The US-based biotechnology startup Bambusa Therapeutics has secured $90 million in Series A financing to accelerate the clinical development of its innovative bispecific antibody pipeline targeting immunological and inflammatory disorders. The funding round was spearheaded by RA Capital Management, with participation from prominent investors including Janus Henderson Investors, Redmile Group, Invus, and ADAR1 Capital Management.
Rapid Progress Since Launch
Since its inception in May 2024, Bambusa has demonstrated remarkable momentum in its development programs. The company previously raised $15 million in seed financing co-led by BVF Partners and KKR's Dawn Biopharma in September 2024. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Shanshan Xu, former vice president for external innovations at BioNTech, the company has built a diverse pipeline of four bispecific antibody candidates.
Advanced Clinical Timeline for Lead Programs
BBT001, the company's lead candidate for dermatologic indications, is poised to enter clinical development with a Phase I trial (NCT06808477) scheduled to commence by the end of March 2025. The study aims to evaluate the drug's safety and efficacy in 98 participants, including healthy volunteers and patients with atopic dermatitis.
The company's second program, BBT002, has successfully completed preclinical studies and is targeted to begin human trials by mid-2025. Described as a "platform in a molecule," BBT002 shows versatility across respiratory, dermatology, and gastroenterology indications, highlighting the potential broad applicability of Bambusa's technology platform.
Expanding Pipeline Portfolio
Beyond its lead programs, Bambusa is advancing two additional candidates through earlier development stages. BBT003 is being developed specifically for inflammatory bowel disease, while BBT004 targets rheumatological conditions. Both programs are positioned as potential best-in-disease therapeutics, though specific development timelines have not been disclosed.
Strategic Vision for Next-Generation Therapeutics
"The next wave of therapeutics for patients with immunology and inflammation disorders will be both more efficacious and convenient than currently available options," stated Derek DiRocco, partner at RA Capital. "The Bambusa Therapeutics pipeline fits this profile, as their half-life extended bispecific antibodies were designed to target complementary disease-driving signalling pathways, affording the potential for a best-in-disease profile for patients."
The substantial Series A funding positions Bambusa to advance its innovative pipeline through critical clinical development phases, potentially delivering new therapeutic options for patients with various inflammatory conditions.
