What Aelis Farma does

Aelis Farma is a Bordeaux-based, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2013 that develops a proprietary new class of small-molecule drugs called Signaling Specific inhibitors of the CB1 receptor (CB1-SSi). These compounds selectively inhibit pathological hyperactivity of the CB1 receptor while preserving normal physiological and behavioral brain functions, addressing indications previously considered untreatable due to safety issues with earlier CB1 antagonists. The company's pipeline comprises three tracks: AEF0117, a new molecular entity in Phase 2b for Cannabis Use Disorder with an open FDA IND (trial ongoing in the United States since Q2 2022) supported by NIDA-NIH grants; AEF0217, a second CB1-SSi with completed Phase 1 and ongoing Phase 2B in Europe (188 participants with Down syndrome across France, Italy and Spain, recruitment initiated March 2026, results expected late 2027) supported by EU Horizon H2020 funding and holding a favorable EMA PDCO opinion on its Pediatric Investigation Plan; and a discovery-stage track of additional CB1-SSi candidates aimed at other cannabinoid-dependent and orphan diseases, with recent expansion into obesity and metabolic indications.

The company operates from a Bordeaux headquarters and a Pessac laboratory at the IECB, is listed on Euronext Paris (ticker: AELIS) under the legal form Société anonyme à conseil d'administration, and reports a headcount of 11–50 employees. Aelis Farma is pre-revenue with no commercialized products and no disclosed pricing; its near-term revenue model is built around a €4.5 million July 2024 capital increase that funds operations through Q4 2026, supplemented by non-dilutive grants (including a €458,000 France 2030 award in April 2026). The long-term revenue model is expected to derive from direct commercialization and/or out-licensing agreements with larger pharmaceutical partners following regulatory approval. Leadership is headed by CEO Pier Vincenzo Piazza (one of the scientific founders behind the 2014 Science publication), with Anders Gersel Pedersen as Chairman of the Board.

Name

Aelis Farma

Legal name

AELIS FARMA

Website

https://aelisfarma.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Aelis Farma is a Bordeaux-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing CB1-SSi, a proprietary new class of small molecules that selectively inhibit pathological CB1 receptor activity to treat Cannabis Use Disorder (AEF0117) and cognitive deficits in Down syndrome (AEF0217).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Clinical-stage Neurology Pharmaceuticals

SIC

Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833)

akta.pro primary industry

Enzyme Replacement & Metabolic Disorder Therapies (HLAIAIAB)

Keywords

• CB1 receptor inhibitors
• Clinical-stage biopharmaceuticals
• Neurological disease therapeutics
• Cannabis use disorder treatment
• Cognitive deficit therapeutics

Headquarters

HQ city

Bordeaux

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Drug Development and Commercialization: Pre-revenue clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing proprietary drug candidates targeting the CB1 receptor for brain disorders. Revenue will be generated through product sales upon regulatory approval, with potential for licensing agreements with larger pharmaceutical partners for global commercialization.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Aelis Farma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a proprietary pipeline of Signaling Specific inhibitors of the CB1 receptor (CB1-SSi), a new pharmacological class of small molecule drugs that selectively inhibit pathological hyperactivity of the CB1 receptor while preserving normal brain functions. Its lead candidates are AEF0117 for Cannabis Use Disorder (in US Phase 2b) and AEF0217 for cognitive deficits associated with Down syndrome (in European Phase 2B), with additional discovery-stage CB1-SSi compounds targeting other cannabinoid-dependent diseases including orphan indications.

Product overview

Aelis Farma is a Bordeaux-based biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of pharmacological inhibitors called CB1-SSi (Signaling Specific inhibitors of the CB1 receptor). This proprietary platform represents a new pharmacological class that selectively inhibits pathological hyperactivity of the CB1 receptor while preserving normal physiological and behavioral functions. The company's pipeline consists of three main drug candidates: AEF0117 (in Phase 2B for cannabis use disorders), AEF0217 (in Phase 2B for cognitive deficits associated with Down syndrome, with potential expansion to Fragile X syndrome and aging-related cognitive impairments), and new CB1-SSi candidates in discovery for other CB1-dependent diseases including orphan diseases.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AEF0117 A new molecular entity (NME) and Signaling Specific inhibitor of the CB1 receptor (CB1-SSi) developed to treat the harmful effects of excessive cannabis use, including Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). Currently in Phase 2b clinical trial in the United States. High potency in inhibiting THC effects across animal species including primates without side effects on normal behavior, with a therapeutic index >13,000 and favorable ADMET profile.
• AEF0217 Second CB1-SSi drug candidate specifically designed for treatment of cognitive deficits. First therapeutic indication is cognitive deficits in Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), with additional potential in Fragile X syndrome and aging-related cognitive impairments. Phase 2B trial in Europe. High potency in reversing cognitive deficits in validated translational models without behavioral side effects, therapeutic index of 640, favorable ADMET profile.
• New CB1-SSi candidates New molecular entities with original structure and improved pharmacodynamic properties developed from Aelis Farma's CB1-SSi platform for the treatment of other CB1-dependent diseases, including several orphan diseases. Currently in discovery and preclinical stages.

Quantifiable outcome

• Therapeutic index >13,000 for AEF0117 with no toxic or adverse effects identified to date
• +2 more outcomes

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Biogen: Large-cap CNS biopharma with broad neuroscience pipeline including neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental programs. Comparable indication space (Down syndrome cognition-relevant research, Fragile X) and licensing-partner archetype for Aelis.
• Sage Therapeutics: Established CNS-focused biopharma with multiple approved neuroscience products. Comparable business model and target indication areas (CNS/neurodevelopmental disorders) though different mechanism.
• Intra-Cellular Therapies: Mid-cap CNS biopharma with approved neuroscience assets and pipeline in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative indications — relevant comparable for commercial-stage CNS biotech trajectory.
• ACADIA Pharmaceuticals: Commercial-stage CNS biopharma focused on neurological and psychiatric disorders. Comparable end-stage business model as Aelis's assets advance toward commercialization.
• Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Specialty pharma with significant CNS/neuroscience portfolio including cannabinoid-derived Epidiolex (via GW Pharmaceuticals acquisition). Larger incumbent with overlapping focus on cannabis-related and CNS disorders.

Direct peers

• Anebulo Pharmaceuticals: Clinical-stage biotech developing CB1-targeting small molecules for cannabis use disorder and acute cannabinoid intoxication — directly comparable to Aelis's AEF0117 program and the most relevant head-to-head peer.
• Corbus Pharmaceuticals: Clinical-stage biotech developing cannabinoid receptor-targeting drug candidates. Most directly comparable in terms of mechanism (cannabinoid receptor modulators) and company stage to Aelis.

Emerging players

• Zynerba Pharmaceuticals: Late clinical-stage company focused on transdermal cannabinoid therapies for Fragile X syndrome and other CNS conditions — overlapping with Aelis's AEF0217 program in neurodevelopmental cognitive deficits.
• Therapix Biosciences: Early-stage cannabinoid-based therapeutics developer focused on CNS indications. Similar platform approach using cannabinoid pharmacology, though narrower pipeline than Aelis.

Regional players

• Tilray Brands: Cannabis-focused pharmaceutical and consumer company with global footprint including cannabinoid-derived drug development. Comparable by virtue of operating in the cannabinoid therapeutics space, though business model is more diversified.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AelisFarma
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aelis-farma

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds5 records

Investors8 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aelis Farma