invIOs Secures €8.2 Million to Propel Cancer Therapies Forward
October 17, 2024, 9:55 pm
In the world of biotechnology, funding is the lifeblood that keeps innovation alive. On October 15, 2024, invIOs GmbH, a Vienna-based biotech firm, announced a significant boost to its ambitions in cancer treatment. The company raised €8.2 million in a Series A funding round, with strong backing from existing shareholders and Ligand Pharmaceuticals, which recently acquired APEIRON, invIOs' former parent company. This infusion of capital is not just a financial milestone; it’s a signal of confidence in invIOs’ vision for the future of immuno-oncology.
The funding will support the ongoing development of invIOs’ promising pipeline, which includes two lead programs: INV501 and INV441. These therapies aim to tackle some of the most challenging cancers, including glioblastoma, a notoriously aggressive brain tumor. With this funding, invIOs is poised to reach critical preclinical and clinical milestones through 2025.
Peter Llewellyn-Davies, the CEO and CFO of invIOs, expressed gratitude for the support from both existing and new investors. This backing is crucial as the company navigates the complex landscape of drug development. The journey from concept to clinic is fraught with challenges, but with this funding, invIOs can maintain momentum.
INV501 is an oral small molecule designed to enhance T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses. It has shown promising results in preclinical tests, demonstrating efficacy in models of breast cancer and melanoma. The ability to cross the blood-brain barrier is a game-changer, potentially allowing it to target tumors that have long eluded effective treatment. The company plans to finalize target validation and disclose details about its mechanism of action in the first quarter of 2025.
Meanwhile, INV441 represents a different approach. This cell therapy utilizes tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) modified to inhibit the immune checkpoint Cbl-b. The goal is to empower the immune system to fight back against glioblastoma. Preclinical studies have shown strong proof of concept in murine models, and a pre-IND meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided valuable insights for the upcoming Phase 1 study, set to begin in mid-2025.
The collaboration with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) is a cornerstone of invIOs’ strategy. Under the guidance of renowned experts, including Dr. David Reardon, the company is leveraging cutting-edge research to advance its therapies. This partnership not only enhances the credibility of invIOs’ programs but also aligns them with some of the brightest minds in oncology.
The EPiC platform, invIOs’ proprietary technology, is another feather in the company’s cap. It allows for the rapid creation of personalized cell therapies based on a patient’s own immune cells. This approach could revolutionize treatment by tailoring therapies to individual patients, increasing the likelihood of success. Initial results from the EPiC platform’s first asset, APN401, have shown promise, paving the way for further developments.
The landscape of cancer treatment is evolving. Traditional therapies often fall short, leaving patients with limited options. InvIOs aims to fill this gap with innovative solutions that harness the power of the immune system. By focusing on individualized treatments, the company is not just chasing profits; it’s striving to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.
As invIOs prepares for the LSX Inv€$tival Showcase™ in London on November 18, the spotlight will be on its leadership team. Llewellyn-Davies and Gugenberger will present the company’s vision and engage with potential investors. This event is an opportunity to showcase their progress and secure further support for their ambitious goals.
The road ahead is challenging, but invIOs is equipped with a robust strategy and a clear vision. The €8.2 million funding is a crucial step in their journey, enabling them to push forward with their innovative therapies. The fight against cancer is relentless, but with companies like invIOs at the forefront, there is hope on the horizon.
In conclusion, invIOs’ recent funding round is more than just a financial boost; it’s a testament to the potential of innovative cancer therapies. With a strong pipeline, strategic collaborations, and a commitment to patient-centered solutions, invIOs is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the field of oncology. The future of cancer treatment may be brighter, thanks to the relentless pursuit of companies like invIOs. As they move forward, the hope is that their efforts will translate into life-saving therapies for patients in need.
The funding will support the ongoing development of invIOs’ promising pipeline, which includes two lead programs: INV501 and INV441. These therapies aim to tackle some of the most challenging cancers, including glioblastoma, a notoriously aggressive brain tumor. With this funding, invIOs is poised to reach critical preclinical and clinical milestones through 2025.
Peter Llewellyn-Davies, the CEO and CFO of invIOs, expressed gratitude for the support from both existing and new investors. This backing is crucial as the company navigates the complex landscape of drug development. The journey from concept to clinic is fraught with challenges, but with this funding, invIOs can maintain momentum.
INV501 is an oral small molecule designed to enhance T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses. It has shown promising results in preclinical tests, demonstrating efficacy in models of breast cancer and melanoma. The ability to cross the blood-brain barrier is a game-changer, potentially allowing it to target tumors that have long eluded effective treatment. The company plans to finalize target validation and disclose details about its mechanism of action in the first quarter of 2025.
Meanwhile, INV441 represents a different approach. This cell therapy utilizes tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) modified to inhibit the immune checkpoint Cbl-b. The goal is to empower the immune system to fight back against glioblastoma. Preclinical studies have shown strong proof of concept in murine models, and a pre-IND meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided valuable insights for the upcoming Phase 1 study, set to begin in mid-2025.
The collaboration with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) is a cornerstone of invIOs’ strategy. Under the guidance of renowned experts, including Dr. David Reardon, the company is leveraging cutting-edge research to advance its therapies. This partnership not only enhances the credibility of invIOs’ programs but also aligns them with some of the brightest minds in oncology.
The EPiC platform, invIOs’ proprietary technology, is another feather in the company’s cap. It allows for the rapid creation of personalized cell therapies based on a patient’s own immune cells. This approach could revolutionize treatment by tailoring therapies to individual patients, increasing the likelihood of success. Initial results from the EPiC platform’s first asset, APN401, have shown promise, paving the way for further developments.
The landscape of cancer treatment is evolving. Traditional therapies often fall short, leaving patients with limited options. InvIOs aims to fill this gap with innovative solutions that harness the power of the immune system. By focusing on individualized treatments, the company is not just chasing profits; it’s striving to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.
As invIOs prepares for the LSX Inv€$tival Showcase™ in London on November 18, the spotlight will be on its leadership team. Llewellyn-Davies and Gugenberger will present the company’s vision and engage with potential investors. This event is an opportunity to showcase their progress and secure further support for their ambitious goals.
The road ahead is challenging, but invIOs is equipped with a robust strategy and a clear vision. The €8.2 million funding is a crucial step in their journey, enabling them to push forward with their innovative therapies. The fight against cancer is relentless, but with companies like invIOs at the forefront, there is hope on the horizon.
In conclusion, invIOs’ recent funding round is more than just a financial boost; it’s a testament to the potential of innovative cancer therapies. With a strong pipeline, strategic collaborations, and a commitment to patient-centered solutions, invIOs is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the field of oncology. The future of cancer treatment may be brighter, thanks to the relentless pursuit of companies like invIOs. As they move forward, the hope is that their efforts will translate into life-saving therapies for patients in need.