1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), serves as a pivotal financial instrument aimed at supporting deep-tech start-ups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. This program is designed to facilitate the scaling of innovative companies that possess high growth potential, particularly in sectors characterized by advanced technologies.Funding Structure of the EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator offers a unique blend of funding types, which includes grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, aimed at covering early-stage development costs, including research and development. This funding is particularly critical for companies that are in the process of validating their technologies or moving towards commercialization.
In addition to grants, the program also provides equity investment, which can amount to up to €15 million until 2024. Starting in 2025, this equity limit will adjust to a maximum of €10 million. This blended finance approach allows companies to secure essential capital while also maintaining a degree of financial flexibility, thereby enabling them to attract further investment from private sectors.
Purpose and Role in the Ecosystem
The primary purpose of the EIC Accelerator is to foster innovation by enabling companies to scale effectively. The program plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between early-stage funding and private sector investment. By providing a safety net of public funding, the EIC Accelerator enhances the attractiveness of these companies to private investors, who may be more willing to provide additional capital when they see that a reputable public body has already invested.
This initiative is particularly significant in the context of the European DeepTech ecosystem, where groundbreaking research often faces challenges in translating into commercially viable products. The EIC Accelerator not only supports the financial needs of these projects but also contributes to the development of a robust innovation ecosystem in Europe.
ATXA Therapeutics Ltd and the PAH-Advance Project
ATXA Therapeutics Ltd, based in Ireland, is a notable winner of the EIC Accelerator, having successfully secured funding for its project, PAH-Advance. This project focuses on accelerating the clinical path of NTP42, a disease-modifying drug aimed at transforming the treatment landscape for cardiopulmonary diseases, specifically pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Technology Background and Basics
NTP42 is an innovative therapeutic agent designed to address the underlying mechanisms of PAH, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Current treatment options primarily manage symptoms rather than modify the disease's progression. NTP42 differentiates itself by targeting specific pathways involved in vascular remodeling and pulmonary vascular resistance, potentially offering a more effective and transformative approach to treatment.
The technology behind NTP42 involves a deep understanding of molecular pathways implicated in PAH. Through extensive research and development, ATXA Therapeutics aims to demonstrate that NTP42 can not only alleviate symptoms but also reverse pathological changes in the pulmonary vasculature. The drug’s mechanism of action is grounded in its ability to modulate inflammatory and fibrotic processes, which are critical in the pathology of PAH.
By leveraging the EIC Accelerator’s funding, ATXA Therapeutics is poised to enhance its clinical trials and expedite the journey from lab to market, ultimately aiming to deliver a groundbreaking treatment option for patients suffering from this challenging condition. The success of the PAH-Advance project not only represents a significant milestone for ATXA Therapeutics but also underscores the vital role that the EIC Accelerator plays in advancing medical innovation in Europe.
2 The Funding Rounds
Financing Raised
ATXA Therapeutics Ltd, based in Ireland, has raised significant funding since being selected as a winner of the EIC Accelerator in June 2022. The company secured blended finance from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program, amounting to €10.5 million—comprising €2.5 million in grant funding and up to €8 million in equity investment. This financing is directed at advancing its lead drug candidate NTP42 for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) into Phase II clinical development.
Prior to this, ATXA Therapeutics received €2.5 million under the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument Programme Phase 2. The company's total funding as reported across public sources ranges between approximately $4.5–$5 million (citing only cash already invested), but EIC announcements confirm that the total committed blended finance from EIC is notably higher at around €10.5 million.
Funding Rounds: Timing and Amounts
- May 2018: Received a grant of approximately €2.5M via Horizon 2020 SME Instrument Programme Phase 2.
- June 2022: Secured EIC Accelerator blended finance with a split of:
- Grant: €2.5M
- Equity investment: Up to €8M ([€10.5M total])
- June 2023: Additional reference to a tranche from the EIC Fund (€2M), which may be part of or additional to previously announced equity.
The principal and transformative round occurred following its success at the June 15, 2022 cut-off for the EIC Accelerator call.
Investor Information
The primary investor disclosed is:
There are references to potential co-investment by venture capital alongside this EU support as per company statements about ongoing fundraising efforts; however, no specific private investors have been publicly named yet.
Further Details on Funding Rounds
The June 2022 award followed an extremely competitive process—75 out of over 1000 applicants received funding across Europe during that cycle. ATXA’s successful application was for “blended” financing—a combination preferred by most awardees—which supports both non-dilutive grant activities and dilutive equity investments aimed at scaling clinical-stage innovations such as NTP42 for PAH patients.
Funding under these programs enables critical next steps including: - Scaling up manufacture/formulation
- Bridging clinical trials
- Long-term safety/toxicology studies
- Regulatory approvals toward Phase II trials in humans
No further seed or Series A/B/C rounds with private VCs have been disclosed publicly outside these EU innovation grants/equity tranches.
Company Valuations
There are no public disclosures regarding formal company valuations post-funding rounds or pre/post-money figures associated with these financings on record as of May 2025.
Exit Events (IPO/Buyouts/Acquisitions)
As of May 2025:
- ATXA Therapeutics has not undergone any IPO.
- There are no records indicating acquisition or buyout activity.
Company strategy statements indicate that future plans include securing licensing deals with pharmaceutical partners post-clinical trial success rather than immediate exit via IPO or sale; royalties would then return value back to ATXA shareholders over time if commercialization milestones are achieved.
Sources
- Atxa Therapeutics Stock Price, Funding, Valuation, Revenue ...
- ATXA Therapeutics receives Funding through the European Innovation Council Accelerator Programme
- atxa therapeutics ltd - EIC Accelerator data hub
- ATXA Therapeutics company information, funding & investors ...
- PAH ADVANCE | Accelerating Clinical Path of NTP42
- ATXA Therapeutics secures €2.5M in Horizon SME funding
- EIC Accelerator winners and statistics June 2022 - Strata.team
3 The Press Releases
ATXA Therapeutics Advances Clinical Programs and Strengthens Position in Cardiopulmonary Drug Development Following EIC Accelerator FundingSince securing European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding, ATXA Therapeutics Ltd has progressed its lead drug candidate NTP42, a novel therapeutic targeting pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and related cardiopulmonary conditions. The Ireland-based clinical-stage company, founded by Professor Therese Kinsella, has prioritized clinical trials, preclinical research, and strategic collaborations to address unmet needs in cardiovascular diseases.
Key Developments Post-EIC Accelerator
- Clinical Trial Milestones:
- Published Phase 1 first-in-human study results for NTP42 in Frontiers in Pharmacology, confirming safety and tolerability in healthy volunteers.
- Prepared for patient-focused trials expected to begin in late 2024/early 2025 across the U.S. and Europe, aiming for completion by 2027.
- Preclinical Validation: Demonstrated NTP42’s cardioprotective effects in PAH models through multiple peer-reviewed publications, including findings presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress (2022) and ESC Congress (2021).
- Funding & Partnerships: Raised €17 million to date while seeking an additional €30 million to advance patient trials. Collaborated with EU institutions under the PAH-HOPE project, highlighted by the European Commission as a breakthrough initiative.
Technology & Pipeline Focus
NTP42 inhibits thromboxane receptor signaling implicated in PAH pathogenesis. ATXA’s work emphasizes dual cardiopulmonary benefits, positioning it as a potential treatment for broader cardiovascular diseases beyond PAH.Leadership & Recognition
CEO Professor Therese Kinsella received the 2024 NovaUCD Innovation Award, reflecting her contributions to translating academic research into clinical solutions. The company maintains ties with University College Dublin’s Conway Institute, leveraging academic expertise for drug development.Sources
- ATXA Therapeutics News [EIC funding announcement]
- UCD Spin-out Secures Horizon 2020 SME Funding [Background on early funding]
- Business Post: ATXA’s Critical Phase [Trial updates]
4 The Technology Advancements
Overview of ATXA Therapeutics Ltd.
ATXA Therapeutics Ltd., based in Ireland, is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for cardiopulmonary diseases. The company's primary focus is on Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) and related conditions, using its lead drug candidate, NTP42, which is a small molecule antagonist of the thromboxane prostanoid receptor (TP).Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding
Following the receipt of €10.5 million in blended funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator programme in June 2022, ATXA Therapeutics has made significant advancements:- Clinical Trials: The company successfully completed a Phase 1 first-in-human study of NTP42, evaluating its safety and tolerability in healthy volunteers. This study was published, showcasing NTP42 as safe and well-tolerated.
- Technology Development: With the EIC funding, ATXA Therapeutics has accelerated its technology development towards a Phase II trial in PAH patients. This includes enhancing manufacturing capabilities and advancing its intellectual property portfolio.
- Market Potential: NTP42 has shown potential not only for PAH but also for treating other diseases like interstitial lung diseases and COVID-19-related illnesses, indicating a broader market reach.
New Features and Demonstrations
ATXA Therapeutics has presented its preclinical efficacy results for NTP42 at various conferences, including the European Society of Cardiology Congress and the European Respiratory Society International Congress. These presentations highlight the drug's potential as a first-in-class treatment for PAH. Additionally, the company has received recognition for its innovation, including the 2024 NovaUCD Innovation Award for its founder and CEO, Professor Therese Kinsella.Patents and Scientific Publications
ATXA Therapeutics has been granted multiple patents globally for its technology, supporting its intellectual property development. The company has also published several papers detailing the preclinical and clinical findings of NTP42, further establishing its scientific progress.Conclusion
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, ATXA Therapeutics has made notable advancements in clinical trials, technology development, and market potential. The company continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering life-changing treatments for cardiopulmonary diseases through innovative research and strategic partnerships.Sources: - ATXA Therapeutics
- Our Mission - ATXA Therapeutics
- Atxa Therapeutics Ltd.
- ATXA Therapeutics secures €2.5M in Horizon 2020 SME funding
- News - ATXA Therapeutics
- ATXA Therapeutics to Participate in Bio€quity Europe 2023
- ATXA Therapeutics receives Funding through the European Innovation Council Accelerator Programme
- New hope for pulmonary arterial hypertension patients
- ATXA Therapeutics Ltd - European Innovation Council
5 The Partnerships and Customers
ATXA Therapeutics Ltd: Partnerships and Advancements
ATXA Therapeutics Ltd, an Irish biotech company, has been actively engaged in various partnerships and collaborations since receiving funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in June 2022. The company specializes in developing innovative treatments for cardiopulmonary diseases, with a focus on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Existing Partnerships
New Partnerships
While specific information about new partners since the EIC funding is not detailed, ATXA Therapeutics continues to leverage its existing network to progress its clinical trials and drug development.
Customers
The company does not typically have customers in the traditional sense since it is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments rather than selling products directly to end-users.
New Relationships and Market Positioning
ATXA Therapeutics' participation in prominent biotech conferences like Bio€quity Europe 2023 highlights its efforts to strengthen its market presence and attract investors. These events provide opportunities for networking and potential partnerships that can enhance the company's position in the biotech industry.
Technology Advancements and Scaling
The partnerships with Almac, Catland, and Charles River are pivotal for technology advancements, enabling the company to scale up drug manufacturing and move towards Phase II clinical trials. These collaborations offer expertise in drug formulation, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance, which are essential for expanding the reach and efficiency of NTP42.
Purpose and Benefits
The purpose of these relationships is to accelerate the development of NTP42, ensuring it meets regulatory standards and is effectively scaled for larger clinical trials. This will help ATXA Therapeutics to bring a new treatment option to patients suffering from PAH, a condition with significant unmet medical needs. The partnerships also facilitate access to advanced technologies and resources, which are critical for technology advancements and market scaling.
Conclusion
ATXA Therapeutics Ltd continues to leverage its partnerships to drive forward its clinical trials and drug development. The company's focus on innovation and collaboration positions it well in the biotech industry, especially in the development of cardiopulmonary treatments.
Sources
- ATXA Therapeutics to Participate in Bio€quity Europe 2023
- ATXA Therapeutics
- Founders of ATXA Therapeutics and EpiCapture receive innovation awards
- ATXA Therapeutics company information, funding & investors
- ATXA Therapeutics secures €2.5M in Horizon 2020 SME funding
- Presentation - Prof. Therese Kinsella - ATXA Therapeutics
- ATXA Therapeutics in London for the Biotech and Money Inv€$tival Showcase
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Overview of ATXA Therapeutics Ltd.
ATXA Therapeutics Ltd., based in Ireland, is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for cardiopulmonary diseases. Founded by Professor Therese Kinsella in 2015, the company has made significant strides in advancing its drug, NTP42, designed to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Current Headcount and Team Size
As of early 2025, ATXA Therapeutics has a small but dedicated team consisting of five full-time staff members, supported by a network of external advisors and contractors. This compact structure allows for focused efforts on research and development.
Hiring and Team Growth
There is no specific information available on whether ATXA Therapeutics is currently hiring, but the company's need for additional funding and its ambitious plans for clinical trials suggest potential growth opportunities in the future. The company is in the process of raising €30 million for further trials, indicating a possible expansion of its workforce as it advances to more complex stages of drug development.
Recent Growth and Key Positions
ATXA has demonstrated significant growth through its successful completion of two clinical trials and its progress toward patient trials. The company's leadership, particularly under Professor Kinsella, has been instrumental in guiding this growth. While there are no details on recent specific hires, the company's advancement suggests that it is attracting talent with expertise in pharmaceutical development and clinical trials.
Future Implications
New team members will play a crucial role in helping ATXA Therapeutics scale and grow, particularly as the company prepares for larger-scale clinical trials across the U.S. and Europe. Their expertise will be essential in navigating regulatory processes, managing clinical sites, and analyzing trial data. This growth positions ATXA to become a more prominent player in the development of treatments for cardiopulmonary diseases.
Changes in Management or Founding Team
There is no reported change in the management or founding team of ATXA Therapeutics. Professor Therese Kinsella remains a key figure, and her continued involvement is crucial to the company's mission and success.
Sources
- Our Team - ATXA Therapeutics
- ATXA's journey to trial a new lung disease treatment enters critical phase
- ATXA Therapeutics
- Three Irish companies to receive €24m from competitive EU funding
7 The Media Features and Publications
Media Features and Company Activities of ATXA Therapeutics Ltd. ATXA Therapeutics Ltd., an Irish biopharmaceutical company, has garnered significant media attention and industry recognition following its EIC Accelerator funding achievement. The company focuses on developing NTP42, a novel therapeutic targeting pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), with activities spanning clinical trials, conferences, and EU-funded initiatives.Media Coverage
- The Irish Times: Highlighted ATXA's fundraising efforts ($30 million in 2020) to advance NTP42 into clinical trials, later noting ambitions for global sales of $750 million post-market launch. In 2020, reports emphasized plans to initiate Phase I trials in 2021.
- Citruslabs: Featured ATXA’s aim to raise $300 million for clinical development of NTP42, underscoring its potential to reverse PAH progression.
Publications
- Frontiers in Pharmacology: Published Phase I results (December 2023) demonstrating NTP42’s safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic efficacy in healthy volunteers.
- EU Commission Reports: Detailed the PAH-HOPE project outcomes (2019–2021), including regulatory milestones like Clinical Trial Authorisation (CTA) approval for NTP42.
Conferences & Presentations
- Bio€quity Europe 2023: Participated in this Dublin-based conference to discuss drug development strategies.
- ATS International Conference 2023: Presented Phase I data from the first-in-human trial of NTP42:KVA4 formulation.
- ERS International Congress 2022: Showcased preclinical efficacy data supporting NTP42’s therapeutic potential in PAH treatment models.
- ESC Congress 2021: Shared preclinical findings on NTP42’s cardioprotective benefits against PAH pathology.
Events & Recognition
- NovaUCD Innovation Award 2024: CEO Prof. Therese Kinsella received this award for advancing innovative therapeutics through ATXA’s pipeline.
- World Orphan Drug Virtual Conference (August 2020): Presented on orphan drug development strategies for PAH treatment innovations(https://www.atxatherapeutics.com/news)[^] (specific link pending).
Sources Used:
```Note:* Specific podcast or interview links were not identified within provided sources; conference details derived from ATXA's news page announcements.
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