Axoltis Pharma secures USD20.9 million in series A funding to advance ALS drug development

FRANCE—Axoltis Pharma, a biotech firm focused on innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, has successfully closed a Series A funding round, raising €18 million (USD20.9 million).

The funds will be released in two installments to support the progression of the company’s lead drug candidate, NX210c, which is currently undergoing phase 2 clinical trials for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

This funding round was co-led by FIDAT Ventures and Cenitz, with participation from private investors engaged through an equity crowdfunding campaign on the Capital Cell platform, as well as business angels and the Le Cercle de Chiron syndicate.

 Agile Capital Market, a healthcare investment bank, facilitated connections between Axoltis and key investors.

Several existing backers also took part in this round, including Norfoalk, the Fonds Régional Avenir Industrie Auvergne Rhône-Alpes (managed by UI Investment), FaDièse 3, Simba Santé 2 (Angelor), and multiple longtime business angels alongside Axoltis’ CEO.

Yann Godfrin, CEO of Axoltis Pharma, emphasized that despite the challenges in biotech funding today, the successful round reflects strong investor confidence in the company’s strategic direction.

He expressed gratitude to both returning and new investors for their trust, support, and the valuable discussions during due diligence.

The total €18 million funding will be divided into two tranches, with the release of the second contingent on outcomes from the ongoing ‘SEALS’ phase 2 clinical trial.

Launched at the end of 2024, SEALS is designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of NX210c in 82 ALS patients across 16 research centers.

This trial also investigates the drug’s ability to repair the blood-brain barrier—a structure frequently compromised in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.

The final patient joined the trial in mid-November, with results anticipated by the second quarter of 2026.

ALS is a widespread neuromuscular disorder affecting roughly 400,000 people worldwide.

It primarily damages motor neurons, which control muscle movement, leading to progressive muscle weakness, loss of mobility and speech, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure.

The disease is fatal, with most patients surviving only two to five years after diagnosis.

About 90% of cases occur sporadically without known risk factors, and there is currently no cure for ALS.

The new funding will also enable Axoltis to expand research into other neurological conditions where NX210c’s blood-brain barrier repair properties may offer significant therapeutic benefits.

Dr. Gilles Avenard, chairman of Axoltis’ supervisory board, praised the team’s dedication and resilience in the current challenging financial environment.

Frédéric Picq, co-founder and partner at Cenitz, highlighted the strong potential of Axoltis’ technology and team.

Daniel Oliver Uriel, founder and CEO of Capital Cell, noted that if successful, the treatment could improve millions of patients’ lives while also benefiting investors financially.

Dr. Godfrin added that this fundraising secures Axoltis’ lead in the clinical development of a product capable of restoring the blood-brain barrier.

It also positions the company for ongoing talks with major pharmaceutical partners, aiming to accelerate patient access to the treatment.

Axoltis Pharma will continue discussions at the 44th annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, scheduled in San Francisco from January 12 to 14, 2026, a key event for healthcare industry leaders.

The company has confirmed its participation in this important gathering.