We recently sat down with Eliane Benaroya, Chief of Staff at Actipulse Neuroscience, to discuss their groundbreaking work in non-invasive brain stimulation technologies to facilitate drug delivery to the brain. Settled in France in 2023, this Mexico-rooted company is at the forefront of neuromodulation, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance drug delivery to the brain by transiently opening the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). With a growing global presence, the company is making significant strides in CNS therapy, backed by strategic partnerships with premier institutions like the Paris Brain Institute. Join us as Eliane delves into Actipulse’s innovative approach, their strategic expansion into Paris Region, and the future of CNS treatment.
 

Can you tell us about Actipulse and your role in the company?

Incorporated in France in 2023, Actipulse Neuroscience pioneers non-invasive brain stimulation technologies to treat central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Our proprietary neuromodulation technology is designed to transiently open the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) to enhance drug delivery to the brain. Our French operations are part of a global team of 48 professionals specializing in neuromodulation and CNS disorders. Leveraging expertise developed in Mexico since 2017 and collaborations with leading brain research labs in France, Actipulse aims to revolutionize CNS therapy with its innovative drug delivery platform.

I am Eliane Benaroya, the Chief of Staff. I ensure smooth operations and strategic alignment across teams and countries. Adrien Châtillon, our CEO, oversees the company's strategic direction and growth, focusing on bringing our innovative solutions to market.

How does your approach differ from other solutions on the market?

Our technology stands out as a non-invasive, versatile, and potentially portable method that temporarily opens the BBB for enhanced drug delivery to the brain. Unlike alternatives (like Focused Ultrasound or Tumor Treating Fields), which require invasive procedures or microbubble injections, our method allows higher drug concentrations to reach the brain, improving efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity without invasive measures. Additionally, our technology is versatile, with the potential to treat a wide range of CNS disorders. Designed for at-home use, it eliminates the need for professional supervision, enhancing convenience, accessibility, and overall quality of life.

Why did Actipulse decide to have a presence in Paris Region?

Actipulse chose Paris Region for its strategic advantages as a central hub for neuroscience and medical research. The Region hosts prestigious institutions such as the Paris Brain Institute (ICM) and leading universities like Université Paris-Cité and the Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences. It offers access to cutting-edge research facilities, a rich talent pool, and a thriving HealthTech ecosystem with innovation clusters and support networks, making it an ideal location for our operations and collaborations.

How is the ICM (Paris Brain Institute) supporting your project and how did you get in touch with them?

We connected with the ICM through Choose Paris Region and Business France, which have been instrumental in the expansion of our project. Collaborating with experts from the institute, we have gained privileged access to their state-of-the-art labs, innovative ecosystem, and extensive expertise. This partnership significantly supports our R&D efforts, enabling us to leverage cutting-edge research and facilities to enhance the development and application of our technology.

For what conditions are you conducting clinical trials in France?

We are conducting preclinical trials for our drug delivery platform targeting glioblastoma and leukodystrophy disorders, including Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD). These trials are in collaboration with Maïté Verreault and Françoise Piguet at the Paris Brain Institute. Our efforts aim to further expand the application of our neuromodulation technology to other severe CNS conditions.

Do you conduct trials for other conditions?

Yes, our at-home version for treating Major Depressive Disorder is currently in Phase 3, with FDA trials starting in Q2 2025. We aim for approval by the end of 2026 and commercialization within the following year. Meanwhile, we have already commercialized an in-clinic version in Latin America that has generated over $7.5 million in revenue.

Outside ICM, have you been able to establish other partnerships within Paris Region ecosystem?

Yes, we have joined several key networks within the Region, such as La French Tech Grand Paris, which has provided us with valuable resources and increased visibility. Additionally, we aim to expand our collaborations with other leading universities in Paris Region starting in September.

Last but not least, can you describe Paris Region in 3 words?

Dynamism, Forward-thinking, Universalism.