InFocus Therapeutics is a next-generation biotechnology company that redefines RNA-targeted drug discovery through artificial intelligence and molecular innovation.

Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and now established within the Paris-Saclay Cancer Cluster (PSCC), the company is pioneering a new class of RNA-targeted small molecule therapeutics designed to restore gene function in complex diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

By choosing the Paris Region for its first European expansion, InFocus joins one of the world’s most dynamic life sciences ecosystems, a hub of excellence that brings together cutting-edge research institutions, biotech startups, and global pharmaceutical leaders.

In this exclusive interview, we spoke with Emily Fang, CEO of InFocus Therapeutics, to explore the company’s vision for advancing RNA medicine, the strategic role of artificial intelligence in accelerating discovery, and how this new chapter in France reflects InFocus’s commitment to global collaboration and patient-focused innovation.

To begin, could you briefly introduce InFocus Therapeutics and your role within the organization?

InFocus Therapeutics is a deep-tech biotech pioneering next-generation RNA-targeting small-molecule drugs.
We combine AI-driven generative chemistry with RNA biology to tackle oncology and neuromuscular diseases with high unmet need.

Founded in 2023, we have already advanced promising lead programs supported by strong preclinical data.
I am the Founder & CEO of InFocus Therapeutics, with nearly 15 years of experience translating early science into drug candidates and leading business development through global partnerships.
My role is to drive strategy, fundraising, and execution — bridging cutting-edge science, strategy, and capital to build an investable biotech with clear paths to value creation.

What inspired InFocus Therapeutics to establish operations in Paris Region?

I came to France 10 years ago to work in drug discovery and biotechnology, and since then the Paris Region has become one of the world’s most dynamic ecosystems – defined by its commitment to welcoming and supporting international talent, enabling bold technological breakthroughs. And of course, Paris remains the most enchanting and inspiring city in the world! As an entrepreneur, I find it incredibly enriching to be in this environment where inspiration and audacity collide to create exciting new possibilities.

You are a member of different initiatives in Paris Region like Paris Saclay Cancer Cluster, Medicen, you are also a resident at Biolabs, how do these organizations support you on a daily basis?

These organizations provide an incredible ecosystem of support - from state-of-the-art research facilities to connections with leading experts and industry partners. They foster collaboration, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, and build synergies with other innovators and entrepreneurs.

Through PSCC, BioLabs, Paris Biotech Santé, France Biotech, WILCO, and Medicen, we gain visibility and integration into world-class scientific networks, along with practical resources that accelerate our progress. These communities also create a supportive and collaborative environment that makes the Paris Region the ideal place for young biotechs like ours to scale with confidence and global ambition.

What R&D capabilities or infrastructure in Paris Region have been particularly beneficial to your innovation journey?

The Paris Region offers world-class R&D infrastructure that has been instrumental to our growth. We benefit from access to cutting-edge lab facilities, incubators, and shared research platforms that lower barriers for early-stage biotechs.
Clusters like PSCC, Paris Biotech Santé and BioLabs connect us with leading academic institutions, hospitals, and pharma partners, enabling strong translational research. The region also provides a rich density of specialized CROs, AI expertise, and advanced platforms that support rapid, capital-efficient drug discovery.
With many turnkey and flexible laboratory options, it has become one of the most dynamic biohubs I've seen worldwide – empowering us to accelerate innovation and build globally competitive programs from Paris.

Do you also partner with Paris-Region based research centers and hospitals on co-development?

Yes – partnering with leading Paris research centers and hospitals is central to our strategy. We are actively preparing collaborations with world-class institutions such as Inserm and Gustave Roussy, whose deep expertise in oncology and translational medicine will provide a strong foundation for advancing our pipeline.
These future partnerships will enable us to co-develop innovative programs and validate our discoveries in clinically relevant settings. Working alongside top researchers and clinicians will also accelerate our ability to translate ideas into therapeutic impact.
For us, Paris is not only an R&D hub but also a gateway to outstanding scientific and medical collaborations.

How has being in Paris Region influenced your ability to attract or retain top scientific and clinical talent?

Paris is, of course, one of the most attractive and vibrant destinations for top global talents. Its reputation for excellence in science and medicine continues to draw world-class researchers, clinicians, and innovators. The presence of leading universities, hospitals, and research institutes makes it possible to recruit and retain exceptional people. And an international and entrepreneurial culture here also makes it easier to recruit globally and keep teams inspired.

For us, Paris offers not just opportunity but a truly international environment where people want to stay and thrive.

What does RNA Therapeutics bring to the table compared to other biotechnologies?

RNA-modulating therapeutics open entirely new ways to treat disease by targeting the root causes encoded in RNA.
Unlike traditional drugs that mainly focus on proteins, RNA-based approaches can correct gene expression and splicing directly. This creates opportunities to tackle diseases previously considered “undruggable,” including cancer and rare genetic disorders.
At InFocus Therapeutics, we are advancing RNA-targeting small molecules as a next-generation modality – combining the scalability, oral availability, and precision of small molecules with the transformative potential of RNA medicine and enabling therapies that can be designed and adapted more rapidly than conventional drugs.

How does Infocus Therapeutics hope to impact patients' lives in the next 5 to 10 years?

In the next 5 to 10 years, we aim to deliver best-in-class and first-in-class RNA-modulating small-molecule therapeutics to patients with cancer and neuromuscular diseases. Our goal is to transform diseases once considered “undruggable” into treatable conditions with meaningful therapeutic options. We hope to provide therapies that are more precise, oral, and accessible, improving both outcomes and quality of life.
By building an agile and globally connected biotech, we plan to accelerate drug discovery and bring innovations to the clinic faster.
Ultimately, our vision is to ensure that patients who today face limited hope will have safe, effective treatments within reach.

How did Choose Paris Region support you in your expansion journey? What service was most valuable to your company?

We are proud to leverage Choose Paris Region as a partner in our expansion journey. Their support has helped us navigate the local ecosystem and administrative pathways while connecting us with key stakeholders.

The introductions to clusters, incubators, and funding programs are proving especially valuable as a launchpad for our growth.

This guidance not only accelerates our integration into the ecosystem but also gives us visibility and credibility within the Paris Region’s life sciences community.

What are the next steps for InFocus Therapeutics in France and globally?

In France, our next steps are to deepen our integration into the Paris ecosystem by advancing local R&D collaborations and expanding our presence in incubators and clusters. We are preparing partnerships with leading research centers and hospitals to co-develop and validate our discoveries.
Globally, we are focused on building a diversified pipeline of best-in-class therapeutics across oncology and neuromuscular diseases, while also engaging with investors and pharma partners to accelerate programs into the clinic and secure strategic collaborations.
Ultimately, our ambition is to establish InFocus as a globally connected biotech with France as a key hub for R&D excellence and sustainable innovation.