The Beactica EIC grant marks a major step forward in the development of a novel precision therapy for glioblastoma. Beactica Therapeutics AB, in collaboration with leading researchers at KU Leuven, has secured €2.5 million in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) to advance its orphan drug candidate BEA-17 toward clinical readiness.
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive form of brain tumour. Despite ongoing research, patients still face limited treatment options. Therefore, this funding provides critical support for accelerating innovative therapies that address urgent unmet medical needs.
GLIOBREAK Project to Advance BEA-17 to Clinical Stage
Under the 30-month GLIOBREAK project, Beactica and KU Leuven will advance BEA-17, a wholly owned, first-in-class degrader targeting the LSD1–CoREST epigenetic protein complex. In parallel, the team will further develop a biomarker-driven companion diagnostic based on research led by Professor Frederik De Smet and colleagues at KU Leuven.
Importantly, the project aims to move this integrated therapeutic and diagnostic platform from validated laboratory research to early clinical readiness. As a result, BEA-17 will be positioned at the forefront of immuno-epigenetic therapies for glioblastoma.
The initiative builds on findings from the ongoing EU-funded GLIOMATCH programme. Beactica will lead and coordinate GLIOBREAK, ensuring efficient execution and regulatory progress.
Path Toward IND Submission and First-in-Human Trials
The Beactica EIC grant will primarily support IND-enabling studies. The team plans to submit a regulatory application to either the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Following regulatory submission, the company aims to initiate first-in-human clinical trials. Consequently, BEA-17 could enter clinical development as a first-in-class LSD1–CoREST degrader designed specifically for glioblastoma patients.
Highly Competitive EIC Transition Funding
The funding comes through the EIC Transition programme under Horizon Europe. This scheme supports technology maturation while strengthening commercial readiness. Grants of up to €2.5 million cover 100% of eligible project costs and remain non-dilutive to shareholders.
Notably, Beactica and KU Leuven’s proposal ranked among only 40 selected projects out of 611 submissions in one of the most competitive EIC Transition calls to date. This selection highlights both the scientific strength and commercial potential of the BEA-17 programme.
Strengthening Precision Medicine for Brain Cancer
Dr. Per Källblad, CEO of Beactica, described the award as strong validation of the company’s immuno-epigenetic strategy for treating glioblastoma. He emphasized that patients urgently need more effective therapies. Furthermore, he noted that the funding will accelerate completion of preclinical development and bring BEA-17 closer to patients.
Overall, the Beactica EIC grant strengthens the company’s position in precision oncology. By combining targeted protein degradation with biomarker-driven diagnostics, Beactica and KU Leuven aim to redefine therapeutic approaches for aggressive brain tumours.
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