1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support startups and SMEs that are developing breakthrough innovations, particularly in the DeepTech sector. This program provides funding in the form of both grants and equity investments, aimed at helping companies scale their operations and bring innovative solutions to market.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance approach, combining grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, which is intended to support research and development activities, as well as the commercialization of innovative products and services. The equity component provides funding of up to €15 million until 2024, and this amount decreases to a maximum of €10 million from 2025 onward. This dual funding structure is designed to help startups navigate the financial challenges of scaling, allowing them to leverage both public and private investments.

Purpose and Impact on the Ecosystem

The primary aim of the EIC Accelerator is to foster innovation in Europe, particularly in sectors where technology can significantly impact society, such as healthcare, energy, and digitalization. By providing financial support, the EIC Accelerator helps to bridge the gap between early-stage research and market-ready products. This support is crucial in helping companies establish themselves in competitive markets and attract additional funding from private sector investors. The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in enabling European startups to become key players in the global innovation landscape.

Role in Scaling and Funding

The EIC Accelerator not only provides financial backing but also offers a suite of services designed to assist companies in scaling their operations. This includes access to a network of investors, mentorship programs, and opportunities for collaboration with other innovators in the ecosystem. By facilitating connections with private investors, the EIC Accelerator enhances the capacity of startups to secure additional funding, thus increasing their chances of success in the market.

Case Study: NETRIS PHARMA SAS

Overview

Netrus Pharma SAS is a French biotechnology company that focuses on developing innovative therapies for cancer treatment. The company was awarded funding under the EIC Accelerator for its project, ImmunoNet, which aims to inhibit resistance to immunotherapy in oncology by targeting Netrin-1.

Project Details: ImmunoNet

The ImmunoNet project seeks to address a significant challenge in cancer treatment: the resistance that tumors often develop against immunotherapy. By targeting Netrin-1, a protein involved in tumor progression and immune evasion, the project aims to enhance the efficacy of existing immunotherapeutic approaches. This innovative strategy holds the potential to improve patient outcomes and expand the applicability of immunotherapy in various cancer types.

Technology Background

Netrin-1 is a member of the Netrin family of proteins, which are known for their roles in guiding cell migration and influencing cell survival. In the context of cancer, Netrin-1 has been implicated in promoting tumor growth and facilitating immune evasion by creating an environment that suppresses the activity of immune cells. By inhibiting Netrin-1, ImmunoNet aims to restore the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells, thereby overcoming one of the major barriers to successful immunotherapy.

The approach taken by Netrus Pharma involves the development of monoclonal antibodies that specifically target Netrin-1, potentially leading to a new class of cancer treatments. This innovative technology not only addresses a critical unmet medical need but also exemplifies the type of groundbreaking research that the EIC Accelerator seeks to promote.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program represents a pivotal initiative in supporting the growth of innovative startups within the European DeepTech ecosystem. NETRIS PHARMA SAS, with its ImmunoNet project, illustrates the potential impact of this funding, showcasing how targeted therapies can revolutionize cancer treatment. By providing both grants and equity investments, the EIC Accelerator enables companies like NETRIS PHARMA to scale effectively and attract additional private funding, thereby enhancing the overall innovation landscape in Europe.

2 The Funding Rounds

NETRIS PHARMA SAS: Funding and Financing Overview Since EIC Accelerator Award (France, Oct 2021)

Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

NETRIS Pharma SAS, a French clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has significantly advanced its fundraising since being awarded the EIC Accelerator in October 2021. The principal developments are centered on an extended Series A round:

• The company completed a €16.1 million Series A round prior to December 2023. This initial tranche included participation from historical investors who converted outstanding loans into equity and welcomed new investors.
• In December 2023, NETRIS Pharma secured an additional €7.5 million extension to its Series A funding, resulting in a total raise of €24.4 million for this round. This latest investment notably included participation from the EIC Fund as part of their accelerator program selection.

Timing and Amounts of Funding Rounds

Date	Round	Amount Raised	Notable Investors
Prior to Dec 2023	Series A (initial)	€16.1 million	Historical investors, new entrants
Dec 19–22, 2023	Series A extension	€7.5 million	EIC Fund (new), others

This funding activity took place after the successful Step 2 submission for the EIC Accelerator on October 6th, 2021.

Investor Information

Key participants across these rounds include:

• Historical investors supporting earlier stages by converting loans.
• New institutional backers in late-2023—most prominently the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund via the EU’s prestigious accelerator scheme.

Additional investor details beyond those named above have not been explicitly disclosed in public releases or investor databases.

Company Valuations

No specific post-money or pre-money valuation figures have been publicly reported for NETRIS Pharma SAS during these rounds.

Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions

As of April 23rd, 2025:

• There are no records indicating that NETRIS Pharma SAS has undergone an IPO or been acquired.
• The company remains private and is focusing resources on advancing clinical development milestones with its lead candidate NP137.

Summary Table

Aspect	Details
Total Known Capital Raised Post-EIC Award	At least €24.4 million (Series A)
Number/Type of Rounds	One major extended Series A; no further later-stage rounds confirmed
Timing	Initial close before Dec 2023; extension closed Dec 19–22, 2023
Notable Investors	Historical backers; New institutional investors incl. EIC Fund
Company Valuation	Not disclosed
Exit Event	None reported as of current date

No evidence was found regarding growth/mezzanine financing rounds or secondary market activities related to IPO preparation.

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Sources

• NETRIS Pharma extends Series A to €24.4 million and reinforces its leadership team
• NETRIS Pharma Secures €7.5M Funding Boost
• NETRIS Pharma raises €7.5M extension
• NETRIS PHARMA SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES A €16.1M SERIES A
• NETRIS Pharma amplifies Series A financing by €7.5M

3 The Press Releases

NETRIS PHARMA SAS: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments NETRIS PHARMA SAS, a Lyon-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on targeting netrin-1 for cancer therapeutics, has advanced its pipeline and partnerships significantly since securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. Below are key developments derived from press releases and public updates:

Strategic Collaborations

• MSD (Merck & Co.) Partnership: In May 2020, NETRIS entered a clinical collaboration with MSD to evaluate NP137 (its lead monoclonal antibody targeting netrin-1) in combination with pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®) for advanced uterine and cervical tumors. This phase 1b/2 trial, enrolling up to 240 patients, aims to address anti-PD-1 resistance by leveraging NP137’s unique mechanism to block netrin-1 overexpression.
• Orano & Centre Léon Bérard Collaboration: In September 2022, NETRIS partnered with Orano (nuclear materials firm) and CLB to develop antibody radio-conjugates combining NP137 with therapeutic radioisotopes. The preclinical study focuses on enhancing targeted radiotherapy efficacy for oncology applications.

Pipeline Advancements

• NP137 Clinical Progress: NP137 is in phase 2 trials for locally advanced solid tumors and received FDA Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) in November 2024 for pancreatic cancer treatment. Preclinical data suggest its potential to reverse immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments when combined with checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab.
• Discovery-Stage Assets: NETRIS’ pipeline includes early-stage candidates such as NP701 (neoplasms), NP100 (glioblastoma), and NP800 (glioblastoma), all in discovery phases as of recent updates.

Technology & Recognition

While specific patents are not detailed publicly, the company holds proprietary expertise in monoclonal antibodies targeting netrin-1 dependence receptors. No direct social media or blog post content was available from their website beyond structured press releases outlining collaborations and trial designs.

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Sources
NEWS - NETRIS PHARMA
Clinical Trial Collaboration Agreement with MSD
Drug Pipelines & Patents
NOVEMBER 2024 FDA Orphan Drug Designation Announcement
Scientific Collaboration with Orano & CLB

4 The Technology Advancements

NETRIS Pharma SAS: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Progress (2021–2024)

Current Capabilities
NETRIS Pharma SAS operates as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on overcoming cancer treatment resistance by targeting NETRIN-1, a protein implicated in tumor cell survival and therapy resistance. Its lead candidate, NP137, is a monoclonal antibody designed to inhibit NETRIN-1-mediated resistance mechanisms. The company has integrated operations within a comprehensive cancer center, leveraging translational research capabilities to advance its pipeline[^1^][^2^].

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding (October 2021)

• Clinical Development: As of December 2023, NETRIS expanded its Series A funding to €24.4 million through a €7.5 million extension supported by the EIC Fund[^3^][^6^]. This capital is allocated to advancing five ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials for NP137 across multiple indications, including refractory acute myeloid leukemia, meningeal neoplasms, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma[^4^][^8^]. Preliminary data from pancreatic cancer trials showed promising outcomes ahead of larger readouts expected in 2025netrispharma.com.
• Leadership Expansion: The company appointed Fabien Sebille as Chief Business Officer and added Gabriela Gruia, former Novartis regulatory executive, to its board to strengthen commercialization and regulatory strategiesnetrispharma.comsmebusinessreview.com.
• Recognition: In November 2024, NETRIS won the Best Biotech Pitch award at the EIC-Johnson & Johnson Investor Day for showcasing NP137’s potential in reversing therapy resistancenetrispharma.comfrance-biotech.fr.

Technological Improvements & Clinical Validation
NP137’s mechanism of action was validated through peer-reviewed studies published in Nature® journals in 2023, highlighting its efficacy in disrupting tumor microenvironments and enhancing chemotherapy sensitivity. While no new patents are explicitly mentioned post-funding, ongoing Phase 2 trials demonstrate active clinical validation across solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The company has not disclosed additional technological features beyond NP137 but emphasizes combination therapies with immunotherapies like atezolizumab-bevacizumab regimensfounderstoday.news.

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Sources

HOME - NETRIS PHARMA | Pipeline & Trials (Patsnap) | Series A Extension Announcement (December 19th) | Funding Update via SME Business Review | EIC Investor Day Award News (November 13th)

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Overview of NETRIS Pharma SAS

NETRIS Pharma SAS is a French clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies based on dependence receptor biology. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, the company has continued to expand its partnerships and technological advancements.

Partnerships and Collaborations

New Partners and Customers

As of the latest updates, NETRIS Pharma has not publicly announced new partners or customers beyond the collaborations mentioned above. However, its recent funding extension from the EIC Fund following selection for the EIC Accelerator program indicates potential for new strategic partnerships.

Nature of New Relationships and Market Positioning

The partnerships with Orano and MSD position NETRIS Pharma as a key player in innovative cancer therapy development, particularly in the fields of radio-conjugate therapies and targeted therapies for overcoming resistance to checkpoint inhibitors. These collaborations leverage the unique expertise of each partner to advance NETRIS Pharma's technological capabilities and market presence.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

The collaboration with Orano enhances NETRIS Pharma's ability to develop novel radio-conjugates, combining its mAb with advanced radioelements. The MSD partnership allows for combination therapies that could improve treatment outcomes in cancer patients. These technological advancements are crucial for scaling NETRIS Pharma's product pipeline and expanding its clinical trial portfolio.

Funding and Growth

NETRIS Pharma has extended its Series A funding to €24.4 million, with new investments supporting the completion of ongoing phase 2 clinical studies. This financial boost and the strengthening of its leadership team are expected to drive the company's growth and strategic partnerships in the oncology sector.

Sources

• NETRIS Pharma, Orano and Centre Léon Bérard Announce Scientific Collaboration to Develop Novel Antibody Radio-Conjugate Therapies
• Clinical Trial Collaboration Agreement with MSD to Evaluate NP137 in Combination with KEYTRUDA
• NETRIS Pharma SAS Overview
• Netris Pharma Orano and CLB Ink Scientific Collaboration
• NETRIS Pharma Extends Series A to €24.4 Million
• Antibody Hitting Tumor Self-Destruct Button Passes Phase I
• NETRIS Pharma Company Overview
• EIC Accelerator Beneficiaries

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

NETRIS Pharma SAS: Growth and Team Development

Overview

NETRIS Pharma SAS, a French biotech company, has been expanding its operations significantly since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. The company specializes in immuno-oncology and has been reinforcing its leadership team and board of directors to support its clinical development strategy.

Hiring and Team Growth

In recent years, NETRIS Pharma has focused on strengthening its team. Notable appointments include Fabien Sebille as Chief Business Officer, who will lead business development activities, leveraging his experience in the biotech industry. Additionally, Gabriela Gruia has joined the Board of Directors, bringing extensive regulatory experience from her previous role at Novartis. These appointments signal the company's strategic growth and preparation for upcoming clinical trial milestones.

Current Headcount and Team Size

While specific headcount figures are not publicly available, the company's recent appointments indicate a growing team. The expansion of the executive team and board suggests NETRIS Pharma is scaling up to support its ambitious clinical pipeline.

Hiring Status

Although there is no explicit information on current job openings, the recent appointments suggest that NETRIS Pharma may continue to expand its team in line with its growth strategy.

Growth and Development

Since the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, NETRIS Pharma has made significant strides in its clinical development, including the advancement of its lead product NP137. The company's funding extension to €24.4 million further underscores its growth potential, as it progresses towards multiple clinical readouts in the coming months.

Key Positions and Future Impact

The recruitment of key personnel like Fabien Sebille and Gabriela Gruia positions NETRIS Pharma for enhanced business development and regulatory expertise. These additions are crucial for the company's future as it prepares for significant clinical milestones and seeks to strengthen its partnerships with pharmaceutical companies. Their contributions will help NETRIS Pharma scale its operations, enhance its strategic partnerships, and ultimately drive growth in the competitive biotech landscape.

Management Changes

There have been no reported significant changes in the founding team or management structure, aside from the strategic additions to the leadership and board mentioned earlier.

Sources

• NETRIS Pharma extends Series A to €24.4 million and reinforces its leadership team and board of directors
• NETRIS Pharma SAS - Drug pipelines, Patents, Clinical trials
• Home - NETRIS PHARMA

7 The Media Features and Publications

NETRIS Pharma SAS, a French clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative cancer therapies targeting netrin-1, has been featured in multiple media outlets and scientific publications since its EIC Accelerator funding win in October 2021.

Media Features and Publications

• NETRIS Pharma has garnered attention through notable scientific publications, including two back-to-back papers published in Nature detailing the efficacy of their lead drug candidate NP137. These papers confirm that blocking netrin-1 is a promising strategy to inhibit tumor growth and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancers such as endometrial carcinoma. The findings highlight NP137’s potential both as a monotherapy and in combination with other treatments, emphasizing its role against resistance to standard therapieseinpresswire.com.
• Earlier coverage from 2017 described the commencement of their first Phase I clinical trial evaluating NP137 targeting dependence receptors—a novel pathway in oncology—with participation from major French cancer centers like Centre Léon Bérard. This milestone was hailed as pioneering for translating dependence receptor biology into therapeutic applicationprweb.com.

Collaborations and Scientific Announcements

In September 2022, NETRIS Pharma announced a scientific collaboration with Orano and Centre Léon Bérard to develop antibody radio-conjugate therapies combining their monoclonal antibody NP137 with radioisotopes for enhanced cancer treatment efficacy. This partnership aimed at leveraging complementary expertise across oncology, radiotherapy innovation, and nuclear technologynetrispharma.com.

Conference Participation & Events

While specific conference presentations or fair participations are not explicitly detailed on public sources or the company’s news page since October 2021, NETRIS Pharma’s engagement with prominent research institutions like Centre Léon Bérard strongly indicates active involvement within key oncology research events typically associated with such collaborations.

Podcasts or Interviews by Company Team

No direct podcasts or interviews involving NETRIS Pharma SAS's leadership team were found. However, it is worth noting that unrelated entities named “Netris” have hosted networking-related podcasts; these are distinct companies unrelated to NETRIS Pharma SAS.

Summary

Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding submission approval in October 2021:

• NETRIS Pharma has been prominently featured through high-impact academic publications validating their novel anti-cancer approach.
• They have announced strategic collaborations aiming at next-generation cancer therapeutics involving radio-conjugates.
• Their early-phase clinical trials continue progressing under partnerships with leading European cancer centers.

No evidence was found of direct media interviews or podcasts featuring the company's team nor detailed listings of conference visits post-funding date on publicly accessible platforms.

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Sources:

NETRIS Pharma collaboration announcement - netrispharma.com

-NETRIS Pharma Nature publication announcement - EIN Presswire

-Clinical study start announcement - PRWeb (2017)

-Company website news section (no recent articles)