Cancer treatment: secures an additional €2 million in funding from Bpifrance
Summary
This financial aid completes the resources committed by the healthtech start-up for the clinical validation of its technology for the treatment of the most aggressive brain cancer.Hemerion develops an innovative therapeutic approach based on the combination of a drug (Pentalafen\xae) and a photonic device (Heliance\xae Solution).The first indication for this technology focuses on the treatment of glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive brain cancers, which affects approximately 30,000 new patients each year in Europe and the US.Pentalafen\xae is administered to the patient before the tumor is removed and concentrates in the tumor cells while being eliminated by healthy cells.Immediately after tumor resection, the neurosurgeon illuminates the cavity with Heliance\xae solution. The tumor is eradicated wherever the light penetrates.The results of the Phase I trials conducted in 2017 and 2018 with the Lille University Hospital were published in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology in 2021. They demonstrate the safety and tolerance of the treatment as well as very encouraging initial efficacy results. The treatment could significantly improve survival and quality of life for patients.A technology that fits perfectly into the standard of careHemerion technology fits seamlessly into the standard of care, complementing surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.Co-developed with a team of neurosurgeons, it naturally takes its place in the operating room, complementing tumor resections.The treatment developed by Hemerion aims to improve current management of a disease with a very poor prognosis, with a median life expectancy at diagnosis of less than 18 months.One goal: accelerating the implementation of Phase II clinical trialsGranted as part of Bpifrances Deeptech Plan, this financing will enable Hemerion to accelerate the implementation of Phase II clinical trials, currently under discussion with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a first patient inclusion at the end of 2023.It also opens new perspectives for the company to extend the technology to other indications in the oncology sector.This aid obtained from Bpifrance consists of two payments via the French governments Investment Program for the Future: 1.5 million in the form of a recoverable advance, and 0.5 million in the form of grants.Bpifrances Deeptech development aid finances research and development phases of disruptive innovation projects before their industrial and commercial launch. This is a great sign of confidence in our technology and an ideal way to prepare for future fundraising, says Michel Andraud, Hemerions CFO.