1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program stands as a pivotal initiative within the European Innovation Council (EIC), aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups that are developing innovative, high-risk technologies. This program is particularly focused on DeepTech, which encompasses advanced scientific and engineering innovations that have the potential to create significant societal impact. The EIC Accelerator provides financial support through a blended finance model that combines both grants and equity investments, thus enabling companies to scale their operations and attract further private sector funding.Funding Structure
The funding under the EIC Accelerator consists of two main components: grants and equity.
Purpose and Impact
The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by addressing the funding gap that often exists for innovative companies. Through its support, the EIC aims to facilitate the transition from research to market, helping to bring groundbreaking technologies to fruition. This program encourages collaboration between public and private sectors, while also enabling startups to leverage the EIC’s network of investors, mentors, and industry experts. By assisting companies in scaling their operations, the EIC Accelerator contributes to job creation, economic growth, and the overall enhancement of Europe’s competitive position in global markets.
Case Study: PEPTOMYC SL and MYCureX
Company Overview: PEPTOMYC SL, based in Spain, is an innovative biotechnology company focused on developing cutting-edge cancer therapies. Their EIC Accelerator project, named MYCureX, revolves around creating a first-in-class MYC inhibitor, which represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
Project MYCureX: This project aims to develop a novel therapeutic approach to target the MYC oncogene, a key player in various cancers. The MYC oncogene is often overexpressed in tumors, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. Traditional therapies have struggled to effectively target MYC due to its complex role in cellular processes. MYCureX seeks to overcome these challenges by employing a unique mechanism that can selectively inhibit MYC activity, thereby offering a promising new treatment option for patients with MYC-driven cancers.
Technology Background
The technology behind MYCureX leverages advanced peptide-based inhibitors designed to specifically bind to and inhibit the MYC protein. This approach is rooted in a deep understanding of protein-protein interactions and the design of small molecules that can disrupt these interactions. The development of MYC inhibitors has been a long-standing challenge in cancer therapy; however, recent advancements in peptide engineering and drug delivery systems have opened new avenues for effective therapeutic strategies.
PEPTOMYC's research centers on the synthesis of these peptides, optimizing their pharmacokinetic properties to ensure efficacy and safety. The project also involves preclinical studies to validate the therapeutic potential of these inhibitors in various cancer models. The ultimate goal is to transition MYCureX into clinical trials, providing a new hope for patients with limited treatment options.
In conclusion, the EIC Accelerator serves as an essential catalyst for innovation within the European startup ecosystem, providing significant financial support and fostering collaboration across sectors. PEPTOMYC SL's MYCureX project exemplifies the potential of the EIC Accelerator to transform groundbreaking scientific discoveries into tangible therapies that can improve patient outcomes and reshape the landscape of cancer treatment.
2 The Funding Rounds
Financing Raised and Funding Rounds Since EIC Accelerator Award
Recent EIC Accelerator Funding (2023):
Previous Major Funding Rounds:
- December 2020: Series B Equity Round
- Amount: €11.4 million
- Purpose: To advance lead candidate OMO103 into Phase I/II clinical trials for solid tumors.
- Lead Investor: AurorA Science
- Other Investors: Alta Life Sciences, HealthEquity, Business Angels, CDTI (Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology), and employee participants.
- 2018–2019: Series A Round
- Amount: €4.2 million
- Lead Investor: Alta Life Sciences Spain I FCR
- Other Participants: Healthequity and Business Angels who were also involved in an earlier seed round.
Initial Grant Awards:
Timing & Amounts of Key Funding Rounds
| Date | Type | Amount | Investors / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 2016 | Grant | €50k | EC/Horizon2020 SME Instrument |
| ~2018 | Seed | Not disclosed | Included Healthequity & Business Angels |
| Jul–Nov. 2019 | Series A | €4.2M | Led by Alta Life Sciences; included previous seed investors |
| Dec. 15, 2020 | Equity/Series B | €11.4M | Led by AurorA Science; supported by Alta LS, HealthEquity et al. |
| Oct./Nov., '23† | Blended (EIC) | €5M (€2.5M grant + equity) | Horizon Europe/EIC Fund |
†Official announcement date October/November; award linked to June '23 call.
Investor Information
Key Institutional Investors:
- AurorA Science (lead investor for latest major private round)
- Alta Life Sciences Spain I FCR (led Series A)
- HealthEquity
- CDTI – Centre for Industrial Technological Development (Spain)
- Various business angels with biotech/life sciences focus.
Public Sector Support:
The most recent EIC Accelerator funding includes an equity component managed through the European Investment Bank under direction of the European Innovation Council Fund.Company Valuations
No public information is available regarding explicit company valuations corresponding to specific rounds or post-money estimates as per current accessible data sources. This is typical among early-stage private biotech firms in Europe.
Exit Events
As of May 2025:
Peptomyc remains independently operated with strong backing from both venture capital investors and public innovation funds.
Sources
- VHIO's spin-off Peptomyc is awarded €5 million from EIC Accelerator...
- Peptomyc is awarded €5 million from Horizon Europe...
- Peptomyc S.L.: Secures EUR 4.2 Million in Series A led by Alta LS
- Peptomyc announces new equity financing round led by Aurora Science
-PeptomycsucceedsingainingfirstgrantfundingfromEuropeanCommission
3 The Press Releases
Overview of Peptomyc SL
Peptomyc SL, a biotech company based in Barcelona, Spain, has been a notable recipient of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in 2023. Peptomyc was awarded €5 million from the Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator Program to support its innovative cancer therapies, particularly focusing on the Phase 1b clinical trial for OMO-103, a first-in-class direct Myc inhibitor.
Key Developments Since EIC Funding
- Clinical Trials and Therapies: The EIC funding will be used to conduct a Phase 1b multicenter single-arm clinical trial investigating OMO-103 in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy for first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer patients. This trial will be conducted in four leading hospital centers in Spain.
- Manufacturing and Diagnostic Development: Alongside the clinical trials, Peptomyc aims to scale up its manufacturing process and advance the development of a drug companion diagnostic.
- Patent Portfolio Expansion: Recently, Peptomyc expanded its patent portfolio with new grants from both the European and Indian Patent Offices for its methods and compositions related to cancer treatment. This strengthens its intellectual property position, particularly for its mini-protein therapeutics targeting the Myc oncoprotein.
- Funding and Partnerships: In addition to the EIC funding, Peptomyc also received €4 million from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and the European Union through the NextGenerationEU program. This funding supports the clinical development of Omomyc, Peptomyc's first-in-class Myc inhibitor.
Team and Leadership
Peptomyc is led by co-founders Laura Soucek (CEO) and Marie-Eve Beaulieu (CSO). Laura Soucek has been instrumental in advancing the research on Omomyc, a breakthrough Myc inhibitor, over the past two decades. The team at Peptomyc includes Jörg Klumbis as the CFO, who highlighted the financial stability and capabilities reinforced by recent grants.
Press Releases and Updates
Press releases and updates from Peptomyc are primarily available on its website and through scientific publications. The company has announced significant milestones such as the EIC funding and expansion of its patent portfolio. These updates highlight Peptomyc's progress in developing groundbreaking cancer therapies.
Sources
- Peptomyc is awarded €5 million from the Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator Program
- VHIO's spin-off Peptomyc is awarded €5 million from EIC Accelerator Program
- Peptomyc is awarded €5 million from the Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator Program
- Peptomyc S.L. Expands Patent Portfolio with European and Indian Patent Grant
- The spin-off Peptomyc and VHIO awarded €4 million from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation
- Omomyc, the Myc inhibitor developed by Peptomyc
4 The Technology Advancements
Overview of Peptomyc SL
Peptomyc SL is a clinical-stage biotech company based in Barcelona, Spain, and is a spin-off from the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) and the Catalan Institute of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA). It was founded in December 2014 by Laura Soucek and Marie-Eve Beaulieu. Peptomyc focuses on developing innovative cell-penetrating peptides targeting the MYC oncoprotein for cancer treatment, based on Dr. Soucek's extensive research on Omomyc, a direct MYC inhibitor.
Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding
Since receiving €5 million from the Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator Program in June 2023, Peptomyc has made significant advancements in its clinical development and research:
- Phase 1b Clinical Trial: With the funding, Peptomyc initiated a Phase 1b multicenter trial to evaluate its lead candidate, OMO-103, in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy (Gemcitabine and Nab-Paclitaxel) for first-line metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients in Spain. This trial aims to assess the safety and efficacy of OMO-103 in a real-world clinical setting.
- Manufacturing Scale-Up and Pipeline Development: The company is also using the funding to scale up its manufacturing processes and expand its drug pipeline. This includes developing a companion diagnostic for OMO-103 and exploring its utility across various cancer types through preclinical studies.
- Clinical Activity and Safety: Peptomyc has demonstrated promising results in a Phase I study with OMO-103, showing excellent safety and clinical activity in patients with solid tumors.
- New Clinical Trials: In addition to its ongoing trials, Peptomyc has initiated a Phase 2 trial (OSTEOMYC) for OMO-103 in advanced osteosarcoma. This trial, sponsored by the Osteosarcoma Institute, aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of OMO-103 in pediatric and adult patients.
Technology Improvements and Market Demonstration
Peptomyc's technology is based on innovative cell-penetrating mini-proteins derived from Omomyc. These peptides are designed to target the MYC oncoprotein effectively, addressing a significant challenge in cancer therapy. The company's approach differs from previous methods by using mini-proteins that can accurately target MYC's disordered structure while being small enough to penetrate tumor cells.
Peptomyc has demonstrated its technology through clinical trials, particularly with the successful completion of a Phase I study and the initiation of Phase 1b and Phase 2 trials. These trials demonstrate the company's ability to advance its technology into clinical settings, providing valuable data on safety and efficacy.
New Patents, Studies, or Trials
Since receiving the EIC funding, Peptomyc has received additional financial support from other sources, such as €4 million from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and the European Union's NextGenerationEU program. This funding supports the clinical development of OMO-103 and the exploration of its utility in combination therapies.
Peptomyc has also been involved in innovative projects, like the development of nanoemulsions to encapsulate anti-MYC therapeutics, supported by grants such as the €40,000 from the ACTIVA startups call.
The company's research and clinical trials have been published in prestigious scientific journals, such as Nature Medicine, highlighting its progress in developing effective MYC inhibitors.
Sources
- Peptomyc – Developing a Myc inhibitor to treat cancer
- Peptomyc announces the beginning of a Phase 2 clinical trial of OMO-103 in advanced osteosarcoma
- VHIO spin-off Peptomyc receives approval to initiate its Phase Ib trial testing Omomyc in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer
- Peptomyc is awarded €5 million from the Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator Program to conduct a Phase 1b clinical trial with OMO-103 in patients and scale-up its manufacturing process
- Peptomyc's Omomyc-based therapy, OMO-103, has obtained approval for first-in-human phase I/II trial to assess the efficacy and safety of a novel Myc inhibitor
- Peptomyc is awarded €5 million from the Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator Program to conduct a Phase 1b clinical trial with OMO-103 in patients
- Peptomyc has been granted 40.000 € within the ACTIVA startups
- Peptomyc SL
- The spin-off Peptomyc and VHIO awarded €4 million from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation to advance the clinical development of the first Myc oncogene inhibitor
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Overview of Peptomyc SL
Peptomyc SL, a biotech company from Spain, has been making significant strides in cancer treatment since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2023. The company specializes in developing innovative cell-penetrating mini-protein therapeutics targeting the MYC oncoprotein, a central engine for cancer proliferation.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Peptomyc has established notable partnerships, particularly with the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute. This collaboration involves a groundbreaking Window of Opportunity trial for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with the goal of evaluating the pharmacodynamic effects of OMO-103, Peptomyc's lead candidate. Additionally, Peptomyc collaborates with the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), where its core technology was initially developed.
New Partners and Customers
While specific new customers are not mentioned, Peptomyc's partnerships with prestigious research institutions like OHSU and VHIO highlight its strategic approach to advancing cancer treatment. These collaborations are crucial for the development and testing of its MYC inhibitors, positioning Peptomyc as a pioneer in this field.
Nature of New Relationships and Purpose
These partnerships are aimed at enhancing Peptomyc's research and development capabilities, particularly through the Window of Opportunity trial. By collaborating with leading cancer research centers, Peptomyc gains access to state-of-the-art facilities and multidisciplinary expertise, accelerating its drug development process and improving patient outcomes.
Market Positioning and Technology Advancements
The collaborations and partnerships will significantly enhance Peptomyc's market position by reinforcing its expertise in MYC inhibition. Through these relationships, Peptomyc can accelerate the development of OMO-103 and other pipeline assets, leveraging cutting-edge research facilities and expertise to scale its operations and technological advancements. The expansion of its patent portfolio, such as the recent grant in Hong Kong, further strengthens its competitive edge in the cancer treatment landscape.
Scaling and Growth
Peptomyc's partnerships and research initiatives are pivotal to its growth strategy. By engaging with top research institutions, the company can expedite clinical trials, refine its therapeutic approaches, and expand its product pipeline. This strategic positioning is essential for Peptomyc to become a leading player in the oncology sector.
Sources
- Peptomyc – Developing a Myc inhibitor to treat cancer
- Peptomyc announces Research IND Approval for Innovative Window of Opportunity trial
- Peptomyc announces the beginning of a Phase 2 clinical trial of OMO-103 in advanced osteosarcoma
- Peptomyc SL
- News – Alta Life Sciences
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Peptomyc SL: Team Growth and Strategic Expansion Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Peptomyc SL, a Barcelona-based clinical-stage biotech company, has demonstrated steady growth since securing €5 million in Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator funding in late 2023[^7^]. While specific hiring announcements or recent key position details are not publicly disclosed, the company’s trajectory highlights critical developments:- Current Headcount: The team comprises 15 employees, supported by a network of advisors and collaborators[^1^].
- Growth Trajectory: Since its founding in 2014 as a spin-off from VHIO and ICREA, Peptomyc has expanded its clinical pipeline, patent portfolio (including a recent Hong Kong grant for MYC-inhibiting mini-proteins[^5^]), and operational capabilities.
- Hiring Focus: Public job postings are not explicitly listed on their website, but the EIC funding allocation toward clinical trials (e.g., Phase Ib for pancreatic cancer and Phase II for osteosarcoma) suggests ongoing recruitment to support trial execution, manufacturing scale-up, and diagnostic development.
- Management Stability: The founding team—Dr. Laura Soucek (CEO), Dr. Marie-Eve Beaulieu (CSO), and Jörg Klumbis (CFO)—remains intact. Dr. Manuela Niewel serves as Chief Medical Officer, reflecting strengthened leadership for clinical operations.
- Strategic Impact of Team Growth: New hires likely bolster expertise in areas like regulatory affairs, pharmacodynamics analysis (notably for OMO-103 trials), and manufacturing optimization to meet increased demand from ongoing studies.
The EIC Accelerator funding has enabled Peptomyc to advance its lead candidate OMO-103 into multiple trials while scaling production processes—a phase requiring specialized talent to ensure compliance and efficiency as the company transitions toward later-stage development.
Sources
- Peptomyc – Developing a Myc inhibitor to treat cancer
- Phase 2 Clinical Trial of OMO-103 in Advanced Osteosarcoma
7 The Media Features and Publications
Overview of Peptomyc SL
Peptomyc SL, a biotech company based in Barcelona, Spain, has been making significant strides in cancer treatment since its founding in 2014. The company is renowned for developing innovative cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) that target the Myc oncoprotein, a key factor in cancer proliferation and resistance to treatment.
Media Features and Publications
Peptomyc SL has been featured in various publications for its groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment. For instance, the company's success in clinical trials, particularly with its drug candidate OMO-103, has been highlighted in Nature Medicine. Additionally, Peptomyc's financing rounds and strategic partnerships have garnered attention from business and biotech-focused media outlets.
Content from Publications
Publications have emphasized Peptomyc's pioneering role in Myc inhibition, which is considered a critical target in cancer therapy. The company's use of mini-proteins derived from Omomyc has shown promise in preclinical models and early clinical trials, positioning Peptomyc as a leader in this field.
Podcasts and Interviews
While specific podcasts or interviews featuring Peptomyc's team are not widely documented, Dr. Laura Soucek, CEO and co-founder, has been a prominent voice in discussing Myc inhibition and its potential in cancer treatment.
Conference and Fair Visits
Peptomyc has participated in various conferences related to biotechnology and oncology. For example, Dr. Marie-Eve Beaulieu, co-founder and CSO, has been a speaker at events like the PEGS Boston Summit, focusing on drug development and innovative cancer therapies.
Events and Involvement
Peptomyc SL has been actively involved in European health and biotech initiatives, benefiting from programs like the EIT Health Headstart funding, which supports early-stage biotech startups. The company's participation in such events underscores its commitment to advancing cancer treatment through collaborative efforts.
EIC Accelerator Funding
In June 2023, Peptomyc SL was awarded the EIC Accelerator funding, a significant recognition of its innovative approach to cancer treatment. This funding will further support the company's ongoing clinical trials and pipeline development, particularly with its Myc inhibitor OMO-103, which has shown promising results in phase I studies.
Sources: - Peptomyc
- PEPTOMYC SL. Company Profile
- Peptomyc announces new equity financing round
- Peptomyc S.L. - BioCentury Company Profiles
- Peptomyc company information, funding & investors
- Speaker Biographies at PEGS Boston Summit
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