1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program: Overview and Funding Mechanisms
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe aiming to bring innovative solutions to market. This initiative emphasizes deep technology and breakthrough innovations in various sectors, addressing significant societal challenges. The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance model, combining grants and equity investments to help companies scale effectively.
Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator provides substantial financial support through a two-tier funding structure:
Purpose in the Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by addressing the funding gap that often hinders innovation. Many startups face challenges in attracting private investment due to perceived risks associated with new technologies. The EIC Accelerator mitigates these risks by providing financial backing, enabling companies to demonstrate their technologies and attract further investment from private sectors. This support fosters a thriving environment for innovative solutions that can lead to economic growth and job creation across Europe.
MediWound Ltd. and the ESXDFU Project
MediWound Ltd., an Israeli company, is one of the EIC Accelerator winners, having successfully submitted its Step 2 proposal and later won in the Step 3 interview on March 13, 2024. The project, referred to as ESXDFU, aims to revolutionize the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) through an innovative solution called ESCHAREX.
Project Overview: ESCHAREX
The ESCHAREX project is focused on developing a game-changing treatment for diabetic foot ulcers, which are a significant health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. DFUs can lead to severe complications, including infections and amputations, making effective treatment essential for patient outcomes and healthcare costs.
Technology Basics and Background
The underlying technology of ESCHAREX is grounded in advanced biomaterials and regenerative medicine. MediWound aims to leverage these technologies to create a novel therapeutic product that not only promotes healing but also reduces the risk of infections—critical factors in managing DFUs.
Overall, the EIC Accelerator's backing of MediWound and the ESXDFU project underscores its commitment to fostering innovation in healthcare, particularly in critical areas like wound management. This support is essential in helping companies like MediWound bring transformative solutions to market, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.
2 The Funding Rounds
MediWound Ltd. (Israel): Funding, Investors, and Financial Events Since EIC Accelerator Award
Overview of EIC Accelerator Funding
On July 16, 2024, MediWound Ltd. announced it had secured €16.25 million in blended funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. This capital is being used to significantly advance the company’s EscharEx development program for patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), aiming to expedite market introduction by four years compared to previous timelines.
Recent Fundraising Rounds and Amounts
- July 15-16, 2024: $25 Million PIPE Offering
- In mid-July 2024, MediWound completed a private investment in public equity (PIPE) round that raised $25 million.
- The round was led by Mölnlycke Health Care—a global MedTech leader—and included both new and existing investors.
- First Half of 2024: Additional Warrant Exercises
- The company received approximately $0.6 million from the exercise of Series A warrants during H1’24.
- December 28, 2023: U.S. Department of Defense Grant
- MediWound also secured an additional $6.7 million non-dilutive grant from the U.S. Department of Defense via the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium to further develop NexoBrid® for field-care burn treatment for the U.S. Army.
Timing and Details of Funding Rounds
Date | Round Type | Amount Raised | Key Investor(s)/Source |
---|---|---|---|
July 15-16, 2024 | PIPE | $25 million | Mölnlycke Health Care & others |
July/August ’24 | EIC Grant/Equity | €16.25 million | European Innovation Council Accelerator |
Q1–Q2 ’24 | Warrants Exercise | ~$0.6–$1.2M | Existing shareholders |
Dec ’23 | Non-dilutive grant | $6.7 million | US DoD/MTEC |
</em>Public announcements about receipt were made in July/August; formal award process began earlier.
Investor Information
The strategic PIPE financing was led by Mölnlycke Health Care—a major player in wound care solutions—demonstrating strong confidence in MediWound’s product portfolio and growth potential. Other participants included both new institutional backers and existing shareholders.
Past partnerships have also been noted: - Vericel Corporation holds commercial rights to NexoBrid® in North America under a prior licensing agreement.
Company Valuation Insights
MediWound is listed on Nasdaq under ticker “MDWD” but no explicit post-money valuation figure was disclosed following its recent rounds. However: - As of December 31, 2024: Shareholders’ equity stood at ~$31M; cash reserves totaled approximately $44M.
Exit Events (IPO/Buyout/Acquisition)
There have been no IPOs or buyouts since March 13th cutoff date when MediWound submitted its successful Step 2 proposal leading up to their EIC selection:
- MediWound remains independently operated as a publicly traded company on Nasdaq.
- No merger or acquisition activity reported during this period across official disclosures or news releases up through May 2025.
Summary Table
Event | Date |
---|---|
€16.25m EIC Accelerator Award | Jul/August 2024 |
$25m PIPE Financing | Jul 15–16, 2024 |
Additional Series A Warrants Exercised | - H1’24 |
US DoD/MTEC Grant ($6.7m) | - Dec 28th 2023 |
Sources
- MediWound Announces €16.25 Million Funding from the European Innovation Council
- MediWound Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Company Update
Additional References Used
- Form 6-K for Mediwound LTD filed August 14th (Exhibit)
- Official Corporate Website – Newsroom
- U.S Department Of Defense Grants Update
- Fourth Quarter & Full Year FY24 Results Release
3 The Press Releases
MediWound Ltd., a global leader in next-generation enzymatic therapeutics for tissue repair, is based in Israel and was a recipient of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in 2024. The company received €16.25 million in blended funding to advance its EscharEx development program, which is focused on treating diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and other chronic wounds.Key Developments and Partnerships
- EscharEx Development: The funding from the EIC Accelerator will expedite the market introduction of EscharEx by four years, enabling MediWound to develop it for DFU in parallel with its program for venous leg ulcers (VLUs). This development positions EscharEx for significant market growth, given its advantages over existing wound debridement treatments.
- NexoBrid Success: MediWound has also reported positive topline results from a Phase 3 pediatric study for NexoBrid, which is used for eschar removal in severe thermal burns. NexoBrid is FDA- and EMA-approved and plays a critical role in modern burn care.
- Strategic Financing and Collaborations: In addition to the EIC funding, MediWound secured a $25 million strategic private placement financing with investors, including Mölnlycke Health Care, a world-leading MedTech company specializing in wound care solutions. MediWound has expanded strategic research collaborations with industry leaders like Kerecis.
Financial and Corporate Updates
- Financial Performance: MediWound reported $20 million in revenue for 2024 and projects $24 million for 2025, with $44 million in cash as of year-end 2024. The company initiated the VALUE Phase III pivotal trial for EscharEx in venous leg ulcers, marking a significant clinical milestone.
- Market and Growth Strategy: With a solid financial foundation and advancing clinical programs, MediWound aims to drive meaningful impact in wound and burn management globally. The company's innovative therapies position it for substantial market growth.
Press Releases and Social Media
MediWound's press releases are available on its investor relations website and typically include updates on clinical trials, financial results, and strategic partnerships. The company also maintains a presence on social media platforms, where it shares updates on its activities and achievements.Sources: - MediWound Announces €16.25 Million Funding from the European Innovation Council
- MediWound
- Nine Israeli startups secure $142 million in funding from EU Horizon
- MediWound Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results
4 The Technology Advancements
MediWound Ltd.: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Advancements and Current CapabilitiesSince receiving €16.25 million in EIC Accelerator funding in July 2024, MediWound has accelerated its clinical and operational programs, focusing on enzymatic therapeutics for tissue repair. Below are key advancements and capabilities:
Current Capabilities
- Manufacturing Expansion: A sixfold scale-up of its cGMP-certified manufacturing facility is underway, with full operational capacity expected by late 2025. This will support global demand for NexoBrid® (for severe burns) and EscharEx® (for chronic wounds).
- Portfolio Diversification: Proprietary enzymatic platform technology underpins two core products:
- NexoBrid®: FDA/EMA-approved for eschar removal in burns, now expanded to pediatric use.
- EscharEx®: Targets venous leg ulcers (VLUs) and diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), addressing a combined $2.5B+ U.S. market.
Post-Funding Advancements
- Initiated the global Phase III VALUE trial for EscharEx® in VLUs, enrolling 216 patients across 40 sites. An interim analysis is slated for mid-2026.
- Submitted a Phase II protocol to the FDA comparing EscharEx® head-to-head against collagenase (SANTYL®), with enrollment planned for 2025 ahead of a Biologics License Application (BLA).
- Advanced preparations for a Phase II/III DFU trial using EIC funding, collaborating with Kerecis’ MariGen Fish-Skin graft during wound healing phases.
Intellectual Property & Publications
While no new patents were explicitly disclosed:Sources Used in This Analysis:
- MediWound Reports Fourth Quarter Results | March 19, 2025 | Corporate financials/VALUE trial update
- Corporate Presentation | January 1–December 31 2024 | Manufacturing/collaboration details
- EscharEx Data Presentations | April 28 – May 3 2025 | Clinical/preclinical results
- Phase III Pediatric Approval | November 26 – September 30 | NexoBrid pediatric expansion
- EIC Grant Announcement | July 17 – October timeline context
5 The Partnerships and Customers
MediWound Ltd. Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Following its EIC Accelerator win in March 2024, MediWound Ltd. has accelerated its global expansion through key collaborations and regulatory advancements. The company specializes in enzymatic therapeutics for wound care, with a focus on non-surgical debridement solutions like NexoBrid® (for burns) and EscharEx® (for chronic wounds).Key Partnerships and Customers
- Mölnlycke Health Care: A strategic $15 million investment (July 2024) accompanied by a collaboration agreement to advance EscharEx® clinical studies[^6^]. Mölnlycke provides wound care expertise, contributes dressings for Phase III trials, and gains participation rights in MediWound’s R&D decisions.
- MIMEDX Group: Partnered in August 2023 to incorporate EPIFIX®, a placental tissue allograft, into the EscharEx® Phase III study for venous leg ulcers.
- PolyMedics Innovations (PMI): Collaborated since November 2023 to promote NexoBrid® across Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. PMI integrates NexoBrid with its biomaterials portfolio (e.g., NovoSorb® BTM).
- Kerecis: Added as a strategic collaborator in 2024 to expand EscharEx®’s clinical capabilities.
- Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited (BSV): Secured marketing approval for NexoBrid® in India during H1 2023, strengthening MediWound’s presence in emerging markets.
Nature of Relationships
Partnerships focus on:Market Positioning and Strategic Impact
These collaborations solidify MediWound as a leader in enzymatic wound repair by:- Expanding Geographic Reach: Regulatory approvals (India) and partnerships (DACH/Benelux regions) increase global accessibility.
- Enhancing Product Pipelines: Combined expertise accelerates development timelines for late-stage candidates like EscharEx®, which targets chronic wounds affecting millions globally.
- Scaling Manufacturing Capacity: The $25 million PIPE financing (July 2024) supports pre-commercial activities for EscharEx®, including large-scale production facilities.
Sources
- MediWound Announces Collaboration with MIMEDX [GlobeNewswire]
- Mölnlycke Invests $15M in MediWound [Mölnlycke]
- $25 Million PIPE Financing Led by Mölnlycke [BioSpace]
- PMI Collaboration Details [MediWount IR]
[]EIC Accelerator award data was not found explicitly within provided sources; analysis focuses on published partnerships from Q2-Q3 2024 post-submission window.
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
MediWound Ltd.: Team Dynamics and Growth Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024, MediWound has focused on scaling operations, advancing clinical programs, and strengthening collaborations. While explicit details about current headcount or hiring rates are undisclosed, recent developments highlight strategic leadership appointments and partnerships critical to expansion.Key Developments in Team Structure and Strategy:
- Leadership Appointments: In December 2023, Shmulik Hess, Ph.D., was appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), overseeing global operations and commercialization efforts. His role is pivotal as MediWound prepares for the U.S. Biologics License Application (BLA) submission for EscharEx®.
- Strategic Collaborations: Partnerships with industry leaders like Mölnlycke Health Care (July 2024 investment of $15M), Kerecis, and others aim to leverage combined expertise in wound care innovation. These alliances likely involve cross-functional teams but do not directly disclose new hires.
- Manufacturing Expansion: A sixfold scale-up of production capacity by year-end 2025 indicates workforce growth in manufacturing roles to meet global demand for NexoBrid® and EscharEx®.
Financial Backing for Scaling:
With $44 million in cash reserves as of December 2024 and projected revenue growth from $20 million (2024) to $24 million (2025), MediWound is positioned to invest in talent acquisition across R&D, commercial, and operational domains. The ongoing VALUE Phase III trial for EscharEx® further underscores the need for specialized clinical and regulatory personnel.
Future Implications:
Recent leadership changes under CEO Ofer Gonen emphasize streamlined execution of late-stage trials like VALUE while expanding NexoBrid’s footprint in markets such as India via Bharat Serums & Vaccines Limited. The company’s focus on enzymatic therapeutics positions it to capitalize on a projected $725M peak revenue opportunity for EscharEx® alone, necessitating sustained team growth across all functions.
Sources
- MediWound Announces Appointment of Shmulik Hess
- Q4 2024 Financial Results
- Corporate Presentation January 2025
- Mölnlycke Investment Announcement
7 The Media Features and Publications
MediWound Ltd.: Key Developments and Engagements Since 2024 MediWound Ltd., an Israeli biopharmaceutical company specializing in enzymatic therapeutics for tissue repair, has maintained a dynamic presence in 2024 through clinical advancements, strategic collaborations, and investor engagement. Below is a detailed overview of their activities:Media Features and Publications
While specific media coverage from 2024 is not detailed in available sources, MediWound’s clinical progress has been highlighted through peer-reviewed presentations. The company announced new Phase II data for EscharEx®, its enzymatic debridement agent for chronic wounds, at three major wound care conferences. These presentations included comparative analyses against collagenase-based treatments like SANTYL® and validated endpoints for its upcoming Phase III trial.Podcasts and Interviews
No direct podcasts or interviews are explicitly mentioned in recent disclosures. However, MediWound’s management participated in investor conferences, including fireside chats and presentations at the Oppenheimer Life Sciences Conference (February 2024) and the TD Cowen Health Care Conference (March 2024). These events provided platforms to discuss pipeline developments and financial projections.Conference Participation & Presentations
- European Wound Management Association (EWMA) (May 1–3, London): Presented data on EscharEx®’s efficacy compared to collagenase ointments.
- Wound Healing Society (WHS) (May 16–19, Orlando): Shared findings on wound bed preparation correlations with healing outcomes.
- Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) (May 17–19, Orlando): Highlighted clinical insights from Phase II studies.
Additionally:
Strategic Collaborations & Events
MediWound expanded partnerships with industry leaders such as Kerecis for research collaborations related to EscharEx® development while continuing commercialization efforts for NexoBrid®, its FDA-approved burn treatment now authorized across all age groups globally^.Financial milestones include projecting $20 million revenue for FY24 alongside $44 million cash reserves as of year-end 2024—a foundation supporting ongoing R&D initiatives targeting chronic wounds ($10B+ market)^.^.^..
Sources
- MediWound Announces New Data Presentations at EWMA/WHS/SAWC [Biospace] [Original URL shortened due to truncation; see source ]
- Investor Conferences Participation Details [IR Page]
- Phase III VALUE Trial Initiation [IR Page]
- Company Overview (StockAnalysis Profile) , (About MediWound) , (SEC Filing Details) , (Business Directory Profile) truncated; see source URLs above or search results directly via provided links under "Sources."
Note: EIC Accelerator funding specifics are unconfirmed based on available public data.*
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