French Acticor Biotech raises €15.3m

ACT017 is a humanised Antibody Fragment (Fab) which inhibits the action of platelet glycoprotein VI, a novel target of major interest. Evidence of antithrombotic efficacy of ACT017 have been established both ex vivo and in vivo. Since the target is involved in the growth of the thrombus, but not in physiological haemostasis, there is a reduced bleeding risk associated with its inhibition.

The Series B was led by Newton BioCapital, a Belgium venture capital fund, followed by Mirae Capital, a Korean fund, CMS Medical Venture Investment Limited and A&B (HK), these last two funds are based in Hong Kong. Existing investors including CapDecisif Management also participated into this round.

“We are excited to lead the current round of investors in Acticor Biotech and look forward to advancing ACT017 into its first phase II clinical development in acute ischemic stroke,” commented Alain Parthoens, Managing Director of Newton Biocapital, who will join the Board of Director. 

Acticor, which was founded by Martine Jandrot-Perrus at INSERM Paris and Philippe Billiald at Paris-Sud University, is dedicated to developing an innovative treatment in the therapy of acute thrombotic diseases, including ischemic stroke and pulmonary embolism. Gilles Avenard, President of Acticor Biotech, said: “We are delighted to have raised new equity from specialised healthcare investors who will enable us to grow and demonstrate the full potential of the company into thrombotic diseases”.

This Series B might be completed by an additional financing of up to €5M in order to finance additional clinical developments with ACT017 in other indication.