1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in developing and scaling breakthrough innovations. The program aims to enhance the competitiveness of European businesses by providing financial support and strategic guidance, thereby fostering a robust ecosystem for DeepTech and innovative startups.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance approach, combining grant funding and equity investment. The grant component can provide up to €2.5 million, which is intended to cover costs related to product development, prototyping, and market entry. This non-repayable funding is crucial for startups and SMEs, as it alleviates financial pressure while enabling them to focus on innovation.

In addition to grant funding, the EIC Accelerator offers equity investment options. Until 2024, companies can receive equity funding of up to €15 million, which is instrumental in scaling operations and accelerating business growth. Since 2025, this equity funding cap has been adjusted to €10 million. This financial support helps companies attract additional private sector investment by demonstrating the viability and potential of their projects.

Purpose in the European Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by driving innovation and addressing key societal challenges through technology. It seeks to bridge the funding gap that often exists between the early stages of development and later stages where private investors typically engage. By providing both grant and equity funding, the program enables companies to undertake high-risk projects that have the potential for significant societal impact.

Scaling and Private Sector Funding

One of the primary objectives of the EIC Accelerator is to help companies scale their operations effectively. By providing substantial financial backing, the program enables startups to invest in R&D, marketing, and other critical areas that are essential for growth. Furthermore, the EIC Accelerator also facilitates connections with private investors, venture capitalists, and corporate partners, fostering an environment where companies can secure additional funding and resources to scale their innovations.

Case Study: PEPTINOV SAS and the Anti-IL-6 Project

Company Overview

PEPTINOV SAS, a French biotechnology company, was awarded funding through the EIC Accelerator for its groundbreaking project, Anti-IL-6. This project focuses on developing an innovative active immunotherapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis, a condition that affects millions globally and often results in chronic pain and diminished quality of life.

Project Description: Anti-IL-6

The Anti-IL-6 project aims to introduce a novel therapeutic approach targeting Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a cytokine involved in the inflammatory response associated with osteoarthritis. By employing active immunotherapy, PEPTINOV seeks to modulate the immune response, thereby reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms associated with the disease.

Technology Background

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Current treatment options are limited and often focus on symptom management rather than disease modification. The role of IL-6 in osteoarthritis has garnered attention; it is implicated in the inflammatory processes that exacerbate joint degeneration.

PEPTINOV's innovative approach utilizes peptide-based therapy to generate a targeted immune response against IL-6. By training the immune system to recognize and act against this cytokine, the therapy aims to reduce inflammation and ultimately slow the progression of osteoarthritis. This mechanism not only addresses the symptoms but also targets the underlying pathology of the disease, representing a significant advancement in treatment options.

The Anti-IL-6 project stands to transform the therapeutic landscape for osteoarthritis, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life. With the support of the EIC Accelerator, PEPTINOV SAS is well-positioned to advance its innovative solution from concept to market, contributing to the broader goals of enhancing health and well-being across Europe.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program represents a vital resource for innovative companies like PEPTINOV SAS, providing essential funding and strategic support to drive technological advancements. By enabling projects such as Anti-IL-6, the EIC Accelerator not only bolsters the European startup ecosystem but also advances solutions to pressing healthcare challenges.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised by PEPTINOV SAS

PEPTINOV SAS, a French biotech firm specializing in immunotherapies targeting osteoarthritis and inflammatory diseases, has raised significant funding since winning the EIC Accelerator award in June 2023.

Funding Rounds and Timing

• EIC Accelerator Award (June 2023)
• Date: Announced October 2023 following the June application cut-off.
• Amount: €8 million total
• €2.5 million non-dilutive grant
• €5.5 million equity investment from the EIC Fund.
• This funding was confirmed as part of the official list of winners from the third EIC Accelerator call in June 2023, with funds intended to support phase II clinical development of PEPTINOV’s anti-IL-6 immunotherapy for osteoarthritis.

Investor Information

• European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund: Primary investor providing both grant and equity financing for this round.
• Les Business Angels des Grandes Ecoles: Supported PEPTINOV during its fundraising efforts; their backing is acknowledged but specific financial involvement is undisclosed.

Additional Funding Details

The blended finance structure awarded to PEPTINOV—a mix of grant and direct equity—reflects a broader trend among successful applicants to combine public support with venture-style capital injection for scaling clinical research activities.

Company Valuations

There is no public disclosure regarding explicit company valuations before or after this funding round. As typical with early-stage biotechnology companies receiving European institutional grants plus equity investment, valuation estimates are generally not made public at this stage.

Exit Events (IPO/Buyouts/Acquisitions)

As of May 2025, there have been no reports or announcements regarding any exit events such as an IPO, acquisition, or buyout involving PEPTINOV SAS. The company remains privately held and continues advancing its pipeline products through clinical development stages.

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Summary Table: Recent Major Financing Events

Date	Round	Amount	Source(s)/Investors	Purpose
Oct 2023	EIC Accelerator (Blended)	€8 million (€2.5M grant + €5.5M equity)	European Innovation Council Fund	Phase II clinical trials for anti–IL–6 drug

No other major rounds or exits have been reported publicly since June 21, 2023.

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Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics June 2023
• Peptinov – EuroQuity profile
• European Commission – EIC Media Review December 18, 2023

3 The Press Releases

PEPTINOV SAS: EIC Accelerator Funding and Key Developments PEPTINOV SAS, a French biotechnology company, secured EIC Accelerator funding in June 2023 under the highly competitive Horizon Europe program. The company specializes in developing anti-IL-6 immunotherapy, targeting osteoarthritis, and was awarded a €2.5 million grant alongside €5.5 million in equity financing to advance its Phase 2 clinical trials.

While specific press releases directly from PEPTINOV’s website (peptinov.fr) or social media accounts are not publicly retrievable from the provided sources, third-party coverage highlights its selection among 47 winners in the June 2023 EIC Accelerator cohort. The funding will support further development of its patented immunotherapy approach, which aims to address unmet medical needs in chronic inflammatory diseases.

Details Based on Available Information:

• Technology: PEPTINOV’s therapy focuses on modulating IL-6 pathways to combat osteoarthritis progression.
• Funding Structure: The blended finance package (grant + equity) aligns with the EIC’s emphasis on scalable deep-tech ventures.
• Backing: Supported by Les Business Angels des Grandes Ecoles, indicating institutional investor confidence.

No additional data on partnerships, patents beyond IL-6 targeting, or team updates is available through the provided sources. For direct announcements from PEPTINOV SAS, monitoring their official channels remains recommended.

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Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics June 2023
• EIC Media Review - Peptinov Winner Announcement

4 The Technology Advancements

Overview of Peptinov SAS

Peptinov SAS is a French corporation specializing in the development of immunotherapy treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases. Established in 2009, it is headquartered in Paris and has been focused on peptide-based drug design technology.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

In 2023, Peptinov SAS was one of the winners of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, securing a €2.5 million grant and a €5.5 million equity contribution. This funding was specifically for the phase 2 clinical development of its anti-IL-6 immunotherapy targeting osteoarthritis.

Since receiving this funding, Peptinov SAS has not publicly disclosed specific technological advancements or new features. However, the company's focus on advancing its anti-IL-6 vaccine suggests ongoing clinical development efforts. There is no publicly available information on new patents filed or scientific studies published directly related to these advancements.

Market and Clinical Demonstrations

Peptinov SAS's primary focus remains on clinical trials, particularly for its anti-IL-6 vaccine. The company has been involved in clinical trials, but specific details about customer demonstrations or pilot projects are not readily available.

Recent Research and Publications

There are no recent publications or scientific studies specifically attributed to Peptinov SAS since the EIC Accelerator funding. However, the company has been involved in studies supported by its funding initiatives.

In summary, while Peptinov SAS has received significant funding for its anti-IL-6 immunotherapy, specific advancements in technology or market demonstrations since June 2023 are not detailed in available public information.

Sources

• Peptinov SAS - Drug pipelines, Patents, Clinical trials
• EIC Media Review
• EIC Accelerator final 2023 cut-off funds 42 companies with up to €285 million
• 240 Scientific Abstracts
• Peptinov SAS

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Peptinov SAS: Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in June 2023, Peptinov SAS has continued advancing its immunotherapy platform targeting chronic inflammatory diseases and osteoarthritis. While specific customer names remain undisclosed, the company’s collaborations and operational strategies highlight its growth trajectory.

Key Relationships and Clinical Collaborations
Peptinov’s Phase I clinical trial for knee osteoarthritis, conducted at Paris’ Cochin Hospital (Clinical Investigation Center ‘Cochin-Pasteur’), underscores its reliance on institutional partnerships for clinical validation. This collaboration leverages academic-medical infrastructure to accelerate therapeutic development.

The company has not publicly announced new commercial partners or customers since mid-2023 but maintains ties with Oyster Venture Partners, which highlights Peptinov’s €7.5M equity financing history and preclinical-to-clinical transition support. Earlier grants from BPI France (€1.7M in interest-free loans) and French R&D tax rebates (€2.9M Crédit Impôt Recherche) reflect sustained public-sector backing.

Technology Advancements Through Partnerships
Peptinov’s platform targets interleukin pathways, particularly IL-6, using peptide-based active immunotherapies. Its preclinical success in animal models (mice, rabbits, monkeys) demonstrates cross-species efficacy, a factor likely appealing to potential partners in biologics manufacturing or companion diagnostics. The Phase I trial focuses on safety and antibody response metrics, critical for attracting late-stage collaborators or licensing deals upon positive results.

Market Positioning Post-Funding
By prioritizing inflammatory diseases like knee osteoarthritis—a market with over 50 competing pipeline candidates globally—Peptinov positions itself as a niche innovator in active immunization. Successful clinical outcomes could differentiate its approach from small-molecule or monoclonal antibody competitors listed in pipeline reports (e.g., AbbVie, Regeneron). The EIC funding likely supports scaling GMP production processes ahead of Phase II trials while expanding IP portfolios around IL-6 targeting peptides.

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Sources

• Knee Osteoarthritis Pipeline: Over 50 Innovators Pioneering
• peptinov - Oyster Venture Partners
• Peptinov SAS - Life-Sciences-France.com

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Peptinov SAS, a French biotechnology company specializing in peptide-based immunotherapies for chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers, has maintained a lean operational structure since its founding in 2010. Based on available data:

Team Size and Growth
The company is described as having under 25 employees, with no specific hiring announcements or recent headcount updates publicly disclosed. While the broader French HealthTech sector reported 35.6% employment growth industry-wide between 2021–2022, Peptinov’s direct contribution to this trend remains unspecified.

Hiring Activity and Scaling Strategy
Public records do not indicate active recruitment campaigns post-2023 EIC Accelerator funding. However, Peptinov’s focus on advancing its lead candidate PPV-06 (targeting IL-6) suggests potential future expansion in clinical development roles to support therapeutic pipeline progress. The company’s emphasis on collaborative research—notably through partnerships with academic institutions like Cnam University—implies reliance on specialized talent in immunotherapy and peptide engineering.

Management Stability
No leadership changes are documented since the company’s inception under Prof. Zagury-linked technology foundations. The absence of recent executive turnover aligns with its status as a privately held entity prioritizing R&D continuity.

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Sources

• Peptinov Company Overview
• French HealthTech Employment Trends

7 The Media Features and Publications

PEPTINOV SAS: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Visibility and Public Engagement Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in June 2023, PEPTINOV SAS has maintained a focused presence in the biotech sector, though publicly available details about media features, podcasts, or recent conference engagements remain limited. The company specializes in peptide-based immunotherapies targeting chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers, with its lead candidate PPV-06 (an IL-6-targeting therapeutic vaccine) undergoing clinical evaluation as of 2021.

Media & Publications

No recent news articles or publications explicitly naming PEPTINOV were identified in the provided sources. Historical company profiles highlight its establishment in 2009–2010, peptide-based platform, and partnerships within the Cochin Hospital ecosystem. The absence of direct media mentions post-2023 suggests either undisclosed coverage or a strategic focus on non-publicized R&D milestones following EIC funding.

Podcasts & Interviews

No verified podcasts or interviews featuring PEPTINOV’s team were located. General peptide-therapy discussions (e.g., The Pursuit Podcast's December 2024 episode on BPC-157) did not reference the company directly.

Conferences & Events

While specific post-2023 event participations are undocumented, PEPTINOV’s Paris headquarters at Cochin Hospital positions it within a prominent biomedical research hub. The lack of explicit conference citations may reflect selective attendance or proprietary presentations not disclosed publicly.

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Sources

• Peptinov SAS - Drug pipelines, Patents
• ZoomInfo Company Profile
• Life-Sciences-France Organizational Data
• Dealroom Funding Overview