Paris-based biotech firm Exeliom Biosciences, which develops NOD2-targeting microbiome-based immunotherapies, has raised €2.85 million in a Series A extension round, bringing its total Series A funding to €11.85 million, as Vestbee was informed.
- Founded in 2016 by Pr. Harry Sokol, Dr. Philippe Langella, and Pr. Patrick Gervais, Exeliom Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innate immune modulators.
- The company’s lead candidate, EXL01, is a bacterial-derived immunomodulator that specifically targets NOD2 receptors in monocytes and macrophages. By activating the NOD2 pathway, EXL01 induces metabolic reprogramming of immune cells, influencing their polarization between pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) states.
- This modulation of the immune microenvironment aims to enhance immune responsiveness in cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections. EXL01 is administered orally in a gastro-resistant formulation that releases the therapy in the jejunum and ileum, allowing precise immune activation without requiring colonization of the gut.
- The candidate is currently being evaluated in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials, including studies in oncology in combination with checkpoint inhibitors, as well as trials for Crohn’s disease and infectious disease prevention.
Details of the deal
- The Series A extension round was led by Biocodex, with participation from Crescent Ventures, UI Investissement, and Forepont Capital Partners.
“Supporting Exeliom Biosciences perfectly embodies a partnership rooted in scientific excellence, guided by long-term vision and driven by our shared conviction that microbiota-based innovation can transform the management of complex immune-mediated diseases. Together, we aim to turn pioneering science into sustainable health solutions for patients worldwide,” said Jean-Marie Lefevre, chairman of Biocodex.
- Exeliom Biosciences will use the €2.85 million Series A extension to advance Phase 2 studies of its lead candidate, EXL01, explore a new cancer indication in the US, and further validate its NOD2-targeting immunomodulator mechanism.
- The funding will also support the expansion of the company’s pipeline of innate immune therapies and enable strategic collaborations to accelerate development and international growth.
