NEW YORK – California-based A2 Biotherapeutics will begin clinical development of its T-cell module platform, called Tmod, after raising $71.5 million in funding.
Existing investors, including The Column Group, Vida Ventures, Samsara BioCapita, and Nextech Invest, participated in the Series B funding round, along with new investors Casdin Capital, Euclidean Capital, UC Investments (Office of the Chief Investment Officer of the Regents), and Hartford HealthCare Endowment.
A2 published a paper last week detailing its T-cell module platform design and proof-of-concept in mice. The platform engineers T cells that target the loss of genetic material in tumors, allowing the selective killing of tumor cells.
The company has used the platform to develop three autologous cell-based products for treating solid tumors, and the newly raised capital will support further development and in-house manufacturing of these agents. The first of these candidates is expected to begin clinical testing in 2022.
"We have first-rate discovery scientists who can deliver on pioneering cancer programs and technology, as well as experienced development and manufacturing staff who enable us to innovate on both sides of the cell-therapy product — the Tmod target/receptor system and the T cells," Alexander Kamb, cofounder and CSO of A2, said in a statement.
The company will also use the financing to extend the Tmod platform to produce additional product candidates and operate its in-house cell therapy manufacturing facility.
Since its founding in 2018, A2 has raised $136 million.