1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups with innovative ideas in scaling their operations and bringing cutting-edge technologies to market. It focuses primarily on deep-tech innovations that have the potential to create significant economic and societal impact. The program provides both financial support in the form of grants and equity investments, ensuring that companies can secure the necessary funding to advance their projects.Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers substantial financial resources. Companies can receive a grant of up to €2.5 million to cover early-stage costs associated with product development, including research and innovation. This grant is aimed at projects that require validation and development before they can attract private investment.
In addition to the grant, the program provides equity funding, which has undergone changes over the years. Until 2024, companies can access equity financing of up to €15 million, significantly boosting their capacity to scale operations. Starting in 2025, this equity funding will be capped at €10 million. This dual funding model is designed to bridge the financing gap that many innovative companies face when transitioning from research and development to commercialization.
Purpose and Impact
The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European deep-tech and startup ecosystem by facilitating innovation and enhancing competitiveness. By providing targeted financial support, the program enables companies to overcome the initial hurdles of product development, thereby increasing the likelihood of achieving market success. This assistance not only contributes to the growth of individual companies but also fosters a vibrant ecosystem where innovative solutions can thrive.
Moreover, the EIC Accelerator helps companies attract additional funding from the private sector. By demonstrating the viability and potential impact of their projects, companies become more appealing to private investors. This is especially important in the deep-tech sector, where the capital requirements are often substantial and the risks are perceived to be high.
Case Study: Allero Therapeutics BV and the SOMIT-CD Project
Winner of the EIC Accelerator funding, Allero Therapeutics BV is a Netherlands-based company focused on developing innovative immunotherapies. The company’s project, SOMIT-CD (Specific Oromucosal Immunotherapy for Celiac Disease), aims to deliver a novel first-in-class treatment for Celiac Disease (CD). Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, leading to various health complications. Current treatments primarily involve strict dietary management, which may not be adequate for all patients.
Technology Background
The SOMIT-CD project leverages advanced immunotherapy techniques to induce tolerance to gluten through oromucosal administration. This involves delivering therapeutic doses of gluten peptides through the mucosal lining of the mouth, allowing the immune system to interact with the antigens in a controlled manner. The approach aims to re-educate the immune system, thereby reducing the autoimmune response associated with gluten intake.
The technology behind SOMIT-CD is rooted in the principles of immunology and mucosal tolerance. By using specific gluten peptides that are capable of engaging the immune system without triggering an adverse reaction, Allero Therapeutics aims to provide a safe and effective treatment option for individuals suffering from Celiac Disease. This innovative approach could potentially enhance the quality of life for patients and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
In summary, the EIC Accelerator program provides essential support for innovative projects like SOMIT-CD by Allero Therapeutics BV, facilitating the development of groundbreaking therapies in the realm of healthcare. By combining grant funding and equity investments, the program not only enhances the individual company’s prospects but also contributes to the overall dynamism of the European innovation landscape.
2 The Funding Rounds
Allero Therapeutics BV — Financing and Funding Events Since EIC Accelerator Award
Allero Therapeutics BV, based in the Netherlands, develops next-generation immunotherapies for allergic and autoimmune diseases, focusing on food-related immune disorders. The company received EIC Accelerator funding following its successful application (Step 2 submitted October 6, 2021). Below is a detailed overview of its financing history, funding rounds, investors, company valuation estimates, and any available information regarding exit events since that milestone.
Financing Raised
- Total Disclosed Funding: Approximately $1.1 million (as of latest available data).
- Funding Currency: Predominantly reported in euros (€) for earlier rounds; later amounts may be converted to USD for international reporting.
Funding Rounds: Timing & Amounts
| Date | Round | Amount | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2018 | Grant | €50,000 | European Innovation Council |
| April 2019 | Seed | €600,000 | Swanbridge Capital, Curie Capital |
| July 2020 | Venture | Not disclosed (participation by InnovationQuarter Capital) | |
| October 4, 2019 | Series A | $1.1 million | Not specifically named in public sources |
</em> There are some discrepancies across databases about timing between the seed and Series A rounds; however the largest single round reported is a $1.1M Series A.
Investor Information
- European Innovation Council: Provided early non-dilutive grant funding.
- Swanbridge Capital & Curie Capital: Early-stage venture capital funds participated in the seed round.
- InnovationQuarter Capital: Regional Dutch investor contributing to follow-on/venture round(s).
No additional new investors have been publicly associated with subsequent funding rounds post-EIC Accelerator award as of April 2025.
Company Valuations
- As of April 2019 (most recent estimate found), Dealroom.co listed Allero’s enterprise valuation at approximately $3–4 million.
- No updated post-money valuations or major revaluations have been publicly disclosed since then.
Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions
- As of April 2025:
- No evidence suggests that Allero Therapeutics has undergone an IPO.
- There are no public records or credible reports indicating acquisition or buyout activity involving Allero Therapeutics.
The company remains private and continues to operate independently according to all accessible data sources.
Summary Table — Key Financial Milestones
| Event Type | Date | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| EIC Grant | June 2018 | €50k |
| Seed Round | Apr. 2019 | €600k |
| Series A | Oct. 2019 | $1.1M |
</em>Date varies slightly across databases; most recent significant investment was in this period.
Additional Notes
No further large-scale financing events such as late-stage venture capital rounds (“Series B” onwards), IPO filings/closings, or major exits have been documented through European startup ecosystems or financial intelligence platforms as of this writing.Sources: - Allero Therapeutics - CB Insights
- Allero Therapeutics — Invest NL
- Allero Therapeutics — La French Tech
- Observatoire Les Deeptech
- StartupAmsterdam Map
- Dealroom.co Company Profile (Netherlands)
- Dealroom Portugal Startup Map
- CB Insights – Financials Page
3 The Press Releases
Allero Therapeutics' Strategic Advancements Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Allero Therapeutics BV, a Dutch immunotherapy company, has focused on advancing its proprietary SOMIT (Specific OroMucosal ImmunoTherapy) platform since receiving EIC Accelerator support. Key developments include:- Pre-Clinical Progress: The company initiated a pre-clinical and clinical program for celiac disease in 2022 under an EIC Horizon Grant, targeting antigen-specific immune tolerance using a mucoadhesive mouth patch combined with tolerogenic bacterial particles.
- Scientific Validation: Two peer-reviewed studies (2021) validated Allero's approach in celiac disease and food allergy models, demonstrating efficacy in inducing immune tolerance via short-course sublingual immunotherapy.
- Awards and Recognition: Allero received the Sanofi iDEA-TECH Award, highlighting its innovative immunotherapy approach for food-induced immune disorders.
- Leadership and Strategy: The team includes seasoned executives like CEO Emil Pot and CSO Poul Sørensen, with expertise spanning immunology, biotechnology, and clinical development. Their Scientific Advisory Board comprises leaders in celiac disease and allergy research.
While no recent partnerships or patents are explicitly detailed publicly, the company emphasizes collaboration opportunities for pipeline expansion across autoimmune diseases and anti-drug antibody mitigation.
Sources
News | Allero Therapeutics
Allero Therapeutics´ Immunotherapy Approach Validated by Peer Reviews
EIC-Funded Celiac Disease Program Launch
Celiac Disease Foundation: Future Therapies
SOMIT Technology Platform
Mucoadhesive Patch Validation Study Overview
4 The Technology Advancements
Allero Therapeutics BV, based in the Netherlands, specializes in developing novel non-invasive immunotherapies aimed at treating immune-mediated disorders such as autoimmune diseases, allergies, and anti-drug antibody (ADA) responses. Their proprietary platform technology is called SOMIT (Specific OroMucosal ImmunoTherapy), designed to induce long-lasting antigen-specific immune tolerance by targeting the oral mucosa as an immune privilege site.Current Capabilities
- Allero’s core capability lies in its SOMIT platform that uses a mucoadhesive patch delivering food allergens combined with tolerogenic bacterial particles. This approach aims to establish specific immune tolerance efficiently and safely via the oral mucosa.
- The company has focused on developing therapeutics for conditions including celiac disease and food allergies. Their pipeline also explores other potential indications through partnerships.
Advancements Since Receiving EIC Accelerator Funding (October 6, 2021)
- Since their EIC funding win in October 2021, Allero has published peer-reviewed scientific studies validating their SOMIT technology's mechanism of action:
- One study demonstrated compromised integrity of the oral mucosa barrier in celiac disease patients and highlighted the recruitment of regulatory T cells after gluten avoidance. This supports targeting the altered mucosa for immunotherapy due to its tolerogenic capacity.
- Another study showed that their mucoadhesive patch presenting allergen plus tolerogenic probiotic particles effectively induced desensitization with a short treatment course in animal models of food allergy.
These publications underpin Allero's strategy to develop non-invasive short-course immunotherapies with faster onset compared to existing prolonged treatments lasting multiple years.
Technology Improvements and New Features
- The use of a mucoadhesive patch combined with tolerogenic bacterial particles represents an advancement over traditional allergen immunotherapy approaches by enhancing allergen presentation duration and inducing faster immune tolerance.
- They have refined their delivery system specifically targeting the oral mucosa as an innovative therapeutic niche.
Demonstrations / Clinical Trials
Patents and Publications
- Allero holds patents related to LA-001 drug candidates linked to their proprietary technology; however detailed patent filings post-EIC funding are not explicitly documented publicly but can be inferred from ongoing R&D activity .
- The publication of two peer-reviewed studies validating key aspects of SOMIT occurred around early 2021 before EIC funding approval but serve as foundational scientific validation supporting further development efforts post-funding.
Summary
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021, Allero Therapeutics BV has continued advancing its innovative antigen-specific immunotherapy platform based on oro-mucosal delivery for autoimmune and allergic diseases. They have strengthened scientific validation through key publications demonstrating mechanism efficacy using their mucoadhesive patch system combined with tolerogenic bacteria. However, they appear still largely within preclinical/discovery phases without reported late-stage clinical trials or commercial market demonstrations yet. There is evidence they maintain active patent coverage aligned with this evolving technology.
Sources:
- Allero Therapeutics official website
- Patsnap Synapse profile on LA-001 drug
- Company News: Immunotherapy Approach Validated by Peer-reviewed Publications
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Allero Therapeutics BV, a Netherlands-based biotech company specializing in oromucosal immunotherapy, has established significant partnerships and customer relationships since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021.Key Partnerships and Customers:
Nature and Purpose of Relationships:
The collaboration with Abbreos is clinically oriented toward rapid development of immunotherapies addressing life-threatening inflammatory conditions such as COVID-19 ARDS by leveraging Allero's unique SOMIT platform technology targeting immune tolerance via the oral mucosa. The license granted exclusively to Abbreos ensures accelerated development within North America while offering financial compensation and equity benefits back to Allero.
The investment by LETI Pharma provides crucial capital infusion supporting pipeline maturation across autoimmune and allergic disease therapeutics based on their antigen-specific tolerance induction platform.
Collaboration via Sanofi's IDEA-iTECH program aligns with scientific innovation advancement through shared expertise networks involving leading European academic institutions which can accelerate R&D progress at both early discovery stages and translational phases.
How These Relationships Position & Benefit Allero Therapeutics:
These partnerships strategically position Allero as an innovator in next-generation immunotherapies utilizing non-invasive delivery methods targeting immune disorders including food allergies, celiac disease, autoimmune diseases, and cytokine storm-related conditions.
Specifically:
- The clinical alliance with Abbreos enhances global reach potential especially into large markets like North America while validating their SOMIT platform against urgent medical needs such as COVID-19 complications.
- Financial backing from LETI Pharma strengthens operational scalability enabling expansion of R&D activities without diluting core intellectual property control.
- Engagements under programs like Sanofi IDEA-iTECH integrate cutting-edge scientific input accelerating technological refinement of their proprietary oral mucosal immunotherapy approach.
Collectively these relationships facilitate accelerated clinical trials execution capacity; bolster regulatory navigation capabilities due to strengthened management team expertise; provide necessary capital for scaling manufacturing processes; expand geographical footprint through licensing agreements; enrich scientific knowledge exchange enhancing product pipeline robustness—all critical factors advancing both technological innovation maturity and market competitiveness for Allero Therapeutics BV.
Sources
- Allero Therapeutics & Abbreos Clinical Development Agreement
- Benvalor Advising LETI Pharma Minority Stake Acquisition
- Sanofi iDEA-iTECH Awards Program Partners
- Allero Therapeutics Company Website – Technology & Pipeline
- Allero Management Team Expansion - Regulatory & Clinical Expertise
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Allero Therapeutics BV, a Dutch biotech company specializing in immunotherapy and vaccine technology, has demonstrated significant team development and growth since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021.Team Size and Growth
- The exact current headcount of Allero Therapeutics is not publicly specified on their official website or recent public disclosures. However, the company presents an experienced core leadership team with extensive backgrounds in pharma/biotech R&D, immunotherapy, regulatory affairs, medical affairs, intellectual property management, and executive roles.
- The leadership includes a CEO/CSO with 25+ years of experience in vaccine tech development; senior management members with deep expertise in immunotherapy; a Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with over 30 years’ experience including at Novo Nordisk and Novartis; and a CFO experienced in allergy sector executive roles.
- Alongside these leaders is an active Scientific Advisory Board composed of world-leading key opinion leaders specialized in immunology and immune-mediated disorders such as Celiac Disease and Allergy.
Hiring Status & Key Positions
- There are no publicly available announcements explicitly stating current hiring drives or specific new hires since winning the EIC Accelerator funding.
- The profile of existing team members suggests that Allero Therapeutics has recently secured high-level expertise across scientific research (PhDs), regulatory affairs (medical doctors), IP law (patent attorneys), business management (MBA economists), indicating strategic recruitment aligned to support scientific innovation as well as commercialization efforts.
Impact on Company Growth & Future Outlook
- The diverse expertise within the current team positions Allero Therapeutics well to scale its operations from early-stage R&D into clinical development phases.
- With strong scientific leadership combined with seasoned regulatory and commercial executives on board, the company is equipped to navigate complex drug development pathways efficiently.
- The advisory board’s involvement from inception underscores commitment to rigorous validation by top experts which can accelerate credibility among investors/partners.
Management Changes
In summary, since securing EIC Accelerator funding in late 2021, Allero Therapeutics BV has built an expert core team covering critical areas necessary for biotech growth—scientific innovation through clinical development supported by strong regulatory strategy. Although explicit data on total headcount growth or ongoing recruitment campaigns is not found publicly, the composition of senior staff strongly indicates deliberate hiring focused on scaling capabilities effectively for future milestones.
Sources:
7 The Media Features and Publications
Allero Therapeutics BV, a Dutch biotech company specializing in oromucosal immunotherapies for immune-mediated disorders such as celiac disease and food allergies, has garnered several media features, participated in industry events and conferences, and engaged in interviews since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021.Media Features and Publications
- Allero Therapeutics has been mentioned in various industry reports focusing on celiac disease and food allergy therapeutics. For example, a November 2024 report by DelveInsight on the celiac disease pipeline includes Allero among key pharma companies developing innovative treatments. Similarly, GlobalData’s June 2024 publication on food allergy drugs lists Allero Therapeutics BV as an important player developing novel therapies.
- In November 2022, Allero announced receiving a EUR 2.5 million EIC Horizon grant to advance their treatment for celiac disease via PresseBox coverage.
- The company’s proprietary SOMIT (Specific OroMucosal ImmunoTherapy) platform is highlighted on their official website as foundational to their next-generation immunotherapy development efforts targeting autoimmune diseases and anti-drug antibody responses.
Podcasts and Interviews
Conference Participation and Presentations
Allero Therapeutics has actively participated in prominent biotech investor days and international conferences throughout early to mid-2025:
- Biolabs Investor Day held in Paris on March 11th, 2025.
- Bio-Europe Spring event hosted in Milan from March 17–19, 2025.
- RESI Europe conference in Barcelona on April 1st, 2025.
- BioEquity investor conference scheduled for Bruges from May12–14 ,2025.
These participations indicate active engagement with investors and potential partners within Europe’s biotech ecosystem.
The company also received recognition such as the Sanofi iDEA-TECH Award recently announced through their news updates page — reflecting external validation of their technology innovation efforts.
Event Involvement Summary
Allero demonstrates consistent involvement across relevant industry forums that address biopharmaceutical innovation specifically targeting immune-mediated diseases. Their engagements range from investor-focused days promoting strategic partnerships to larger pan-European biotech fairs fostering networking with pharmaceutical stakeholders.
Sources
- News | Allero Therapeutics
- Allero Therapeutics Receives EIC Horizon Grant
- Celiac Disease Pipeline Grows - DelveInsight
- Company Website About Page | Allero Therapeutics
- Food Allergy Drugs Report - GlobalData
- Emil Pot Interview - Cavenagh Health Podcast Episode #3
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