A new Pasteur-Weizmann tech-transfer initiative

Marking an exciting new chapter in their historic partnership, the Weizmann Institute of Science and the Institut Pasteur in Paris signed a memorandum of understanding last year to advance innovation and technology transfer between the two institutions. The agreement was formalized by Prof. Irit Sagi, Vice President for Innovation and Technology Transfer at the Weizmann Institute, and Prof. Yasmine Belkaid, President of the Institut Pasteur.

This led to the launch of a collaborative malaria research project between Dr. Chetan Chitnis, Head of the Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines Unit at Institut Pasteur, and Prof. Neta Regev-Rudzki of the Department of Biomolecular Sciences at the Weizmann Institute. As part of this project, Regev-Rudzki lab members, research associate Daniel Ben-Hur and PhD student Edo Kiper, visited the Chitnis laboratory in October 2024 to learn directly from Dr. Chitnis, an expert in molecular techniques and imaging methods for studying drug interactions and parasite resistance. This exchange has already borne fruit, resulting in a joint publication by scientists from the two teams.

The partnership continued in May 2025 when Prof. Regev-Rudzki visited the Pasteur Institute. During her two-day visit, she met with Dr. Chitnis and his team to further advance their research projects, and she engaged in scientific discussions with students and postdoctoral researchers. She also met with infectious disease scientists from various departments to explore potential new collaborations. A highlight of the visit was Prof. Regev-Rudzki’s seminar, where she presented her latest research on malaria and cell communication, and which sparked a lively and stimulating discussion.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Daniel and Edo shared: “Our work with the Chitnis group has been both productive and enjoyable. We also had the opportunity to present our findings to Dr. Najma Rachidi’s molecular parasitology team and to exchange ideas with Dr. Julia Bos, a research engineer in Pasteur’s Bacterial Genome Plasticity Unit. Both are interested in antimicrobial peptides, which could open the door to promising future collaborations.”

This unique project was supported throughout by the Bina Unit, established by Prof. Sagi as part of the Weizmann Institute of Science’s innovation ecosystem. The ongoing guidance and resources provided through Bina's framework helped advance the project from its basic research origins toward maximizing its potential for translative impact. Notably, Daniel Ben-Hur utilized the skills and perspectives he gained as a PhD student while participating in Bina’s Innovation Program, contributing to shaping the initiative’s development as an applied research endeavor.

While there is still progress to be made, the project has recently attracted the attention of the not‑for‑profit partnership Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV)—a promising indication of its potential impact. The project is now being handed over to Yeda Research and Development—Weizmann’s tech transfer arm—which will continue driving it forward.

As Prof. Regev-Rudzki mentioned: “Working on diseases of poverty presents massive challenges when it comes to attracting non-academic interest. My lab’s experience through this wonderful collaboration with Bina has undoubtedly added huge value to the project. I believe our case could serve as a powerful example of how Bina and Yeda’s support can make a real difference in addressing devastating yet non-profitable diseases—ultimately contributing to the betterment of humanity.”