Egle Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel immunotherapies targeting regulatory T cells (Tregs), has secured €9.3 million in state funding from the France 2030 initiative. The funding, awarded under the "Innovations in Biotherapies and Bioproduction" call for projects, will accelerate the development of the company's lead immuno-oncology therapeutic candidate, EGL-001, which is currently in Phase I/II clinical trials.
The non-dilutive funding, managed by Bpifrance on behalf of the French government, represents a significant boost for the company's innovative approach to cancer treatment through Treg modulation.
"We are honored to receive this funding from the French government through France 2030," said Christophe Quéva, CEO of Egle Therapeutics. "This recognition and immense support will help Egle Therapeutics advance its research and development programs in regulatory T cell modulation. The funding will enable us to accelerate the development of EGL-001, our lead immuno-oncology therapeutic candidate."
Pioneering Treg-Targeting Immunotherapies
Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from the prestigious Institut Curie, Egle Therapeutics has rapidly established itself as a leader in the field of immunomodulation. The company has developed a proprietary translational platform designed to identify novel tumor-infiltrating Treg targets, with the aim of developing antibody-based candidate drugs that disable Treg function and restore effective antitumor immune responses.
Regulatory T cells play a critical role in suppressing immune responses, which can be beneficial in preventing autoimmunity but problematic in cancer where they can inhibit the body's ability to attack tumor cells. By targeting these cells, Egle's approach aims to overcome a key mechanism of immune evasion in cancer.
The company's lead candidate, EGL-001, is currently being evaluated in Phase I/II clinical trials in France and Spain. Additionally, Egle has completed regulatory studies and manufacturing for a Clinical Trial Application filing for EGL-003, its autoimmune disease candidate, with plans to launch a clinical trial in 2025.
Strong Financial Foundation and Strategic Partnerships
Since its inception, Egle Therapeutics has built a strong financial foundation, raising nearly €56 million through a combination of equity financing and non-dilutive public funding. This includes successful participation in the i-Lab Innovation Competition and securing a DeepTech Development Grant.
In October 2021, the company completed a substantial Series A financing round of €47 million, attracting investments from renowned sources including EQT Life Sciences, Bpifrance (through INNOBIO 2 and Innovation 1 funds), Fund Plus, Bioqube Factory Fund, T1D Fund, and Takeda Ventures.
The company has also established strategic partnerships, notably entering a three-year research collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceuticals in June 2020, which included an option agreement that further validates Egle's scientific approach and commercial potential.
2024: A Year of Significant Milestones
The France 2030 funding comes during a pivotal year for Egle Therapeutics, which has already achieved several key milestones in 2024. These include the launch of its Phase I/II clinical trial for EGL-001, the appointment of Michel Detheux as Chairman, and the appointment of Christophe Quéva as Chief Executive Officer.
These developments position the company to accelerate its innovative research and potentially bring breakthrough therapies to patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases.
About France 2030 and the Funding Initiative
The France 2030 plan represents a strategic initiative by the French government to position the country as a global leader in innovation across key economic sectors, including healthcare. With a total investment of €54 billion, the plan aims to support French companies, universities, and research institutions in navigating ecological and economic transitions.
The "Innovations in Biotherapies and Bioproduction" call for projects specifically falls under the "Biotherapies and Bioproduction of Innovative Therapies" acceleration plan. Led by the Health Innovation Agency within the Secretariat General for Investment, the program supports excellence in biotherapy research by accelerating technology transfer and ensuring a continuous pipeline of innovations from bench to bedside.
For Egle Therapeutics, this funding not only provides critical financial support but also represents a strong vote of confidence in the company's scientific approach and potential clinical impact. As the company advances its clinical programs, it moves closer to its goal of developing novel therapies that could significantly improve outcomes for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases.
