1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program is a pivotal initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC) designed to support innovative startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within Europe. Its primary objective is to facilitate the development and scaling of breakthrough technologies, particularly in the DeepTech sector, which includes advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and other innovative fields. The program aims to bridge the funding gap often faced by these companies, enabling them to transition from the research phase to market-ready solutions.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator operates on a blended finance model, combining grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, aimed at funding the early stages of product development, including research activities, prototyping, and testing. This grant is particularly beneficial for startups that require initial capital to validate their technologies and business models.

In addition to the grant, the EIC Accelerator offers equity funding, which can extend up to €15 million until 2024 and €10 million from 2025 onwards. This equity investment is designed to support scaling efforts, allowing companies to expand their operations, enhance production capabilities, and penetrate wider markets. The dual funding mechanism of grants and equity helps mitigate risk for startups while incentivizing private investors to engage with these innovative companies.

Purpose in the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European startup ecosystem by providing not only financial support but also strategic guidance and mentorship. It fosters collaboration among entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors, creating a vibrant landscape for innovation. By focusing on DeepTech, the program aims to nurture technologies that have the potential to address significant societal challenges, thus enhancing Europe's competitive edge in global markets.

Role in Scaling and Private Sector Funding

One of the key aspects of the EIC Accelerator is its ability to help companies scale effectively. By securing substantial funding, winners of the program can attract additional private sector investments, which are often hesitant to engage with early-stage technologies. The credibility and validation that come with EIC Accelerator funding can significantly enhance a company's attractiveness to investors, facilitating further rounds of financing needed to achieve growth objectives.

APMONIA THERAPEUTICS and the ACT-MATRIX Project

APMONIA THERAPEUTICS, based in France, represents a notable success story within the EIC Accelerator framework. The company focuses on developing novel peptide-based therapeutics aimed at reprogramming the tumor stroma extracellular matrix. Their project, known as ACT-MATRIX, leverages advanced molecular modeling and computational engineering techniques to design innovative therapies that can effectively alter the tumor microenvironment.

Technology Basics and Background

The technology underlying APMONIA THERAPEUTICS' ACT-MATRIX project centers around understanding and manipulating the tumor stroma, a complex structure that supports tumor growth and progression. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial in regulating cell behavior within the tumor microenvironment. By employing peptide-based therapeutics, APMONIA THERAPEUTICS aims to disrupt the supportive role of the ECM in tumors, thereby reprogramming the microenvironment to inhibit cancer growth.

The approach integrates molecular modeling and computational engineering, allowing for the precise design of peptides that can interact with the ECM components. This innovative strategy not only opens new avenues for cancer treatment but also exemplifies the potential of combining computational tools with biopharmaceutical development. By targeting the tumor stroma, the ACT-MATRIX project seeks to enhance the efficacy of existing therapies and improve patient outcomes.

The EIC Accelerator funding will play a crucial role in advancing the ACT-MATRIX project, enabling APMONIA THERAPEUTICS to conduct essential research, clinical trials, and ultimately bring their groundbreaking therapies to market. The successful execution of this project could significantly impact the field of oncology, paving the way for more effective treatment strategies against various cancers.

For more information about APMONIA THERAPEUTICS and the ACT-MATRIX project, the company maintains a comprehensive website at apmonia-therapeutics.com.

2 The Funding Rounds

Apmonia Therapeutics, a French biotechnology company specializing in peptide-based immuno-oncology therapeutics, has secured multiple funding rounds and key investments to advance its drug development pipeline, particularly targeting cancer treatment.

Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

• In February 2022, Apmonia Therapeutics completed a significant fundraising round of approximately €4 million. This financing included equity investments along with loans from Bpifrance and various governmental and regional grants. This round aimed to complete regulatory preclinical studies for their lead anti-cancer immunotherapy candidate (AP-01) and prepare for first-in-man clinical trials.
• Prior to that, the company had mobilized nearly €5.3 million in total financing including an initial operation with Business Angels Marne Ardennes (BAMA) around 2020, combining equity investments with public funding support.
• In July 2024, as a winner of the prestigious European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program following their Step 2 proposal submission on March 13th, 2024, Apmonia Therapeutics was awarded a blended finance package consisting of a €2.5 million grant plus an additional €7 million equity investment from the EIC. This combined €9.5 million injection will enable them to carry out clinical operations across Europe while expanding their oncology product portfolio.

Timing and Amounts

Date	Funding Type	Amount	Purpose/Notes
Early 2020	Seed / Initial	~€1.3M	Including Business Angels investment (BAMA)
Feb 10, 2022	Equity + Loans + Grants	~€4M	Preclinical studies completion & trial prep
July 16-17,24	EIC Accelerator Grant + Equity	€2.5M grant + €7M equity (€9.5M total)	Clinical operations & portfolio expansion

Investors Information

Key investors participating in previous rounds include:

• Fournier-Majoie Foundation (Brussels)
• Capital Grand Est
• FINOVAM Gestion
• Angels Santé network
• Bpifrance loans alongside governmental/regional grants

The recent EIC Accelerator funding provides both public grant money (€2.5m) plus sizable equity investment (€7m), indicating confidence by European institutional investors in Apmonia’s technology platform.

Company Valuation and Exit Events

Public information on exact company valuations or exit events such as IPOs or acquisitions is not available at this time for Apmonia Therapeutics.

Given the early-stage nature of its business—still advancing through preclinical development into clinical phases—and recent substantial fundraising primarily through venture capital-like syndicates plus government-backed programs like Horizon Europe/EIC Accelerator grants/equity blends—an IPO or acquisition event has yet to occur.

Summary

Apmonia Therapeutics has successfully raised over €13 million since inception through multiple funding events combining private equity investments from specialized biotech-focused funds/foundations alongside significant public sector support including:

• A notable early seed phase funded by angel investors,
• A major follow-up round (~€4m including Bpifrance-backed loans/grants),
• And recently one of the largest injections via the EIC Accelerator program (~€9.5m blended finance).

These financial milestones reflect strong investor confidence aimed at progressing Apmonia’s innovative peptide platform targeting solid tumor microenvironments toward clinical validation stages within oncology.

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3 The Press Releases

Apmonia Therapeutics, based in France, is a biotechnology company that has recently received the EIC Accelerator funding. The company focuses on developing innovative therapies for cancer patients by leveraging advances in computational protein and peptide engineering. Here are some key points about Apmonia Therapeutics:

Company Overview

Apmonia Therapeutics is dedicated to developing therapeutic strategies for cancer. It specializes in creating first-in-class peptide-based therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment to improve cancer treatment outcomes. The company utilizes molecular modeling and expertise in matrix biology and oncology to target proteins overexpressed in solid tumors.

Recent Developments and Partnerships

• Licensing and Co-Development Agreement: Apmonia Therapeutics entered into a licensing and co-development program with SATT Nord, enhancing its portfolio of peptides for oncology.
• Grant and Funding: The company received significant funding, including $2.7 million from Bpifrance, to advance its research on targeting elements of the extracellular matrix.
• Collaboration with IBMM: Apmonia Therapeutics strengthened its collaboration with the Max Mousseron Institute of Biomolecules (IBMM) to improve drug discovery capabilities, focusing on identifying new therapeutic targets in the extracellular matrix.

Technology Advancements

Apmonia Therapeutics' technology platform involves cutting-edge screening and validation technologies to develop peptides. Their lead program, AP-01 (or TAX2), targets thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) to modulate the tumor microenvironment, preventing CD47 receptor activation and promoting an immune response against tumors.

Team and Operations

• Location: The company is based in Reims, France.
• Establishment: Founded in 2019.
• Employee Base: Less than 10 employees.

Press Releases and Updates

Press releases available on their website highlight new partnerships, such as the agreement with SATT Nord, and advancements in their drug discovery capabilities. However, specific press releases are not detailed on social media accounts, and updates primarily focus on their scientific advancements and collaborations.

Sources

• Apmonia Therapeutics Newsroom
• Apmonia Therapeutics | The Pharmaletter
• Apmonia Therapeutics: Accueil
• Apmonia Therapeutics SAS - Life-Sciences-France.com
• Apmonia Therapeutics SAS - Synapse
• Apmonia Therapeutics - Business France at BIO Convention
• Apmonia Therapeutics | Capital Cell

4 The Technology Advancements

Apmonia Therapeutics: Post-EIC Accelerator Developments

Apmonia Therapeutics, a French biotechnology company focused on peptide-based cancer therapies, has leveraged its 2024 EIC Accelerator funding (€2.5M grant + €7M equity) to advance its clinical pipeline and expand technological capabilities. Key developments include:

Technological Advancements

• Collaborative Drug Discovery: Strengthened molecular modeling capabilities through an extended partnership with the Max Mousseron Institute of Biomolecules (IBMM), enhancing target identification in the extracellular matrix.
• Pipeline Expansion: Continued development of AP-01 (TAX2), a first-in-class peptide targeting TSP-1/CD47 interactions to reactivate T-cell immunity against tumors, alongside undisclosed programs targeting other ECM components.

Clinical and Market Progress

While no recent clinical trial results are publicly documented:

• Preclinical Validation: AP-01 demonstrated in vivo efficacy in reprogramming tumor microenvironments and activating adaptive immune responses, with plans to prioritize ovarian cancer initially before expanding to glioblastoma, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.
• Funding Allocation: The EIC funds are explicitly earmarked for clinical operations in Europe and portfolio diversification, though specific trial phases or patient recruitment timelines remain undisclosed.

Intellectual Property & Publications

No new patents or peer-reviewed studies are explicitly cited post-EIC award. However, their platform relies on proprietary computational protein engineering methods referenced in earlier collaborations.

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Sources

• Apmonia Therapeutics strengthens its drug discovery capabilities
• EIC Accelerator Award Announcement
• Business France BIO Convention Profile
• JP Morgan Week Company Overview

+ additional sources from search results excluded due to redundancy or lack of post-EIC specifics.

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Apmonia Therapeutics: Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024, Apmonia Therapeutics has focused on expanding its collaborative network to advance its oncology pipeline. The French biotech specializes in peptide-based therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment, leveraging computational protein engineering and molecular modeling to develop first-in-class cancer treatments.

Key Partnerships and Collaborations

• Max Mousseron Institute of Biomolecules (IBMM): Extended collaboration to enhance drug discovery capabilities, particularly in identifying extracellular matrix therapeutic targets using advanced molecular modeling.
• SATT Nord: Licensing and co-development agreement signed in September 2023 to accelerate preclinical development, supported by Bpifrance funding.
• IBlab: Partnership announced in 2022 as part of broader efforts to integrate cutting-edge screening technologies into its platform.

These relationships enable Apmonia to access specialized expertise in peptide engineering and validation technologies while strengthening its intellectual property portfolio.

Market Positioning and Technological Advancements
Apmonia’s partnerships position it as a leader in tumor microenvironment-focused therapies, particularly for colorectal cancer (TAX-2 program). By collaborating with academic institutions like IBMM, the company gains early access to novel computational tools for target identification—critical for maintaining a competitive edge in peptide therapeutics. The SATT Nord alliance further supports industrial-scale production processes ahead of clinical trials.

With over €8 million raised since 2019 (including €2.5 million from Bpifrance’s Deep Tech plan), Apmonia is scaling its R&D operations toward IND-enabling studies while exploring additional strategic alliances with pharmaceutical companies interested in oncology pipelines. Participation at BIO International Convention 2025 underscores its intent to expand global industry visibility.

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Sources

• Apmonia Therapeutics: Accueil
• Apmonia Therapeutics | Capital Cell
• The Pharmaletter: Apmonia Therapeutics
• SparingVision Raises €75 Million; Apmonia Secures €2.5 Million
• Synapse Pipeline Data
• BIO Partnering Companies List
• Drug Discovery Collaboration Update

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

While specific details about Apmonia Therapeutics' hiring activities, team size, and growth metrics remain undisclosed in available public records, the company has demonstrated notable momentum in strategic collaborations and funding since its establishment. As a French biotechnology firm focused on next-generation cancer immunotherapies targeting the tumor microenvironment, Apmonia secured €2.7 million from Bpifrance to advance its extracellular matrix-focused therapies. The company also expanded its drug discovery capabilities through an extended collaboration with the Max Mousseron Institute of Biomolecules (IBMM), enhancing computational protein/peptide engineering workflows.

Growth and Strategic Direction

Apmonia’s participation in the 2025 EIC ePitching event showcased its ambition to attract investors for scaling operations, though no specific hiring plans were detailed. The absence of explicit headcount data suggests a lean operational structure typical of early-stage biotechs, prioritizing R&D over rapid team expansion. Key positions likely revolve around computational biology, peptide engineering, and preclinical development roles to advance their pipeline.

Scaling Considerations

Recent funding and partnerships indicate capacity-building efforts that may necessitate specialized hires in:

• Computational drug design (leveraging IBMM’s molecular modeling expertise)
• Immuno-oncology clinical development (to transition candidates toward trials)
• Business development (for licensing/co-development deals like SATT Nord)

No management changes or founding team updates are reported publicly. Future growth will likely depend on securing additional capital to expand therapeutic programs and operational infrastructure.

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Sources:

• Apmonia Therapeutics strengthens drug discovery capabilities
• Apmonia's EIC ePitching participation
• Bpifrance funding announcement

7 The Media Features and Publications

Overview of Apmonia Therapeutics

Apmonia Therapeutics is a French biotechnology company based in Reims, dedicated to developing innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. The company focuses on creating first-in-class peptide-based therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment to improve cancer patient outcomes. Apmonia Therapeutics was founded in 2019 and employs between 1 and 10 people.

Media Features and Publications

Apmonia Therapeutics has been mentioned in publications highlighting its focus on anti-cancer immunotherapy and its development of a pipeline of next-generation peptide-based therapies. The company's lead program, AP-01 (TAX2), targets thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) to modulate the tumor microenvironment, enhancing immune response without the hematologic toxicities associated with CD47 blockade. This approach positions AP-01 as a promising candidate for combination therapies in immune-oncology.

Podcasts and Interviews

Currently, there are no specific podcasts or interviews featuring Apmonia Therapeutics mentioned in the available information.

Conference and Fair Participations

Apmonia Therapeutics participated in the Business France at BIO Convention, where they showcased their therapeutic strategies in oncology. This event highlights their involvement in international biotech forums.

Event Involvement

The company's participation in events like the BIO Convention demonstrates its engagement with the global biotech community. However, specific details about recent conference presentations or participations beyond this are not available in the provided sources.

EIC Accelerator Funding

Apmonia Therapeutics received EIC Accelerator funding after submitting a proposal on March 13, 2024. This funding supports the company's innovative cancer therapies, further enhancing its drug discovery capabilities and collaborative efforts with institutions like the Max Mousseron Institute of Biomolecules (IBMM).

Future Directions

Apmonia Therapeutics is focusing on clinical development for ovarian cancer and plans to expand to other cancer types such as glioblastoma, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Their approach involves using molecular modeling to identify and target specific proteins overexpressed in solid tumors, converting them into potential therapeutic targets.

Sources

• Apmonia Therapeutics: Accueil
• Apmonia Therapeutics company information, funding & investors
• APMONIA THERAPEUTICS Company Profile
• Business France at BIO Convention
• Apmonia Therapeutics SAS - Life-Sciences-France.com