Abcuro, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Newton, MA, has secured $200 million in Series C financing to advance its innovative treatment for inclusion body myositis (IBM). The funding round was led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA), with participation from new investor Foresite Capital and existing investors including RA Capital Management, Bain Capital Life Sciences, and Sanofi Ventures.
The financing will primarily support the completion of the registrational Phase 2/3 MUSCLE clinical trial evaluating ulviprubart (ABC008), the company's lead candidate for IBM treatment. Ulviprubart represents a potential breakthrough as a first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting killer cell lectin like receptor G1 (KLRG1).
Novel Mechanism of Action
Ulviprubart's unique approach involves selective depletion of highly cytotoxic T cells while preserving naïve, regulatory, and central memory T cells. This selective targeting mechanism positions the drug as a promising treatment for diseases mediated by highly cytotoxic T cells, including IBM and T cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL).
Addressing Critical Unmet Need
IBM represents a significant unmet medical need, affecting more than 50,000 people across the US and Europe. The autoimmune disease causes chronic muscle tissue attacks by cytotoxic T cells, leading to progressive weakness and limb muscle atrophy. Patients experience deteriorating muscle function, including loss of grip, dexterity, and mobility, with no currently available disease-modifying treatments.
Alex Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Abcuro, emphasized the significance of the investor support: "Continued support from all of our investors in this latest financing round validates our vision for the potential that ulviprubart may have as a novel treatment for progressive and devastating diseases mediated by highly cytotoxic T cells, including Inclusion Body Myositis."
Development Timeline and Regulatory Status
The company expects to report initial data from the MUSCLE trial in the first half of 2026. Both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have granted orphan drug designation to ulviprubart for IBM treatment, highlighting the drug's potential importance in addressing this rare disease.
Michele Park, PhD, Partner at NEA, commented on the investment: "Ulviprubart targets a unique mechanism that can selectively deplete cytotoxic T cells, backed by encouraging clinical and preclinical data that have been presented to date."
Commercial Preparation
Beyond clinical development, the funding will support manufacturing expansion and pre-commercial activities. Pending positive results from the MUSCLE clinical trial, Abcuro plans to file a Biologics License Application (BLA) and prepare for commercial launch, positioning the company to potentially deliver the first disease-modifying treatment for IBM patients.
