Bonum Therapeutics develops a novel class of regulated protein therapeutics using an antibody-based mechanism for targeted drug delivery. These therapeutics remain inactive until bound to a specific target, activating potent biological activity only where needed. The company is currently focused on developing antibody-controlled cytokine-based therapeutics for cancer treatment.
Funding
$100.6M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
VCFounders
Product
Problem
Systemic delivery of protein therapeutics can lead to off-target effects and toxicity due to widespread activation throughout the body. Traditional protein therapeutics lack precise control over their activity, limiting their therapeutic window and potential efficacy. This is particularly challenging in cancer treatment, where maximizing anti-tumor immune responses while minimizing systemic side effects is crucial.
Solution
Bonum Therapeutics is developing a novel class of regulated protein therapeutics that are activated only upon binding to specific targets, enabling localized activity and minimizing off-target toxicity. Their antibody-based platform incorporates a sensor domain that activates the therapeutic component of the molecule only when bound to its target. This regulation mechanism is reversible, allowing the therapeutic to revert to an inactive form if it disengages from its target. The company's current pipeline focuses on context-dependent cytokines designed to enhance anti-tumor immune responses by targeting immune cells and other cell types within the tumor microenvironment. This approach aims to deliver potent biological activity precisely where needed, improving the safety and efficacy of cancer treatments.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes cancer patients and healthcare providers seeking safer and more effective cancer treatments, as well as pharmaceutical companies interested in innovative protein therapeutics.
Features
- Antibody-based platform for creating regulated protein therapeutics
- Sensor domain that activates the therapeutic component only upon target binding
- Reversible regulation mechanism that deactivates the therapeutic upon target disengagement
- Context-dependent cytokines for targeted immune modulation
- Focus on enhancing anti-tumor immune responses within the tumor microenvironment