Alyssum Therapeutics, a clinical-stage immunology company, has successfully expanded its Series A funding round with an additional $2 million investment from Femhealth Ventures. This brings the total Series A financing to $26 million. The funding is earmarked for advancing clinical trials of AT-1965, a pioneering small molecule CMTR2 inhibitor. AT-1965 is designed to transform immunologically 'cold' tumors into 'hot' ones, thereby recruiting a B cell-driven immune response against the tumor. High expression of CMTR2 in tumors is linked with a poor prognosis in various cancer types, including breast cancer, making it a novel target in cancer therapy.
Recent studies have highlighted the recruitment of B cells as a significant indicator of long-term survival in cancer patients. Alyssum Therapeutics has already commenced dosing the first patient with AT-1965 earlier this year. Early clinical results have shown promising single-agent activity at very low doses in patients with advanced cancer, who have undergone extensive prior treatments.
Maneesha Ghiya, Managing Partner of Femhealth Ventures, expressed enthusiasm about the investment, citing the compelling early clinical signals and the potential impact of B cell modulation on a wide range of conditions, particularly those affecting women. Dr. Shiladitya Sengupta, co-founder of Alyssum Therapeutics and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, emphasized the importance of B cells in activating both innate and adaptive immunity, offering a comprehensive immune response. He highlighted the potential of modulating B cells as a transformative therapeutic approach for treating various diseases.
Alyssum Therapeutics is at the forefront of developing first-in-class molecules that modulate B cell immune responses, offering new hope for the treatment of immunological conditions and oncology. The company's lead candidate, AT-1965, utilizes a liposomal formulation to target CMTR2 in cancer cells, making tumors visible to B cells and activating a robust immune response. This innovative approach leverages B cells' role as antigen-presenting cells, their ability to secrete antibodies, and their capacity to release cytokines, creating an immunologically inflamed environment conducive to tumor eradication.
