Gimv co-leads CHF 71M (USD 74M) Series B financing in ImmunOs Therapeutics to develop novel therapies in oncology and autoimmune disease.
ImmunOs Therapeutics AG (“ImmunOs”), a biotech company focused on a new class of HLA-based therapiesfor the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases today announced the closing of a CHF 71M (USD 74M) Series B financing. The round was co-led by Gimv, Samsara Biocapital and Lightspeed Venture Partners, with significant participation fromMission Biocapital, GL Capital, Peak6 Strategic Capital, and Fiscus Financial, as well as existing investors Pfizer Ventures, BioMed Partners, and Schroder Adveq.
ImmunOs Therapeutics AG (www.immunostherapeutics.com) leverages its proprietary platform and knowledge based on master regulators of immunity (i.e. HLA, human leukocyte antigens) to develop first-in-class therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. The Company has identified specific HLA molecules known to activate the immune system and utilizes them as the backbone of novel therapies capable of stimulating both the innate and the adaptive immune systems of cancer patients to eliminate tumor cells.
ImmunOs’ lead program is a multi-functional fusion protein that blocks specific immune-regulatory receptors (LILRB, leukocyte immunoglobulin-like and KIR, killer cell immunoglobulin-like) to initiate and sustain anti-tumor responses. ImmunOs is also developing antibodies to block the activation of specific HLA protein molecules associated with autoimmune diseases.
The proceeds of the Series B will be used to fund the clinical development of ImmunOs’ lead program, IOS-1002, through Phase 2 clinical trials and to progress additional oncology and autoimmune disease programs. IOS-1002 will enter a Phase 1 clinical trial in the second half of 2022.
Additionally, ImmunOs has established a U.S. subsidiary to further expand its international reach, execute future U.S. clinical trials, and strengthen its transatlantic operations and team.
Andreas Jurgeit, Partner at Gimv: “ImmunOs’ approach of identifying HLA molecules with naturally optimized affinity and specificity profiles is not just elegant but also truly differentiated – a novel modality leveraging the co-evolution of immune-regulatory mechanisms. We are extremely excited by the progress being made at ImmunOs and proud to support the team towards clinical validation for the benefit of patients.”
Christoph Kocher, Associate at Gimv, added: “ImmunOs' vision of leveraging natural HLA biology to address major unmet needs in patients fully embodies the mission of Gimv´s Life Sciences platform: Building leading companies that have a lasting impact on patients and society.”
For further information, we refer to the companies press release in the attachment.
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