Egle Therapeutics Secures €9.3M France 2030 Biotherapy Grant

Egle Therapeutics Secures €9.3 Million in State Funding to Advance Treg-Targeting Immunotherapies

Egle Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of immunotherapies targeting regulatory T cells (Tregs), has secured €9.3 million in state funding under the “Innovations in Biotherapies and Bioproduction” call for projects from the France 2030 plan. This funding initiative, managed by Bpifrance on behalf of the French government, aims to support cutting-edge biopharmaceutical innovations and accelerate the development of next-generation therapies.

This new financing further strengthens Egle’s position as a leading player in immunomodulation, reinforcing its mission to develop novel therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The funding will directly support the company’s research and development efforts, particularly in advancing its lead immuno-oncology candidate, EGL-001, which is currently undergoing Phase I/II clinical trials.

A Pioneer in Treg-Targeting Therapies

Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from Institut Curie, Egle Therapeutics has developed a proprietary translational platform designed to identify novel tumor-infiltrating Treg targets. By leveraging its expertise in Treg modulation, the company aims to develop innovative antibody-based therapies that selectively disable Treg function, thereby restoring an effective antitumor immune response.

Tregs play a crucial role in immune system regulation, helping to maintain tolerance and prevent excessive immune reactions. However, in the context of cancer, Tregs can suppress the body’s natural immune defenses, allowing tumors to evade immune detection and grow unchecked. Egle Therapeutics’ pioneering approach focuses on reprogramming the immune system to overcome this challenge, offering a new strategy for improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Strong Financial Backing and Strategic Collaborations

Since its inception, Egle Therapeutics has successfully raised nearly €56 million through a combination of equity financing and non-dilutive public funding. This includes significant contributions from major industry players and government initiatives:

June 2020: Entered a strategic research collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceuticals, including a three-year option agreement.
October 2021: Completed a Series A financing round, raising €47 million with participation from leading investors such as EQT Life Sciences, Bpifrance (INNOBIO 2 and Innovation 1), Fund Plus, Bioqube Factory Fund, T1D Fund, and Takeda Ventures.
Additional Funding: Received support through the i-Lab Innovation Competition and the DeepTech Development Grant.

The latest €9.3 million grant from France 2030 represents another milestone in Egle’s growth, reinforcing its ability to accelerate the development of groundbreaking therapies.

Key Milestones in 2024

Egle Therapeutics has achieved several critical milestones in 2024, reflecting its continued progress in developing first-in-class immunotherapies:

Advancement of EGL-001 – The company’s lead immuno-oncology candidate, EGL-001, entered Phase I/II clinical trials in France and Spain. This therapy is designed to selectively inhibit Treg-mediated immune suppression within the tumor microenvironment, potentially enhancing the efficacy of existing immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors.
Leadership Expansion – Egle appointed Michel Detheux as Chairman and Christophe Quéva as Chief Executive Officer, bringing extensive experience in immunotherapy development and biotech leadership.
Progress in Autoimmune Research – The company has completed regulatory studies and manufacturing preparations for EGL-003, a candidate targeting Tregs in autoimmune diseases. A clinical trial for EGL-003 is expected to launch in 2025.

CEO Perspective on Funding and Future Developments

Expressing gratitude for the support received through France 2030, Egle’s CEO, Christophe Quéva, emphasized the significance of this funding in accelerating the company’s research and development programs:

“We are honored to receive this funding from the French government through France 2030. This recognition and immense support will help Egle Therapeutics advance its research and development programs in regulatory T cell modulation. The funding granted under the ‘Innovations in Biotherapies and Bioproduction’ call for projects will enable us to accelerate the development of EGL-001, our lead immuno-oncology therapeutic candidate.”

With this financial boost, Egle Therapeutics is well-positioned to push forward with clinical trials, expand its pipeline, and strengthen its position as a leader in the field of immunomodulation.

A Promising Future in Immunotherapy

As the biotechnology industry continues to evolve, Egle Therapeutics remains at the forefront of innovation in immune system modulation. By targeting Tregs in both oncology and autoimmune diseases, the company is addressing significant unmet medical needs and paving the way for new treatment approaches.

The next few years will be crucial as Egle progresses its clinical programs, with EGL-001 poised to demonstrate its potential as a transformative therapy in cancer treatment. The anticipated launch of EGL-003’s clinical trial in 2025 will also mark another major step in tackling autoimmune disorders.

With strong financial backing, strategic collaborations, and cutting-edge research, Egle Therapeutics is set to make a lasting impact in the field of biotherapeutics, delivering breakthrough treatments that could redefine the landscape of immunotherapy.

About Egle Therapeutics

Egle Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of immunotherapies targeting regulatory T cells (Tregs). Through its proprietary discovery platform, Egle identifies novel Treg-specific targets and develops innovative Treg-targeting therapeutic candidates for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.