EVerZom signs research collaboration with GENFIT to advance exosome therapy
EVerZom, a French biotechnology company developing exosome-based therapies for regenerative medicine, has entered into a research collaboration with GENFIT, a biopharmaceutical company specialising in rare liver diseases. The partnership will evaluate EViv, EVerZom’s second proprietary investigational drug candidate, which has been developed to treat acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).
Under the terms of the agreement, GENFIT will have the option to exercise an exclusive licence in the field of acute liver diseases, contingent upon positive in vivo proof-of-concept results. The collaboration follows EVerZom’s recent announcement of a €10 million financing round designed to accelerate its clinical and partnering roadmap.
Addressing critical unmet need in hepatology
ACLF represents a severe hepatic syndrome characterised by acute decompensation in a chronically injured liver, leading to explosive systemic inflammation, multiple organ failure, and high short-term mortality. Current therapeutic options remain limited, with liver transplantation being the primary intervention. This significant clinical gap underscores the urgency for new regenerative approaches.
EVerZom will contribute its proprietary technological expertise in exosomes and their immunomodulatory properties, along with access to its exosome bioproduction platform. GENFIT will oversee the preclinical evaluation of EViv, with a clearly defined decision point within 18 months regarding potential progression into clinical development.
“This first research partnership for EViv marks an important milestone in EVerZom’s strategy: demonstrating the clinical versatility of exosomes in regenerative medicine across indications with significant unmet need, such as hepatology, dermatology, and ophthalmology. GENFIT is an ideal partner to accelerate proof-of-concept and prepare clinical access in ACLF,” said Jeanne Volatron, co-founder and chief executive officer of EVerZom.
Mechanism of action and therapeutic potential
EViv is formulated as an intravenous exosome preparation designed to act systemically on acute inflammatory storms. The investigational drug candidate works by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-1β, whilst stimulating anti-inflammatory pathways such as IL-10 and IDO-1. Additionally, EViv shifts macrophages toward an M2 profile and limits tissue damage through the transfer of reparative microRNAs and proteins, positioning it as both an inflammation modulator and promoter of tissue regeneration.
Expanding clinical pipeline and manufacturing capacity
The €10 million financing round announced in mid-October will enable EVerZom to launch its first clinical study for EVerGel™ in 2026, the company’s lead investigational drug for complex perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease. The funds will also strengthen the industrial capacity of its GMP-grade manufacturing platform and support expansion of exosome applications into additional indications.
Exosomes are biological nanoparticles secreted by cells that function as therapeutic intercellular messengers, capable of transporting functional proteins, mRNA, and microRNA. Compared to cellular therapies, exosomes offer enhanced stability, reduced variability in clinical outcomes, improved safety profiles, and simplified logistics, including immediate hospital storage capabilities.
Michel Finance, chairman of EVerZom’s board of directors, noted: “This collaboration demonstrates the ability of EVerZom to transform its scientific excellence into industrial momentum and work with leading partners. It also strengthens the company’s positioning in the regenerative therapies market.”
Founded in 2019, EVerZom is a laureate of the EIC Accelerator and a recipient of France 2030 support.
For more information, visit: https://everzom.com
