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 focusing on innovative projects with high growth potential. The program aims to foster the development and scaling of DeepTech solutions that address pressing societal challenges. It provides funding in the form of blended finance, which combines grants and equity investments, thus enabling businesses to reduce their financial risk while accelerating their growth.

Funding Structure of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator offers funding up to €2.5 million in grants, which are non-repayable funds designed to support the early-stage development of innovative projects. This grant is particularly beneficial for covering research and development costs, prototyping, and initial market deployment.

In addition to the grant funding, the EIC Accelerator also provides equity investments, which have seen changes in their limits over time. Until the end of 2024, startups can receive equity funding of up to €15 million, significantly boosting their financial capacity for scaling operations, expanding market reach, and enhancing product development. Starting in 2025, this equity funding limit will be adjusted to €10 million. This blended finance model not only alleviates the financial burden on startups but also incentivizes private sector investments by demonstrating the potential for returns on investment.

Purpose and Role in the Startup Ecosystem

The primary purpose of the EIC Accelerator is to bridge the funding gap that often hinders innovative companies from scaling their operations. By providing substantial financial support, the program plays a crucial role in helping businesses navigate the early stages of development, where funding is often scarce. Furthermore, the EIC Accelerator encourages companies to engage with private investors, thus enhancing their prospects for obtaining additional funding and fostering partnerships that can drive innovation and growth.

The EIC Accelerator also serves as a catalyst for the European DeepTech ecosystem by promoting cutting-edge technologies that address critical issues such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, and energy efficiency. By supporting companies that focus on these sectors, the program aims to strengthen Europe's position as a leader in innovation and sustainable technology.

MELETIOS Therapeutics and the FLUIDITY Project

One of the notable winners of the EIC Accelerator is MELETIOS Therapeutics, a French startup that focuses on developing innovative treatments for large-scale untreated infectious diseases. Their project, named FLUIDITY, aims to tackle these diseases by exploring novel therapeutic approaches.

Project Overview: FLUIDITY

FLUIDITY is a pioneering initiative designed to provide innovative treatments for infectious diseases that currently lack effective therapies. The project leverages advanced technologies and research to create solutions that can be deployed in various healthcare settings, addressing urgent public health needs. The funding secured through the EIC Accelerator will enable MELETIOS Therapeutics to further develop its research and bring its solutions to market.

Technology Background

MELETIOS Therapeutics is rooted in cutting-edge biopharmaceutical research, focusing on the mechanisms of infectious diseases at the molecular level. The company employs a multidisciplinary approach that combines insights from immunology, microbiology, and pharmacology to develop therapeutics that can effectively combat a range of pathogens.

The underlying technology of the FLUIDITY project involves the identification of novel drug candidates that can disrupt the lifecycle of infectious agents, thereby mitigating their impact on human health. This includes the development of new compounds that can enhance immune responses, inhibit pathogen replication, or prevent pathogen entry into host cells.

Given the rise of antibiotic resistance and the global challenges posed by emerging infectious diseases, the work being done by MELETIOS Therapeutics holds significant promise for improving treatment options. The FLUIDITY project exemplifies the critical role that innovative startups play in addressing unmet medical needs, supported by robust funding mechanisms like the EIC Accelerator.

In conclusion, the EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital resource for innovative companies like MELETIOS Therapeutics, enabling them to secure the necessary funding to scale their operations and bring transformative solutions to the market. Through blended finance, the program not only supports individual enterprises but also contributes to the broader goal of enhancing Europe's leadership in DeepTech innovation.

2 The Funding Rounds

Meletios Therapeutics: Funding and Financing Events Since EIC Accelerator Win

Company: Meletios Therapeutics
Country: France
EIC Accelerator Cut-off Date: June 15, 2022

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Financing Raised

Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022, Meletios Therapeutics has raised multiple rounds of financing. The total reported funding includes:

• €5.2 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, composed of a €2.5 million grant and a €2.7 million equity investment via the EIC Fund.
• €1.2 million from Bpifrance in June 2023, with the company’s valuation reported at €14 million at that time.

The cumulative publicly disclosed funding since mid-2022 therefore stands at approximately €6.4 million.

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Funding Rounds: Timing, Amounts, and Investors

Date	Investor/Source	Amount	Round Type	Valuation
Sep 2021	Not Disclosed	€2.8m	(Not stated)	Not stated
Jun 2022	European Innovation Council/EIC Fund	€5.2m (€2.5m grant + €2.7m equity)	Blended finance/Grant & Equity	Not stated
Jun 2023	Bpifrance	€1.2m	Seed	~€14m

Details:

• The EIC Accelerator round (June 2022) was structured as blended finance—combining both grant (€2.5M) and equity (€2.7M)—and was earmarked to accelerate clinical development of their lead antiviral candidate MLT103.
• The Bpifrance round (June 2023) contributed an additional seed investment of €1.2M at a reported post-money valuation of approximately €14M.

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Company Valuations

As of the latest available information: - In June 2023, after receiving seed investment from Bpifrance, Meletios Therapeutics was valued at approximately €14 million.

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Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions

There is no public record or reporting indicating that Meletios Therapeutics has undergone an exit event such as an Initial Public Offering (IPO), acquisition, or buyout since its EIC Accelerator win up until May 1, 2025.

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Additional Notes on Investors

Investors in recent rounds include: - The European Innovation Council (via its fund)

Bpifrance

No major venture capital firms outside these public sources have been disclosed as leading subsequent rounds.

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Sources

• Meletios Therapeutics company information, funding & investors - InvestNY
• Meletios Therapeutics company information - Startup Luxembourg Directory
• Press release: Meletios Therapeutics receives €5.2 million in funding
• Meletios Therapeutics wins European Commission funding - Labiotech.eu
• Meletios Therapeutics company profile - Dealroom.co

3 The Press Releases

Overview of Meletios Therapeutics

Meletios Therapeutics, a French biotech company, is a notable winner of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. The company specializes in the development of antiviral treatments and was awarded €5.2 million in funding from the European Commission in 2022. This funding includes a €2.5 million grant and a €2.7 million equity investment through the European Innovation Council Fund (EIC Fund).

Technology and Advancements

Meletios Therapeutics focuses on developing innovative antiviral solutions. Its most advanced drug candidate, MLT103, is an orally administered small molecule antiviral drug that targets key points of human metabolism hijacked by viruses. MLT103 has shown safety in humans and efficacy against coronaviruses and H1N1 influenza. The funding from the EIC Accelerator is being used to advance MLT103 toward Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

In addition to MLT103, Meletios Therapeutics has secured an exclusive license from the Pasteur Institute for a technology platform capable of generating Defective Viral Genomes (DVGs). DVGs can efficiently parasitize and inhibit viral replication. Initially licensed for Zika and Chikungunya infections, the agreement was extended to cover the entire family of flaviviruses, alphaviruses, and coronaviruses.

Partnerships and Team Updates

Meletios Therapeutics has a significant partnership with the Pasteur Institute, from which it licensed the DVG technology. The company is led by a female CEO, Catherine Martre, which is notable given that only about 20% of the awarded companies in the EIC Accelerator program have female CEOs.

Press Releases and Updates

Meletios Therapeutics has published press releases detailing its achievements, including the receipt of the EIC Accelerator funding and the extension of its license agreement with the Pasteur Institute. These releases highlight the company's progress in developing antiviral treatments and its strategic partnerships.

Online Presence

Meletios Therapeutics maintains a website at meletiostx.com, where updates and press releases are likely available. However, specific social media accounts or press releases on those platforms were not detailed in the available information.

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Sources

• Meletios Therapeutics wins €5.2M European Commission funding
• Meletios Therapeutics receives €1.2m towards antiviral treatment
• Press release - MELETIOS Therapeutics

4 The Technology Advancements

Overview of Meletios Therapeutics

Meletios Therapeutics is a French biotech company focused on the research and development of next-generation antiviral treatments. It has been actively advancing its technology since receiving significant funding opportunities.

Current Capabilities

Meletios Therapeutics specializes in the development of antiviral therapies using Defective Viral Genomes (DVGs), which are truncated copies of viruses that have lost their pathogenic properties. These DVGs can compete with infectious viruses for replication within host cells, potentially inhibiting the original virus's replication. The company's DVG platform, originating from the Pasteur Institute, allows for the generation and development of DVGs for various viruses, including flaviviruses, alphaviruses, and coronaviruses.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

After receiving €5.2 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in November 2022, Meletios Therapeutics has made significant strides in its development pipeline. This funding supported the clinical development of its lead candidate, MLT103, an orally administered small molecule antiviral drug targeting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, Meletios Therapeutics received €1.2 million from Bpifrance's Deeptech development program to further validate its DVG platform and move candidates towards clinical phases.

Technology Improvements and New Features

The company has extended its exclusive license agreement with the Pasteur Institute, enabling it to apply its DVG platform to a broader range of viruses, including the entire family of flaviviruses and coronaviruses. This expansion enhances the company's ability to address emerging viral infections with innovative therapeutic solutions.

Market Demonstrations and Clinical Trials

Meletios Therapeutics is progressing with its clinical development pipeline. While specific details on market demonstrations or pilots are not widely published, the company is focused on preparing its lead candidates for clinical trials, leveraging its advanced technology to tackle high-medical-need diseases like Zika and Chikungunya.

New Patents, Scientific Studies, and Clinical Trials

There is no public information available on new patent filings or scientific publications directly tied to Meletios Therapeutics since the EIC funding. However, the company's ongoing research and development activities suggest continued advancements in its antiviral therapies.

Conclusion

Meletios Therapeutics continues to advance its innovative antiviral treatments, leveraging significant funding and strategic partnerships to enhance its technological capabilities. The company remains focused on developing broad-spectrum therapeutic solutions for emerging viral infections.

Sources:

• Meletios Therapeutics' Efforts in Antiviral Field Gains Recognition
• Signing of an exclusive license agreement between the Institut Pasteur and Meletios Therapeutics
• Meletios Therapeutics wins €5.2M European Commission funding
• Meletios Therapeutics receives €1.2m towards antiviral treatment
• Meletios Therapeutics Signs an Exclusive License Agreement with Institut Pasteur

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Meletios Therapeutics' Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing €5.2 million in EIC Accelerator funding in late 2022, Meletios Therapeutics has advanced its antiviral pipeline while forging key collaborations to enhance its technological capabilities and market reach.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Technological Advancements Through Collaborations

• DVG Platform Development: The Bpifrance Deeptech grant (€1.2 million in 2023) supports industrial-scale validation of the DVG platform, which targets broad-spectrum antiviral therapies by leveraging truncated viral genomes that inhibit pathogen replication without causing disease.
• Computational Drug Discovery: The BioExcel collaboration focuses on identifying small molecules through HTVS, directly enhancing Meletios’ ability to scale preclinical development timelines for candidates like MLT103—an oral antiviral targeting coronaviruses and influenza already progressing toward Phase II trials.

Market Positioning Impact

These partnerships solidify Meletios’ role as a leader in next-generation antivirals by:

• Expanding Therapeutic Scope: Targeting RNA viruses through DVGs positions the company to address outbreaks faster than traditional vaccine-based approaches.
• Accelerating Clinical Translation: Collaborative computational workflows reduce lead candidate identification from months to weeks, critical for responding to pandemics like COVID-19 or future emerging threats.

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Sources

• Meletios Therapeutics wins €5.2M European Commission funding
• Collaboration: finding new anti-viral drugs together - BioExcel
• Press release - MELETIOS Therapeutics

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Meletios Therapeutics: A French Biotech Company's Growth and Development

Meletios Therapeutics, a French biotech company, focuses on the research and development of next-generation antiviral treatments. Since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022, Meletios Therapeutics has experienced significant growth and advancements in its operations.

Current Headcount and Team Size

While the exact current headcount or team size is not publicly disclosed, Meletios Therapeutics operates as a small but innovative team. The company's structure allows for flexibility and adaptability in developing new antiviral treatments.

Hiring and Recruitment

There is no specific information available on whether Meletios Therapeutics is currently hiring. However, as a dynamic company in the biotech sector, it likely engages in ongoing recruitment to support its growth and research initiatives.

Growth and Development

Meletios Therapeutics has received funding of €1.2 million from Bpifrance's Deeptech development program. This financial support is crucial for advancing its Defective Viral Genome (DVG) platform, which is designed to generate and apply truncated copies of viruses to combat viral infections. The company's technology allows for the rapid development of antiviral treatments, positioning it for significant growth in the pharmaceutical sector.

Key Positions and Future Impact

While specific details on recent hires are not available, Meletios Therapeutics' focus on developing disruptive antiviral technologies suggests that new team members would contribute to enhancing its research capabilities and scaling up production. The addition of skilled professionals, particularly in bioinformatics, cell biology, and statistics, would be essential in advancing the company's mission to combat emerging viral threats.

Management and Founding Team Changes

There are no reported major changes in Meletios Therapeutics' management or founding team. The company continues to be led by its CEO, Catherine Martre, who oversees the strategic development and expansion of its innovative antiviral treatment platforms.

Conclusion

Meletios Therapeutics is poised for continued growth and innovation in the biotech industry, driven by its cutting-edge DVG platform and strategic partnerships. As the company expands its research and development capabilities, it is likely to attract new talent and enhance its position in the global fight against viral diseases.

Sources:

• Meletios Therapeutics' Efforts in Antiviral Field Gains Recognition
• Meletios Therapeutics receives €1.2m towards antiviral treatment
• woman-in-tech - Académie des technologies
• France - List of Biotech, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Companies

7 The Media Features and Publications

Media Features and Public Presence of Meletios Therapeutics Since its founding in April 2020, Meletios Therapeutics has positioned itself as a key player in antiviral therapeutics, though publicly available records of media features or interviews remain limited. The company’s collaboration announcements and research milestones have been documented through press releases and industry databases rather than mainstream media outlets.

Publications Naming Meletios Therapeutics
The company is frequently cited in biotech directories such as BioCentury and Dealroom, which outline its focus on antiviral molecules targeting host mechanisms hijacked by viruses. A February 2022 press release detailed an exclusive licensing agreement with Institut Pasteur for Defective Viral Genome (DVG) technology, emphasizing its potential to inhibit viral replication for pathogens like Zika and Chikungunya.

Podcasts or Interviews
No publicly available podcasts, interviews, or direct statements from the company’s leadership team were identified in the provided sources. The search results primarily reference third-party coverage of funding rounds and partnerships rather than firsthand accounts from executives.

Conference Participation and Presentations
While specific conference appearances are not explicitly listed, the company’s involvement in advancing MLT-103 (its lead candidate against SARS-CoV-2) suggests engagement with regulatory bodies and scientific forums to progress toward clinical trials. The absence of event-specific mentions may indicate a focus on non-public R&D activities or proprietary collaborations like its work with Institut Pasteur.

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Sources

• Meletios Therapeutics Company Profile (BioCentury BCIQ)
• Dealroom Company Overview (Dealroom.co)
• Institut Pasteur Licensing Agreement Press Release (Meletios Therapeutics Website)