, collaboration, and eliminating barriers. This alliance with InnoSer is another bold step toward meaningful therapies for individuals with SHANK3-related neurodevelopmental disorders.
Consider this an invitation—for researchers, biotech startups, and gene therapy teams—to explore the new license‑free PMS model, engage with InnoSer’s testing services, and accelerate hope into action.