1
Country: USA | Funding: $15.2M
BioVaxys develops immunotherapeutic cancer vaccines targeting lymphoma and ovarian cancer. The company develops them using its proprietary DPX delivery platform. Unlike conventional emulsions or lipid nanoparticles that release their contents systemically, DPX is fully synthetic and compatible with peptides, proteins, mRNA, virus-like particles and small molecules. It is ideal for mRNA delivery, remaining localized at the injection site with superior stability compared to LDL. Maveropepimute-S, the company's lead clinical drug based on this platform, demonstrated an overall response rate of 21% and a disease control rate of 63% in recurrent ovarian cancer. In relapsed/refractory DLBL, the combination of MVP-S and Keytruda achieved complete remission in 3 of 6 evaluable patients. This means that no detectable cancer cells remained after treatment.
BioVaxys develops immunotherapeutic cancer vaccines targeting lymphoma and ovarian cancer. The company develops them using its proprietary DPX delivery platform. Unlike conventional emulsions or lipid nanoparticles that release their contents systemically, DPX is fully synthetic and compatible with peptides, proteins, mRNA, virus-like particles and small molecules. It is ideal for mRNA delivery, remaining localized at the injection site with superior stability compared to LDL. Maveropepimute-S, the company's lead clinical drug based on this platform, demonstrated an overall response rate of 21% and a disease control rate of 63% in recurrent ovarian cancer. In relapsed/refractory DLBL, the combination of MVP-S and Keytruda achieved complete remission in 3 of 6 evaluable patients. This means that no detectable cancer cells remained after treatment.
2
Country: UK | Funding: $1.1B
Autolus uses advanced CAR-T cell therapy to treat hematological malignancies and solid tumors. While CAR T-cell therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, it can also cause significant immunotoxicity. Autolus has developed a novel CAR-construct with rapid binding kinetics that is similar to natural T cells and provides improved tolerability in patients with certain types of leukemia. Furthermore, Autolus addresses the issue of immunotoxicity through a personalized dosing approach. The company is also seeking to adopt CAR-T therapy to patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, T-cell lymphoma and solid tumors. It is supporting several ongoing CAR-T clinical trials that are opening up new treatment options and offering new hope for these patients.
Autolus uses advanced CAR-T cell therapy to treat hematological malignancies and solid tumors. While CAR T-cell therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, it can also cause significant immunotoxicity. Autolus has developed a novel CAR-construct with rapid binding kinetics that is similar to natural T cells and provides improved tolerability in patients with certain types of leukemia. Furthermore, Autolus addresses the issue of immunotoxicity through a personalized dosing approach. The company is also seeking to adopt CAR-T therapy to patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, T-cell lymphoma and solid tumors. It is supporting several ongoing CAR-T clinical trials that are opening up new treatment options and offering new hope for these patients.
3
Country: USA | Funding: $1.1B
Treeline Biosciences develops oral small molecules for precision treatment of cancer. It also creates protein splitters and "stickers" for situations where traditional small molecules are unlikely to be effective, focusing on pharmacology from the outset. For drug delivery, the company uses antibody-tagged conjugates (TT-ADCs), an elegant solution that avoids exposure to healthy tissues. Treeline is conducting clinical trials of two drugs for the treatment of lymphoma: TLN-121 (in-house developed), which disrupts the BCL6 protein, and TLN-254 (licensed from Hengrui Pharmaceuticals), which inhibits the EZH2 protein. The company has also begun clinical trials of a pan-KRAS inhibitor, TLN-372, for the treatment of solid tumors with certain KRAS mutations.
Treeline Biosciences develops oral small molecules for precision treatment of cancer. It also creates protein splitters and "stickers" for situations where traditional small molecules are unlikely to be effective, focusing on pharmacology from the outset. For drug delivery, the company uses antibody-tagged conjugates (TT-ADCs), an elegant solution that avoids exposure to healthy tissues. Treeline is conducting clinical trials of two drugs for the treatment of lymphoma: TLN-121 (in-house developed), which disrupts the BCL6 protein, and TLN-254 (licensed from Hengrui Pharmaceuticals), which inhibits the EZH2 protein. The company has also begun clinical trials of a pan-KRAS inhibitor, TLN-372, for the treatment of solid tumors with certain KRAS mutations.
4
Country: USA | Funding: $1B
Allogene Therapeutics is working to overcome the limitations of autologous CAR T therapy by creating allogeneic CAR T cell (AlloCAR T) products that utilize T cells from healthy donors. These cells are isolated in a manufacturing facility, engineered to express CAR T cells (that recognize and destroy disease) and genetically modified to limit the autoimmune response when administered to a patient. These cells are then stored for use as needed. The company estimates that a single production cycle is sufficient to treat over 100 patients, significantly reducing the cost of therapy. The company's pipeline includes candidates for large B-cell lymphoma and renal cell carcinoma (ALLO-316 is the first and only allogeneic CAR T cell therapy to show promising results in the treatment of solid tumors). The company operates its own manufacturing complex for clinical and commercial production, analytical testing and distribution of cell products.
Allogene Therapeutics is working to overcome the limitations of autologous CAR T therapy by creating allogeneic CAR T cell (AlloCAR T) products that utilize T cells from healthy donors. These cells are isolated in a manufacturing facility, engineered to express CAR T cells (that recognize and destroy disease) and genetically modified to limit the autoimmune response when administered to a patient. These cells are then stored for use as needed. The company estimates that a single production cycle is sufficient to treat over 100 patients, significantly reducing the cost of therapy. The company's pipeline includes candidates for large B-cell lymphoma and renal cell carcinoma (ALLO-316 is the first and only allogeneic CAR T cell therapy to show promising results in the treatment of solid tumors). The company operates its own manufacturing complex for clinical and commercial production, analytical testing and distribution of cell products.
5
Country: China | Funding: $504.7M
Ascentage Pharma is a China-based, global-oriented company focused on the discovery and development of targeted small molecule anti-cancer therapies. The company leverages own breakthrough chemistry to synthesize inhibitors that target proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-2/Bcl-xL, IAP, and MDM2) and signaling pathways that define key cancer hallmarks (e.g., BCR-ABL1, ALK, and FAK inhibitors). It also develops therapies such as PROTACs (Protein Acid Carcinogenesis Acids) that target traditionally untreatable proteins involved in oncogenesis. The company is conducting clinical trials of drugs against chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, and non-small cell lung cancer.
Ascentage Pharma is a China-based, global-oriented company focused on the discovery and development of targeted small molecule anti-cancer therapies. The company leverages own breakthrough chemistry to synthesize inhibitors that target proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-2/Bcl-xL, IAP, and MDM2) and signaling pathways that define key cancer hallmarks (e.g., BCR-ABL1, ALK, and FAK inhibitors). It also develops therapies such as PROTACs (Protein Acid Carcinogenesis Acids) that target traditionally untreatable proteins involved in oncogenesis. The company is conducting clinical trials of drugs against chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, and non-small cell lung cancer.
6
Country: France | Funding: $393.5M
Cellectis has developed genome editing technology TALEN, which enables it to create more affordable, ready-to-use allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies. Its technology offers protection against graft-versus-host disease, reduces the risk of rejection and improves safety by integrating a self-destruct mechanism. Using this technology, the company is developing a pipeline of several candidates against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, large B-cell lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Cellectis is also advancing PulseAgile technology, which uses electroporation (controlled electric fields) to deliver messenger RNA molecules into cells. It utilizes a unique electric field waveform, which, combined with a proprietary buffer solution, allows molecules such as nucleases to effectively penetrate cells while maintaining high cell viability.
Cellectis has developed genome editing technology TALEN, which enables it to create more affordable, ready-to-use allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies. Its technology offers protection against graft-versus-host disease, reduces the risk of rejection and improves safety by integrating a self-destruct mechanism. Using this technology, the company is developing a pipeline of several candidates against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, large B-cell lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Cellectis is also advancing PulseAgile technology, which uses electroporation (controlled electric fields) to deliver messenger RNA molecules into cells. It utilizes a unique electric field waveform, which, combined with a proprietary buffer solution, allows molecules such as nucleases to effectively penetrate cells while maintaining high cell viability.
7
Country: USA | Funding: $335.4M
Kite Pharma develops and produces immune-based cell therapies to treat cancer. Each cell therapy developed by the company is individually tailored to each patient and one-time injected. The CAR T-cell therapy manufacturing process involves collecting the patient's white blood cells, isolating and activating the T-cells, modifying the T-cells with a chimeric antigen receptor gene, culturing and expanding the T-cells and administering the modified T-cells to the same patient. Kite has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with full production cycle and global logistics network. The company's portfolio includes two drugs for the treatment of blood diseases, specifically diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The company's pipeline includes clinical trials for the treatment of lymphoma, myeloma and leukemia. Acquired by Gilead Sciences
Kite Pharma develops and produces immune-based cell therapies to treat cancer. Each cell therapy developed by the company is individually tailored to each patient and one-time injected. The CAR T-cell therapy manufacturing process involves collecting the patient's white blood cells, isolating and activating the T-cells, modifying the T-cells with a chimeric antigen receptor gene, culturing and expanding the T-cells and administering the modified T-cells to the same patient. Kite has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with full production cycle and global logistics network. The company's portfolio includes two drugs for the treatment of blood diseases, specifically diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The company's pipeline includes clinical trials for the treatment of lymphoma, myeloma and leukemia. Acquired by Gilead Sciences
8
Country: USA | Funding: $280.8M
Triana Biomedicines is developing a platform to discover molecular "glues" for disease regulation. This technology identifies small molecules that facilitate interactions between two proteins (work like a glue). One such application aims to activate the innate protein degradation pathway to destroy disease-specific protein (for example in cancer cells). The company's lead candidate, TRI-611, a molecular degrader targeting ALK-positive anaplastic lymphoma kinase, is aimed at treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is capable of overcoming resistance observed with existing treatments. The company also has clinical trials in breast cancer in its pipeline. Pfizer is a major investor.
Triana Biomedicines is developing a platform to discover molecular "glues" for disease regulation. This technology identifies small molecules that facilitate interactions between two proteins (work like a glue). One such application aims to activate the innate protein degradation pathway to destroy disease-specific protein (for example in cancer cells). The company's lead candidate, TRI-611, a molecular degrader targeting ALK-positive anaplastic lymphoma kinase, is aimed at treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is capable of overcoming resistance observed with existing treatments. The company also has clinical trials in breast cancer in its pipeline. Pfizer is a major investor.
9
Country: USA | Funding: $245.7M
Corvus Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel agents that target the immune system to treat patients with cancer. With accomplished and talented scientists, we are well positioned in an exciting new era of immuno-oncology.
Corvus Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel agents that target the immune system to treat patients with cancer. With accomplished and talented scientists, we are well positioned in an exciting new era of immuno-oncology.
10
Country: France | Funding: $219.7M
Enterome develops breakthrough immunomodulatory drugs for cancer treatment – OncoMimics peptides – based on the interaction between the gut microbiome and the immune system. The company's candidates target a wide range of tumor types (glioblastoma, adrenal tumors, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and colorectal cancer). OncoMimics are a specific combination of bacterial peptides derived from bacteria present in the gut microbiome that precisely mimic either overexpressed tumor-associated antigens or specific markers in solid and liquid tumors, respectively. The company has developed a drug discovery platform that enables the analysis of the world's largest microbiome protein database and the creation of new drugs.
Enterome develops breakthrough immunomodulatory drugs for cancer treatment – OncoMimics peptides – based on the interaction between the gut microbiome and the immune system. The company's candidates target a wide range of tumor types (glioblastoma, adrenal tumors, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and colorectal cancer). OncoMimics are a specific combination of bacterial peptides derived from bacteria present in the gut microbiome that precisely mimic either overexpressed tumor-associated antigens or specific markers in solid and liquid tumors, respectively. The company has developed a drug discovery platform that enables the analysis of the world's largest microbiome protein database and the creation of new drugs.
11
Country: China | Funding: $101.6M
Juventas develops and manufactures cellular immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. The company has more than 10 drug candidates, including innovative single- and multi-targeted therapies and general cell therapy products. Its flagship candidate, Inaticabtagene Autoleucel, is the first CAR-T therapy targeting CD19 in China. It is undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of relapsed and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults, relapsed and refractory aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and adolescents. It has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the Center for Drug Evaluation from China's NMPA and Orphan Drug designation from FDA.
Juventas develops and manufactures cellular immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. The company has more than 10 drug candidates, including innovative single- and multi-targeted therapies and general cell therapy products. Its flagship candidate, Inaticabtagene Autoleucel, is the first CAR-T therapy targeting CD19 in China. It is undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of relapsed and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults, relapsed and refractory aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and adolescents. It has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the Center for Drug Evaluation from China's NMPA and Orphan Drug designation from FDA.
12
Country: USA | Funding: $96M
Lantern Pharma is creating the AI platform RADR for the development of oncology drugs. It's mainly used to predict the potential response of patients to drugs. RADR uses publicly available databases, commercial clinical research and trial data, proprietary company data derived from ex vivo 3D tumor transcriptome models, genomic data and drug sensitivity data from a wide range of carefully selected sources that are constantly analyzed, tracked and updated. Currently, the Lantern Pharma's portfolio includes three leading drug candidates and an ADC program for the treatment of 12 oncological diseases, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), TNBC, Bladder Cancer, Recurrent Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, select solid tumors
Lantern Pharma is creating the AI platform RADR for the development of oncology drugs. It's mainly used to predict the potential response of patients to drugs. RADR uses publicly available databases, commercial clinical research and trial data, proprietary company data derived from ex vivo 3D tumor transcriptome models, genomic data and drug sensitivity data from a wide range of carefully selected sources that are constantly analyzed, tracked and updated. Currently, the Lantern Pharma's portfolio includes three leading drug candidates and an ADC program for the treatment of 12 oncological diseases, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), TNBC, Bladder Cancer, Recurrent Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, select solid tumors
13
Country: USA
Dragonfly Therapeutics is a discovery-stage company developing drugs to stimulate immune responses against cancer. We are developing novel first-in-class therapeutics targeted at natural killer cells and other cells of the innate immune system.
Dragonfly Therapeutics is a discovery-stage company developing drugs to stimulate immune responses against cancer. We are developing novel first-in-class therapeutics targeted at natural killer cells and other cells of the innate immune system.
