Kivu Biosciences, a San Francisco-based biotechnology startup, has secured $92 million in a Series A funding round to develop targeted cancer therapies using advanced antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology. The funding, led by Novo Holdings, will support the advancement of Kivu's platform, which aims to create more precise and stable ADCs, reducing the risk of side effects and improving patient outcomes.
Addressing ADC Limitations
Existing ADCs often face challenges related to tolerability and premature release of their cytotoxic payloads. According to Kivu's Chief Operating Officer, Mohit Trikha, these limitations can restrict the dosage that can be safely administered, or even cause patients to discontinue treatment. Unstable linker molecules can lead to the early release of the payload, diminishing the drug's effectiveness. Kivu's technology, incorporating linkers from Synaffix (now part of Lonza), is designed to maintain stability for longer, ensuring precise delivery of the topoisomerase inhibitor toxin to the tumor.
Kivu's Technological Approach
Kivu's approach focuses on creating ADCs that are more targeted and less toxic to healthy tissues. By utilizing proprietary linkers, the company aims to improve the therapeutic window of ADCs, allowing for more effective treatment with fewer side effects. Trikha describes this approach as developing "kinder, gentler ADCs," emphasizing the importance of balancing benefit and risk in cancer treatment.
Focus on Solid Tumors
Kivu is specifically targeting solid tumors, an area where earlier ADC technologies have encountered difficulties due to toxicity and efficacy limitations. While the company has not disclosed the specific tumor types it will initially focus on, the emphasis on solid tumors highlights the potential of Kivu's technology to address unmet needs in cancer therapy.
The Significance of the Name
The company's name, Kivu, is inspired by Lake Kivu, located on the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Lake Kivu contains significant amounts of carbon dioxide and methane and has the potential for a limnic eruption, releasing a massive cloud of greenhouse gases. Kivu Biosciences draws a parallel between this potential eruption and the careful management required to unlock the powerful potential of ADCs while mitigating their risks and side effects.
