Regulaxis SAS: A French startup that develops regenerative solutions based on new synthetic peptides

The scope of regenerative treatments in the medical sector is growing with new methods and innovative solutions. French startup Regulaxis SAS is a biotech company that does research, development, and licensing of innovative synthetic molecules for human therapies.

The startup has gained much recognition for its pathbreaking new treatment for osteoarthritis by regenerating knee cartilage. Regulaxis SAS was one of the top companies at the K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) 2020, South Korea’s biggest global accelerator program.

Specialized in the regulation of cell proliferation and cell differentiation

Regulaxis SAS is specialized in the regulation of cell proliferation and cell differentiation. The potential therapeutic applications covered by the patents it owns are extensive, especially in joint, bone, or nerve cell regeneration. It also helps in cancer and related metabolic diseases like diabetes, obesity. Regulaxix SAS’s mission is to grant licenses of innovative molecules in a pharmaceutical company after completing phase II clinical proof of concept.

The company leads its research and development on its premises at BIOCITECH, the technology park of life science, Paris North area, particularly regarding biochemical and biological experiments, and keeps the mastery of the chemical synthesis of its therapeutic molecules. The company develops its molecules alone or establishes targeted collaborations with academic researchers or partnerships with companies interested in developing its therapeutic molecules.

Regulaxis’s unique antagonistic hormone combination promotes cell/tissue self-regulation and achieves the right balance between proliferation and differentiation depending on the target. Its product REG-O3 is focused on a mechanism of action that limits/stops the osteoarthritis damages at 3 targeted levels:

– Proliferation (Increase proliferation of progenitor cells/chondrocytes)

– Differentiation (Regeneration of mature chondrocytes pool)

– Anti-inflammatory

REG-O3 is a fully chemically synthesized peptide (liposomal formulation) to be injected into the knee synovial cavity.

Reg-O3 targeted market segment is the elderly population but also athletes and obese persons to slow down or even stop disease progression by proposing a disruptive treatment (curative and symptomatic action) using a painless local administration mode at a competitive price.

The K-Startup Grand Challenge experience

Regulaxis SAS was founded by Claude Carelli, to develop innovative therapies for human clinics based on new synthetic peptides regulating cell growth and differentiation by modulating the activity of the growth factor (IGF- 1). The company’s inception was in September 2013 with funds from private investors. The startup has a 20-year research spin-off team from a French state-run research institute with four fully-owned patents.

The Europe-based startup had participated in K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) 2020 program, the leading startup inbound program organized and financed by the Korean government. It is an all-expenses-paid 3.5-month program where startups get to reach out to potential investors, network and expand business in South Korea and the Asian market.

Regulaxis SAS was selected to be part of the program in 2020 out of 2,648 companies that had applied, and despite COVID-19 restrictions, the company got to spend considerable time in Korea. The startup was in the top-five league at the KSGC 2020 program winning fourth prize worth $20,000.

Elated with his company’s performance at the event, Raffaello Paolini, R&D Project Manager – East Asian operations development, said, “KSGC was a huge opportunity to leverage Covid slowdown in EU and in the US by accelerating our existing business plan for South Korea thanks to extended support in affiliate creation and training in Korean company rules and fiscal system.” Talking about the Regulaxis SAS team’s experience in South Korea and at KSGC, Paolini said, “The excitement of being incubated inside a super-active startup ecosystem at Pangyo campus with VISA support and proper mentoring was a great experience.”

The application and promotion of the K-Startup Grand Challenge 2021 have started with the last date for submitting applications being June 15th, 2021.

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