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Research, Drug Development & Manufacturing
Research, Drug Development & ManufacturingCompany-Led Drug Development & CommercializationEarly-Stage Translational Research (Pre-Clinical)
Research, Drug Development & ManufacturingCompany-Led Drug Development & Commercialization
Lead program: Discovery

Elkedonia

1 Drug Candidate

Elkedonia is a French neuroplastogen biotech developing novel small molecules targeting the Elk-1 transcription factor, a key regulator of neuroplasticity within neuronal cells. Backed by €11 million in funding, the company is advancing clinical research into next-generation antidepressants that promote neuroplasticity without the adverse effects of traditional treatments, with CEO Delphine Charvin leading the programme.

Development Programmes

1

Elk1 Small Molecule Neuroplastogens

Discovery
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)

Treatment-resistant depression / neuropsychiatric disorders

Programme Tracker

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Primary: EU (EMA)
DiscoveryActive

Drug discovery and lead optimization; €11.25M seed round closed June 2025 to advance toward IND-enabling studies

Milestones

Company milestone

Completed

Actual: Jan 1, 2024

Elkedonia founded by Argobio venture studio (Paris), spun out from translational research by Dr Jocelyne Caboche at Sorbonne University

Why it matters: Elkedonia targets the Elk-1 transcription factor — an intracellular regulator of synaptic plasticity genes previously considered "undruggable." This is a wholly distinct neuroplasticity mechanism from classical psychedelics (5-HT2A) and ketamine (NMDA), potentially producing antidepressant effects without psychoactive properties.

Funding milestone

Completed

Actual: Jun 11, 2025

Closed oversubscribed €11.25M seed round co-led by Kurma Partners, WE Life Sciences, and Bpifrance; participation from Angelini Ventures, Argobio, Carma Fund, Capital Grand Est, Sambrinvest

Why it matters: Well-capitalized seed round from top European life science VCs validates the Elk1 target biology. Angelini Ventures (pharma corporate VC) participation signals commercial interest. Funds will advance lead optimization toward IND-enabling preclinical studies.

Watch next: Lead candidate nomination and IND-enabling studies

Company milestone

Completed

Actual: Jun 11, 2025

Delphine Charvin appointed CEO (transitioned from Argobio Operating Partner)

Why it matters: Experienced drug development leadership in place as company transitions from academic spinout to IND-track biotech.

Recorded Events

Jun 11, 2025: Funding milestone

Jun 11, 2025: Company milestone

Jan 1, 2024: Company milestone

Quick Facts

Type
Private Biotech
Lead Stage
Discovery
Website
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