French biotechnology company Igyxos Biotherapeutics has secured €5.7 million in government funding to advance its groundbreaking monoclonal antibody treatment for infertility through Phase 2 clinical trials. The non-dilutive grant was awarded under the France 2030 programme through the "Biotherapies and Bioproduction of Innovative Therapies" call for projects, operated by Bpifrance on behalf of the French government.
The funding will support Phase 2 clinical trials in France and Europe for IGX12, the company's lead therapeutic candidate. IGX12 represents a first-in-class potentiating monoclonal antibody specifically developed to enhance the potency and efficacy of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), a critical hormone involved in both female and male gametogenesis.
Addressing Unmet Medical Need in Male Infertility
"This funding marks another important new milestone in the clinical development of our innovative approach to treating infertility," said Florent Ferré, Chief Executive Officer of Igyxos Biotherapeutics. "Unlike current IVF treatment regimes, our approach addresses both female and male infertility. Male infertility accounts for nearly half of all infertility cases and currently has no approved treatment."
The company's dual-gender approach represents a significant departure from existing fertility treatments, which primarily focus on female reproductive health. By targeting FSH enhancement, IGX12 aims to improve reproductive outcomes for both partners in couples facing fertility challenges.
Clinical Development Progress
Igyxos expects to release the latest results from its Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers during the fourth quarter of 2025. Interim results have demonstrated good safety and tolerability of IGX12 in both men and women, providing a foundation for the upcoming Phase 2 trials.
The company's long-term ambition extends beyond clinical development to bringing a new therapeutic option to market for the millions of couples worldwide facing fertility challenges. This goal aligns with the broader objectives of addressing reproductive health as a global medical priority.
Company Background and Funding History
Founded in France in 2017, Igyxos Biotherapeutics has established itself as a dedicated developer of innovative treatments for infertility affecting both genders. The company has successfully raised €25 million in total funding to date, including €19 million in equity from business angels and investors such as Bpifrance via its Biotechnology Health Acceleration Fund, GO Capital, and UI Investissement. An additional €7 million has been secured through grants, loans, and repayable advances from Bpifrance and regional funding bodies.
France 2030 Programme Support
The France 2030 programme represents an unprecedented €54 billion investment initiative designed to transform key sectors of the French economy through technological innovation. The programme supports the entire innovation lifecycle from fundamental research to industrialization, with 50% of spending dedicated to decarbonization and 50% to emerging innovation players.
The "Innovation in Biotherapies and Bioproduction" call for projects specifically aims to catalyze excellence in biotherapy research by accelerating technology transfer and ensuring a steady flow of innovations from laboratory to clinical application. This funding mechanism operates under the France 2030 acceleration strategy overseen by the Health Innovation Agency.
