1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program, a prominent initiative of the European Innovation Council (EIC), plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and supporting startups within the European DeepTech ecosystem. Designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, the program aims to boost the development of groundbreaking technologies and solutions that can significantly impact society and the economy. The EIC Accelerator provides funding in two distinct forms: grants and equity investments, each tailored to meet the unique needs of innovative companies.EIC Accelerator Funding Structure
Purpose and Impact of the EIC Accelerator
The primary purpose of the EIC Accelerator is to bridge the funding gap that many innovative companies face, particularly in the DeepTech sector, which often requires substantial financial investment for research, development, and commercialization. By providing both grants and equity funding, the EIC Accelerator enables startups to scale their operations, enhances their market readiness, and facilitates access to additional private sector financing. This multifaceted support not only empowers individual companies but also contributes to the broader European innovation ecosystem, fostering competitiveness and driving economic growth.
NECTIN THERAPEUTICS and the NTX1088 Project
NECTIN THERAPEUTICS, an innovative Israeli biotechnology company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator with its project NTX1088. The project centers on the development of NTX1088, a first-in-class anti-PVR monoclonal antibody (mAb) designed to revolutionize cancer care by leveraging the human immune system's capabilities.
Project Overview: NTX1088
NTX1088 represents a novel oncology drug that aims to target and inhibit the activity of programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1), a key mechanism that tumors exploit to evade immune detection. By blocking this pathway, NTX1088 is designed to enhance the immune response against cancer cells, thereby unlocking the power of the immune system to recognize and attack tumors more effectively. This innovative approach is expected to provide a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from various forms of cancer, including those that have proven resistant to existing treatments.
Technology Basics and Background
The underlying technology of NTX1088 is rooted in the field of immuno-oncology, which focuses on harnessing the body’s immune system to combat cancer. Research has demonstrated that many tumors can suppress immune responses through various mechanisms, including the expression of PD-L1, which binds to PD-1 receptors on T cells, leading to T cell exhaustion and reduced anti-tumor activity.
NECTIN THERAPEUTICS' approach with NTX1088 involves the development of a monoclonal antibody specifically designed to target and inhibit PD-L1. By interrupting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, NTX1088 aims to reinvigorate T cell activity, allowing the immune system to mount a more robust attack on cancer cells. The potential benefits of NTX1088 are significant, as it may offer a new line of defense for patients with cancers that do not respond to current immunotherapies.
In summary, the EIC Accelerator program provides critical funding and support to innovative companies like NECTIN THERAPEUTICS, facilitating the development of groundbreaking technologies such as NTX1088. This initiative not only strengthens the European startup ecosystem but also has the potential to transform cancer care through novel therapeutic approaches that harness the power of the human immune system.
2 The Funding Rounds
Nectin Therapeutics: Financing and Funding Events Since EIC Accelerator Award
Nectin Therapeutics, based in Israel, secured EIC Accelerator funding following the November 8, 2023 cut-off. Below is a detailed review of the company’s financing activities, funding rounds, investor participation, and related financial milestones since that achievement.
EIC Accelerator Funding (Announced December 2023)
- Nectin was among 42 recipients selected out of 1,083 proposals for EIC funding.
- The award comprised an initial grant of €2.5 million with potential to receive up to €15 million in equity from the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA).
- This blended finance package supports development of Nectin's immunotherapy drug candidates.
Funding Rounds Overview
| Date | Round Type | Amount Raised | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2020 | Series A | $6M initial close, up to $15M total expected | aMoon Fund | Integra Holdings, other investors | For advancing next-gen immuno-oncology antibodies |
| Dec 2023-Feb 2024 | EIC Accelerator Grant/Equity | €2.5M grant + up to €15M equity | European Innovation Council (EISMEA) | -- | Recognized as a top deeptech biotech innovator |
| Dec 2023 | Early VC | $10M | Guangzhou Industrial Investment Fund (GIBF) | -- | To propel immunotherapy research |
| (Date reflects public announcement; actual disbursement may follow interview win.) |
Investor Information
- aMoon Fund: Led Series A investment round in July 2020; recognized as Israel’s largest healthtech/life sciences fund.
- Integra Holdings: Participated as an existing investor; specializes in life science ventures from Hebrew University innovations.
- Guangzhou Industrial Investment Fund (GIBF): Invested $10 million early-stage VC post-EIC award.
- European Innovation Council (EISMEA): Provided blended finance support via grant plus equity option.
Valuations and Exit Events
No public data is available regarding specific company valuations for Nectin Therapeutics since their receipt of the EIC Accelerator funding. Additionally:
Additional Noteworthy Developments
Sources
- Breaking news - Nectin winning the EIC funding \| GIBF
- Media - nectintx.com
- Nectin Therapeutics company information \& investors - Dealroom
- Nectin Therapeutics company info & investors - Discover Dealflow
- Nectin honored with esteemed European Innovation Council EIC Accelerator Funding – Peregrine VC
- Investment Archives – nectintx.com
- aMoon Fund Leads Investment Round – Integra Holdings News
3 The Press Releases
Nectin Therapeutics: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments Nectin Therapeutics, an Israeli biotechnology company, secured European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in the November 8, 2023, cut-off round. The company was awarded an initial €2.5 million grant and eligibility for up to €15 million in equity investment to advance its first-in-class anti-PVR monoclonal antibody (NTX1088), designed to enhance cancer immunotherapy by overcoming immune checkpoint resistance.Key Developments Since EIC Funding
- Clinical Trial Expansion: Nectin expanded its Phase I trial of NTX1088 globally, including sites in Israel, and added a combination therapy arm with Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) to evaluate efficacy in solid tumors.
- Strategic Partnerships:
- Immunome Collaboration: Entered a global exclusive licensing agreement with Immunome Inc. for a monoclonal antibody candidate targeting undisclosed oncology pathways.
- Myeloma Investment Fund Partnership: Received funding to evaluate NTX1088’s potential in multiple myeloma.
- Funding Milestones: Guangzhou-Israel Biotechnology Fund (GIBF) invested $10 million in May 2024 to support clinical development of NTX1088 and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidates. GIBF had previously invested RMB 71.776 million ($10 million equivalent) through its subsidiary Guangzhou Nectin Pharma Ltd. in October 2023.
Technology Advancements
NTX1088 represents a novel approach targeting PVR/CD155, a pathway implicated in immune evasion across cancers like glioblastoma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Preclinical data suggest it enhances T-cell infiltration and synergizes with PD-1 inhibitors.Sources
- Breaking news - Nectin winning the EIC funding | GIBF
- Nectin Therapeutics has been honored with the esteemed European... | Peregrine VC
- Media Coverage | Nectintx
- GIBF invests $10 Million in Nectin Therapeutics | GIBF News
4 The Technology Advancements
Nectin Therapeutics: Advancements and Developments
Nectin Therapeutics, an Israeli biotechnology company, has been making significant strides in developing novel targeted immunotherapies. The company focuses on addressing resistance to approved immune oncology treatments by leveraging insights into the nectin pathway. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in November 2023, Nectin has continued to advance its clinical programs and technologies.
Current Capabilities
Nectin Therapeutics is currently developing a range of next-generation immunotherapy agents. Their pipeline includes the first-in-class monoclonal antibody NTX1088, which targets the PVR (CD155) immune checkpoint. NTX1088 has shown promise in preclinical models by enhancing antitumor activity through multiple mechanisms, including restoring DNAM1 expression on immune cells and blocking immune inhibitory signaling pathways.
Advancements Since EIC Funding
Following the receipt of the EIC funding, Nectin Therapeutics has expanded its Phase 1 clinical trial for NTX1088 to include combination therapy with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), an anti-PD-1 treatment. This expansion involves additional clinical sites globally, including sites in Israel such as Sheba Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center.
In terms of funding, Nectin received an initial grant of €2.5 million from the EIC, with potential additional equity investments of up to €15 million. This funding highlights the promise of Nectin's innovative cancer immunotherapy pipeline and supports further development of its drug candidates.
Technology Improvements and New Features
While specific details about new features or technology improvements directly linked to the EIC funding are not extensively documented, Nectin's focus on advancing its NTX1088 program and developing a diverse portfolio of monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) indicates ongoing innovation. The company's strategic partnerships, such as the licensing agreement with Immunome for a panel of antibodies targeting an undisclosed target, demonstrate its commitment to enhancing its technology and pipeline.
Demonstrations and Clinical Trials
Nectin Therapeutics has been actively demonstrating its technology through ongoing clinical trials. The Phase 1 trial of NTX1088 is a key component of this effort, exploring its efficacy and safety in treating various cancers. By expanding this trial to include combination therapy with KEYTRUDA, Nectin aims to enhance treatment options for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.
Patents, Scientific Studies, and Clinical Trials
There are no recent publications specifically highlighting new patents, scientific studies, or clinical trials since the EIC funding announcement. However, Nectin's continued investment in its pipeline and partnerships suggests active engagement in research and development.
Conclusion
Nectin Therapeutics continues to build momentum in the biotech sector with its innovative immunotherapy approaches. The EIC funding has provided critical support for advancing its clinical programs, particularly the NTX1088 trial. As the company progresses, further developments in technology, partnerships, and clinical trials are anticipated.
Sources
- Nectin Therapeutics Expands Clinical Trial to Israel, Progresses Swiftly
- Nectin Therapeutics
- Immunome licenses novel antibodies from Nectin
- Israeli biotech co Nectin Therapeutics raises $10m
- Israeli biotech Nectin Therapeutics closes $25M to treat cancer
- Breaking news - Nectin winning the EIC funding
- Nectin Therapeutics has been honored with the esteemed European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding
- Myeloma Investment Fund Invests in Nectin Therapeutics
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Nectin Therapeutics' Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in November 2023, Nectin Therapeutics has actively pursued collaborations to advance its oncology pipeline, focusing on immune-oncology therapies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Key partnerships include:- Immunome Licensing Agreement: In July 2024, Nectin signed an exclusive global license agreement with Immunome (Nasdaq: IMNM) for monoclonal antibodies targeting an undisclosed antigen. This partnership enables Nectin to monetize non-core assets while prioritizing its lead anti-PVR program (NTX1088) and advancing novel ADCs into clinical development. Immunome’s expertise in ADC commercialization may accelerate the translation of these antibodies into therapies.
- Clinical Collaborations:
- MD Anderson Cancer Center: Nectin collaborates with MD Anderson for its Phase 1 trial of NTX1088, a first-in-class anti-PVR immunotherapy targeting advanced solid tumors.
- MSD/Merck: A clinical trial collaboration agreement supports NTX1088’s development, leveraging MSD’s resources to enhance trial scalability.
Impact on Technology and Scaling
These partnerships enhance Nectin’s ability to address unmet needs in cancers resistant to existing immunotherapies. By outsourcing non-core antibody development through the Immunome deal, the company can allocate more resources toward advancing NTX1088 and preclinical ADC candidates like NTX-1105 (targeting nectin-4). Collaborations with MD Anderson and MSD provide access to cutting-edge clinical infrastructure, accelerating patient recruitment and data generation.
The licensing strategy positions Nectin as a flexible player in the competitive ADC market while retaining focus on proprietary programs. The emphasis on novel targets like PVR—a pathway involved in immune evasion—could differentiate its portfolio from competitors focused solely on established checkpoints like PD-1/PD-L1.
Sources
Nectin Therapeutics Licenses Novel Antibodies to Immunome
Nectin Therapeutics Licenses Novel Antibodies to Immunome
Nectintx.com About Page
Nektin Therapeutics Pipeline Data
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Nectin Therapeutics, an Israel-based biotechnology company focused on next-generation immunotherapies for cancer, has maintained strategic growth since its activities became publicly visible in recent years. While specific headcount figures remain undisclosed, the company’s operational milestones and partnerships suggest measured expansion aligned with clinical advancements.Team Growth & Hiring
The company’s leadership team includes seasoned professionals such as CEO Fabian Tenenbaum and CSO Pini Tsukerman, reflecting expertise in oncology drug development. Recent collaborations, including a licensing deal with Immunome for novel antibodies, indicate potential resource allocation toward advancing their anti-PVR program (NTX1088) and ADC pipeline. Such partnerships often necessitate specialized hires in clinical operations and R&D, though specific roles are not publicly detailed.
Key Positions & Scaling Efforts
Nectin’s focus on progressing NTX1088 through Phase 1 trials likely demands talent in clinical trial management and regulatory affairs. The absence of layoffs or downsizing reports—coupled with a $10M investment from GIBF in May 2024—implies stable hiring to support pipeline diversification. However, no explicit mentions of recent leadership changes or new executive appointments are evident outside existing management continuity.
Strategic Impact of Team Expansion
Growth appears concentrated on advancing NTX1088, which targets PVR (CD155), a resistance mechanism to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Success here could validate Nectin’s platform and attract further partnerships or funding. The Immunome licensing agreement underscores a capital-efficient strategy to monetize non-core assets while retaining focus on lead programs.
Sources
- Nectin Therapeutics
- GIBF Invests $10M in Nectin Therapeutics
- Immunome Licenses Novel Antibodies from Nectin
- Nectin's Management Team
7 The Media Features and Publications
Nectin Therapeutics: Media Coverage, Events, and EIC Accelerator RecognitionNectin Therapeutics, an Israeli clinical-stage biotech company developing next-generation immunotherapies for cancer, has gained visibility through partnerships, funding announcements, and participation in oncology-focused initiatives. While direct media interviews or podcasts featuring team members are not publicly documented in available sources, the following outlines their public engagements and coverage:
Media Features & Publications
- PR Newswire: Highlighted Nectin’s clinical trial expansion into Israel for NTX1088 (anti-PVR monoclonal antibody), emphasizing its potential to address resistance mechanisms in solid tumors.
- BioSpace: Reported a $10 million investment from Guangzhou-Israel Biotechnology Fund (GIBF) in May 2024 to advance NTX1088 dose-escalation trials and ADC candidates.
- Myeloma Research Foundation: Announced collaboration with Nectin via the Myeloma Investment Fund (MIF) to evaluate NTX1088 for multiple myeloma treatment.
Conference Participation & Presentations
While specific conference presentations by Nectin are not detailed in available records:- Pipeline focus: Preclinical data for NTX1088 demonstrated synergy with PD(L)1 inhibitors and best-in-class potential against PVR/CD155. The ongoing Phase 1 trial targets advanced solid tumors.
- Collaborative events: Partnerships with entities like the MIF and GIBF suggest involvement in investor or industry networking forums.
EIC Accelerator Involvement
Nectin’s EIC Accelerator win (Step 3 interview cutoff: November 8, 2023) aligns with its anti-PVR program’s co-funding by the EU, though no direct post-award media coverage is cited. The company emphasizes EU support on its pipeline page without specifying event participation tied to the grant.Sources
PR Newswire - Clinical Trial Expansion | BioSpace - GIBF Investment | MMRF Partnership Announcement | Nectin Pipeline PageDo you need EIC Accelerator support?
Here is a list of the key service options for the EIC Accelerator:
Full Writing Service
All proposal sections are written by Stephan Segler, PhD.
Advisory Service
You write in-house but receive 1-on-1 support, templates, instructions, and reviews of all documents.
AI Writer & Training
A high-quality AI writer for EIC Accelerator Step 1 and a comprehensive Training program for Steps 1 and 2 including all templates and instructions.