Montpellier-based biotechnology firm NFL Biosciences has received a €500,000 loan from Bpifrance, a key development finance institution in France. The non-dilutive funding will be used to prepare the regulatory submission for a Phase 2 clinical trial of its lead drug candidate, NFL-102, aimed at treating nicotine addiction. This financial boost comes as the company continues to advance its pipeline of plant-based addiction treatments.
The loan, announced on March 11, 2026, includes a 36-month repayment deferral, providing NFL Biosciences with crucial financial flexibility as it navigates the complex process of clinical trial preparation. According to a press release, the funding wasn’t initially anticipated by the company, making it a significant and welcome addition to their resources. The goal is to submit the Phase 2 trial application by mid-2026.
NFL-102: A Novel Approach to Nicotine Addiction
NFL-102 is a botanical drug candidate designed to address the neuro-immunological and neuronal impact of smoking, going beyond simply managing withdrawal symptoms. Preclinical studies, conducted by the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Commission (CEA), have demonstrated the drug’s ability to normalize CREB activity, a transcription factor identified as a major regulator of tobacco addiction. This suggests a potential for NFL-102 to tackle the underlying mechanisms that drive addictive behavior.
The company’s approach is particularly noteworthy because it focuses on the biological footprint of smoking itself, rather than just alleviating the discomfort of nicotine withdrawal. This distinction could be critical in achieving long-term remission for individuals struggling with nicotine dependence. For context, nicotine addiction affects millions globally, presenting a significant public health challenge.
Advancing NFL-101: A Two-Pronged Strategy
Alongside NFL-102, NFL Biosciences is also progressing its most advanced product, NFL-101. This candidate drug targets the active inflammation associated with nicotine withdrawal. Late in 2025, the company announced plans for a pivotal Phase 3 study for NFL-101, but with a reduced number of participants compared to the original plan. This adjustment is intended to significantly lower the costs associated with this crucial phase of clinical development.
NFL Biosciences envisions a potential sequential treatment strategy, where NFL-101 and NFL-102 could be used in combination, or one after the other, depending on individual patient responses. This approach acknowledges the complex nature of addiction and the possibility that a single treatment may not be effective for everyone. The company believes this dual-track strategy maximizes the potential for successful intervention.
Bpifrance’s Continued Support
This latest loan from Bpifrance underscores the institution’s confidence in NFL Biosciences and its innovative approach to addiction treatment. Bpifrance plays a vital role in supporting French businesses, particularly those involved in research and development. The loan is a testament to the potential of NFL Biosciences’ technology and its alignment with national healthcare priorities.
Bruno Lafont, CEO and Co-founder of NFL Biosciences, expressed his gratitude for Bpifrance’s renewed support, stating, “We thank Bpifrance very much for its renewed confidence and constant support for the development of NFL Biosciences. This latest loan constitutes additional non-dilutive support for NFL Biosciences.”
NFL Biosciences, listed on Euronext Growth Paris under the ticker ALNFL, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of plant-based medications for addiction treatment. The company’s focus on botanical compounds offers a potentially safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional pharmaceutical approaches.
The next key milestone for NFL Biosciences is the submission of the Phase 2 clinical trial application for NFL-102 in mid-2026. Investors and healthcare professionals will be closely watching the company’s progress as it moves closer to potentially bringing a new treatment option to market for individuals struggling with nicotine addiction. Further updates on the Phase 3 trial for NFL-101 are also anticipated in the coming months.
Readers can find more information about NFL Biosciences on their website and through official press releases from Bpifrance. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of this developing story.
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