Explicyte: a specialty immuno-oncology CRO
Explicyte is a specialty immuno-oncology CRO based in Bordeaux, France.
We support biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners from target discovery and preclinical development through biomarker studies in early-phase clinical trials.
Our capabilities combine functional immuno-oncology assays, patient-derived 3D models, multi-omic technologies, and data science to characterize tumor tissues and peripheral samples and investigate treatment response and mechanisms of action.
Explicyte at a glance
Our story
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2012
Immusmol is founded
Explicyte's parent company, Immusmol, is founded in Bordeaux by Alban Bessède, PhD, with support from the Schiever Group — establishing the immunology expertise that would later underpin Explicyte.
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2015
Explicyte launches
Explicyte is launched as a specialty immuno-oncology CRO, providing biotech and pharmaceutical teams with dedicated scientific expertise and fit-for-purpose capabilities for target discovery, biomarker development and the evaluation of novel cancer therapies.
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2016–2019
Expansion of preclinical capabilities
During this period, Explicyte expands its in vitro and in vivo capabilities, building specialized expertise in syngeneic tumor models and immune checkpoint inhibitors. The company also develops flow cytometry and digital pathology platforms to characterize tumor and immune responses in preclinical and clinical samples.
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2020–2024
Expansion into translational oncology
Explicyte relocates to Institut Bergonié and establishes a translational research unit combining medical expertise with spatial transcriptomics and multiplex protein analysis. This expansion marks a strategic shift toward FFPE samples, TME profiling and translational biomarker research.
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2025 onward
Certified multi-omics and biomarker services
Explicyte becomes a 10x Genomics Certified Service Provider for Xenium, Visium HD and Chromium X. Its IHC and immunofluorescence biomarker activities are supported by ISO 9001- and ISO 13485-certified quality management systems, strengthening quality, traceability and reproducibility for studies involving clinical samples.
In 2025, Explicyte discontinued animal experimentation and expanded its patient-derived 3D tumor model capabilities as human-relevant alternatives for preclinical oncology research.
Executive team
Alban Bessède, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
Founder and CEO of Explicyte, Alban has over 15 years of experience in preclinical and translational oncology. He has co-authored 60+ peer-reviewed publications and led the development of Explicyte’s spatial, single-cell and multi-omics capabilities.
Imane Nafia, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer
Imane brings 18+ years of preclinical experience across neuroscience and oncology. Since joining Explicyte in 2017, she has led 70+ sponsored immuno-oncology programs using co-culture and patient-derived 3D models to support MoA, PoC and lead optimization.
Jean-Philippe Guégan, PhD
Chief Technology Officer
Jean-Philippe has spent the past decade studying tumor microenvironment biology using spatial and single-cell technologies, contributing to 40+ publications. Since joining Explicyte in 2019, he has led translational programs and helped scale its 10x Genomics and data science capabilities.
Loïc Cerf, MSc
Chief Operating Officer
Loïc brings over 20 years of experience in preclinical CRO operations and biotechnology management. Since joining Explicyte in 2016, he has overseen operations, finance, contracting, HR and quality, supporting the delivery of programs for a broad international client base.
Our partners
Explicyte collaborates with leading cancer centers, academic research institutions and technology partners to advance preclinical and translational oncology research. Our scientific ecosystem includes collaborations with major French oncology and biomedical research organizations.
Scientific partners
Institutional & corporate partners
