1 The EIC Accelerator Project

Overview of the EIC Accelerator Program

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in scaling their innovative solutions, particularly in the field of deep tech. The program provides crucial funding opportunities through a combination of grants and equity investments, helping companies bridge the gap between research and market readiness.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a dual funding approach:

Purpose and Impact

The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in enhancing the European startup ecosystem by providing essential financial resources and support to innovative companies. By facilitating access to funding, the program aims to help firms overcome the challenges of scaling their technologies, thus positioning them to attract further investments from private sectors. This is particularly important for deep-tech companies, which often require substantial capital for development and commercialization.

By focusing on high-risk, high-reward projects, the EIC Accelerator encourages entrepreneurship and innovation, ultimately contributing to economic growth, job creation, and improved societal outcomes in Europe.

Case Study: REST THERAPEUTICS and the FENM4PTSD Project

Company Overview: REST THERAPEUTICS, based in France, is a pioneering company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Project Acronym: FENM4PTSD

Project Description: The FENM4PTSD project aims to develop a novel class of therapeutics specifically designed for the treatment of PTSD and other neurodegenerative disorders. This innovative approach is positioned to address significant unmet medical needs within these fields, leveraging cutting-edge scientific research to develop solutions that enhance patient outcomes.

Funding Achievement: REST THERAPEUTICS submitted its Step 2 proposal on June 21, 2023, and successfully progressed to the Step 3 interview stage, ultimately securing funding through the EIC Accelerator program.

Technology Background

REST THERAPEUTICS focuses on a unique therapeutic mechanism targeting the neurobiological processes associated with PTSD and other neurodegenerative conditions. The underlying technology takes advantage of advanced neuropharmacology, potentially involving novel compounds that interact with specific neurotransmitter systems to restore balance and functionality in affected areas of the brain.

By exploring innovative pathways for treatment, the FENM4PTSD project seeks to offer alternatives to traditional therapies, which often have limitations in efficacy and side effects. The development of this novel class of therapeutics not only aims to improve treatment outcomes but also holds the promise of providing new hope for patients suffering from these debilitating disorders.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program exemplifies a strategic investment in Europe’s innovation landscape, supporting companies like REST THERAPEUTICS in their quest to develop groundbreaking solutions for complex health challenges. Through its comprehensive funding model, the EIC Accelerator empowers firms to scale their operations, attract private investment, and ultimately contribute to advancements in healthcare and patient well-being. The successful funding of the FENM4PTSD project signifies a critical step forward in addressing the urgent needs of those affected by PTSD and neurodegenerative disorders.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised

REST THERAPEUTICS, a France-based biotech specializing in therapies for complex central nervous system (CNS) disorders, has raised funding through multiple sources since its success in the EIC Accelerator process in June 2023. Notably, the company planned to launch a $20 million Series A funding round as of early 2023 to support its advance into Phase IIa clinical trials.

Funding Rounds

• Pre-Series A/Seed Funding: While specific details are limited, REST THERAPEUTICS received non-dilutive grant and public support—including from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program—around mid-2023.
• Series A Round: Announced plans for a $20 million Series A funding round after receiving regulatory endorsement from EMA. This round is aimed at advancing their lead asset through early-stage clinical development.

Timing and Amount of Funding Rounds

• February 2023: The company publicly stated intentions to raise $20 million via a Series A round following regulatory progress with their FIH (First-In-Human) trial for FENM (lead candidate).
• Mid-to-Late 2023: Receipt of EIC Accelerator grant and likely commencement or preparation of private investment fundraising activities.
• There is no confirmation that the full $20 million target was reached or closed by May 2025 based on available public records.

Investor Information

Publicly disclosed investors include European public bodies such as the EIC Accelerator. Specific venture capital investors or syndicate participants for private rounds have not been named in media reports or company press releases as of May 2025. As fundraising progresses beyond grants into equity rounds like Series A, additional institutional investor information may become available.

Additional Information Related to Funding Rounds

The company's financing strategy combines non-dilutive grants and planned equity investment. The funds are earmarked specifically for:

• Advancing clinical development through Phase IIa trials
• Supporting pipeline expansion into cardio-metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases alongside CNS indications

There are no reports indicating significant follow-on rounds beyond those described above.

Company Valuations

No official post-money valuation figures have been published following REST THERAPEUTICS’s recent funding activities. Valuation data is typically disclosed upon closing significant equity rounds; thus, this may become available once the Series A concludes or if further private investments occur.

Exit Events: IPOs, Buyouts, Acquisitions

As of May 2025:

There are no reported exit events such as Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), acquisitions by larger pharmaceutical firms, or buyouts involving REST THERAPEUTICS.

The company remains privately held with continued focus on product development and clinical milestones before considering strategic exits.

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Sources

• REST THERAPEUTICS company information, funding & investors – Dealroom
• EMA endorses ReST FIH for FENM | ReST Therapeutics
• REST THERAPEUTICS – ScaleUp Porto Map
• ReST Therapeutics - Synapse Patsnap

3 The Press Releases

Overview of ReST Therapeutics

ReST Therapeutics is an early-stage biotech company originally founded in Paris, France, but now based in New Haven, Connecticut. The company is focused on developing transformative therapies for patients with significant unmet needs in psychiatry and neurodegeneration, particularly in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD).

Key Developments and Updates

Since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2023, ReST Therapeutics has made several key developments:

• Endorsement for Clinical Trials: The company received endorsement from the European Medicine Agency (EMA) to proceed with clinical trials, specifically the First in Human (FIH) administration of its lead program, RST-01.
• Scientific Advisory Board: Professor John Krystal joined ReST's Scientific Advisory Board, enhancing the company's expertise in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
• Patent Acquisition: ReST Therapeutics was granted a new patent by the National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI) for neuroprotection, supporting its research into treatments for PTSD and Alzheimer's disease. The patent involves a molecule, FENM, initially developed as a biomarker for the brain receptor NMDA, which has shown promising results in preclinical trials.

Technology and Therapeutic Focus

ReST Therapeutics is developing RST-01, a drug candidate that selectively targets NMDA receptors in the brain, crucial for memory consolidation. This approach aims to disrupt the existing PTSD treatment paradigm by focusing on early intervention after traumatic events. Pre-clinical tests have shown significant reductions in fear, anxiety, and depression with RST-01. Beyond psychiatry, the company's work on NMDAR modulation has demonstrated potential in restoring cognitive function and controlling amyloid in Alzheimer's disease models.

Team and Leadership

The company is led by a strong team, including Patrick Tricoli, PharmD, MBA, as CEO; Gilles Rubinstenn, PhD, MBA, as Chairman of the Board and Chief Innovation Officer; Reina Benabou, MD, PhD, as Chief Medical Officer; and Anthony Franco, J.D., as Chief Operating Officer.

Future Outlook

With the EIC Accelerator funding, ReST Therapeutics is poised to advance its clinical development, particularly for RST-01. The company's focus on precision neuroscience and its innovative approach to treating neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders position it as a promising player in the biotech sector.

Sources: - News | ReST Therapeutics

• ReST Therapeutics - BioCT
• ReST Therapeutics | Addressing Unmet Needs in NeuroPsychiatry
• A new patent for Biotech ReST Therapeutics

4 The Technology Advancements

ReST Therapeutics: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Progress and Capabilities ReST Therapeutics, a Paris-founded biotech now operating from New Haven, CT, focuses on developing precision neuroscience therapies for PTSD and neurodegenerative disorders. Their lead asset, RST-01, targets NMDA receptor modulation to disrupt traumatic memory consolidation, with preclinical data showing reduced fear and anxiety in models.

Post-EIC Accelerator Developments (Since June 2023):

• U.S. Expansion: ReST established its U.S. headquarters in New Haven as part of a strategic entry into the American market, supported by a $7.5 million post-seed funding round aimed at creating six initial jobs.
• Clinical Advancements: While no clinical trial registrations are publicly documented since mid-2023, preclinical work on RST-01 demonstrates its potential for early PTSD intervention and Alzheimer’s applications via glial cell-mediated amyloid control. The company has not yet released human trial data or whitepapers related to these findings.
• Intellectual Property: Publicly accessible records do not indicate new patent filings post-June 2023; however, their NMDA-targeting approach remains central to ongoing development efforts.
• Partnerships: ReST appointed Yale’s Dr. John Krystal to its scientific advisory board, leveraging his expertise in neuropsychiatry to guide clinical strategy.

No peer-reviewed studies or customer-facing demonstrations directly tied to their EIC-funded activities have been reported since the award date.

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Sources

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Overview of REST Therapeutics

REST Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech company located in France, focusing on developing breakthrough therapies for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The company recently won funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in June 2023.

Partnerships and Collaborations

As of now, REST Therapeutics has not publicly disclosed any new partnerships or collaborations since receiving the EIC funding. However, the company has recently announced the endorsement by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) to enter the clinical phase and request First in Human (FIH) administration of its therapies. This endorsement is crucial for advancing its clinical-stage developments.

New Partners and Customers

There is no available information on new partners or customers associated with REST Therapeutics following the EIC Accelerator funding.

Nature of New Relationships and Market Positioning

The EIC funding will likely enhance REST Therapeutics' ability to advance its therapeutic developments, potentially positioning the company more strongly in the market for innovative neurological treatments. New relationships could emerge from this enhanced position, but none have been reported yet.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

The EIC funding is expected to support REST Therapeutics in advancing its technology and scaling its operations. This support will be crucial for conducting clinical trials and further developing its therapies for AD and PTSD. However, specific details on how these relationships will help in technology advancements are not available.

Conclusion

REST Therapeutics, with its focus on neurological disorders, has secured significant funding through the EIC Accelerator. While there are no reported new partnerships or customers, the company's endorsement by the EMA and the funding will likely propel it forward in developing innovative treatments.

Sources

• News | ReST Therapeutics
• EIC Frequently asked questions - European Innovation Council
• EIC Accelerator Cut Off Dates 2027

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

ReST Therapeutics: Growth and Developments

ReST Therapeutics, headquartered in France, received the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2023, marking a significant milestone in its journey. Since then, the company has been expanding its operations, particularly with its entry into the U.S. market.

Hiring and Team Growth

ReST Therapeutics has announced its entry into the U.S. market, establishing its headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut. This strategic move aims to create six new jobs initially, contributing to the growth of its team in the United States. While the exact current headcount or team size is not specified, this expansion indicates a positive trajectory for workforce development.

Current Hiring Status

As part of its expansion into the U.S. market, ReST Therapeutics is likely hiring to fill these new positions. However, specific details about ongoing recruitment processes or open positions are not available in the current information.

Growth and Expansion

ReST Therapeutics has demonstrated growth by entering the U.S. market and setting up operations in New Haven. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to develop breakthrough therapies for complex neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's and PTSD.

Key Positions and Recent Hires

One notable addition to ReST Therapeutics is the appointment of Dr. John Krystal, Yale University Professor and Chief of Psychiatry at Yale-New Haven Hospital, to its scientific advisory board. This appointment highlights the company's commitment to leveraging expertise from renowned institutions to enhance its research and development capabilities.

Future Growth and Scaling

The establishment of a U.S. headquarters and the recruitment of new talent will enable ReST Therapeutics to scale its operations effectively. The involvement of Dr. Krystal and other potential appointments will be crucial in guiding the company's research direction and ensuring the success of its therapeutic development pipeline. This strategic growth positions ReST Therapeutics to make significant contributions to the treatment of complex neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Major Changes in Management or Founding Team

There is no available information on major changes in the management or founding team of ReST Therapeutics since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding.

Conclusion

ReST Therapeutics is poised for further growth and development following its EIC Accelerator funding and entry into the U.S. market. As it continues to build its team and leverage scientific expertise, the company is well-positioned to advance its therapeutic pipeline and contribute to the global life sciences industry.

Sources

• ReST Therapeutics - Drug pipelines, Patents, Clinical trials - Synapse
• Rest Therapeutics - Development Aid

7 The Media Features and Publications

ReST Therapeutics: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Activities and Public Presence ReST Therapeutics, a France-originated biotech firm now headquartered in New Haven, CT, has focused on advancing therapies for PTSD and neurodegenerative diseases since its 2020 founding. While specific details about its EIC Accelerator win in June 2023 are not publicly disclosed in available records, the company’s public-facing activities emphasize scientific innovation and leadership engagement.

Media Features and Publications

Publicly accessible materials highlight ReST’s mission to address neuropsychiatric disorders through NMDA receptor modulation. Its lead program, RST-01, targets PTSD by preventing traumatic memory consolidation. Though no third-party media coverage or peer-reviewed publications are cited in search results, the company’s website details preclinical success in reducing fear and anxiety responses.

Podcasts and Interviews

No direct interviews or podcast appearances by ReST’s leadership team (including CEO Patrick Tricoli or CMO Dr. Reina Benabou) were identified. However, industry-adjacent discussions—such as Peter Attia’s podcast episode summarizing trauma therapy advancements—reflect broader trends relevant to ReST’s focus area.

Conferences and Presentations

Search results do not specify conference participation by ReST Therapeutics. For comparison, competitor Shuttle Pharmaceuticals recently presented at the Emerging Growth Conference (December 2023), though this is unrelated to ReST.

Event Involvement

ReStech.eu lists limited event participation data. The company maintains a low public profile regarding event attendance but emphasizes collaboration through platforms like BioCT.

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Sources

• ReST Therapeutics Official Website
• BioCT Member Profile
• Dealroom Company Profile
• Peter Attia Podcast Summary
• Shuttle Pharmaceuticals Conference Announcement