Ciloa, a pioneer in bioengineering extracellular vesicles (EVs) for innovative therapeutics, today announced it has secured €6.5 million ($7.6 million) in funding via the France 2030 ‘Innovation in Biotherapies and Biomanufacturing’ program, organized by Bpifrance on behalf of the French government.

The investment will enable clinical development of Ciloa’s lead candidate, APN-sEV — adiponectin associated with small extracellular vesicles — advancing it through preclinical validation and into phase 1/2a trials targeting obesity and type 2 diabetes. Funding will also support the implementation of large-scale GMP-compliant biomanufacturing processes.

Unlocking adiponectin’s therapeutic potential

Adiponectin, known as the ‘Guardian Angel’ of the metabolic system, is a hormone with anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, insulin-sensitising and anti-apoptotic properties. It has shown promise in treating metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, skin diseases, retinopathies and certain hormonal cancers — with potential to slow ageing.

“For over 20 years, adiponectin’s therapeutic promise was limited by inability to produce a stable, functional form,” said Robert Mamoun, CEO of Ciloa.

“We are the first to succeed by bioengineering adiponectin within small extracellular vesicles (sEV or exosomes), unlocking its full potential.”

Advanced bioengineering and stable production platform

Ciloa has developed a proprietary bioengineering technology that can load over 130 proteins onto or inside sEVs. The company’s expertise spans the entire production, purification and characterisation process, allowing multiple batches of APN-sEV to remain stable at 4°C for months.

Preclinical success in metabolic disease models

APN-sEV has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in preclinical studies, reducing excess weight, clearing fat from organs, improving insulin sensitivity and regulating glucose. Importantly, it preserves muscle mass even alongside current anti-diabetic treatments.

“APN-sEV acts on metabolic pathways distinct from existing therapies,” said Bernadette Trentin, CSO of Ciloa. “This makes it highly effective as a complementary treatment, enabling safer, more comprehensive management of metabolic diseases.”

Next steps: clinical trials and GMP manufacturing

Supported by the ‘DIADEME’ project funding, Ciloa will progress APN-sEV to clinical trials, starting with phase I in 2027 and phase 2a in 2028. The company will also implement GMP-compliant manufacturing lines for injectable APN-sEV, including creation of stable cell lines and quality controls specific to bioengineered sEVs.

About France 2030 investment plan

France 2030 aims to transform strategic sectors including health, energy and aerospace through innovation, with a €54 billion budget supporting the full innovation lifecycle — from research to industrialisation. Half the budget focuses on decarbonisation and emerging innovation actors, with strict environmental safeguards.