CatalYm is developing a monoclonal antibody, visugromab, that neutralizes GDF-15 to reverse immune resistance mechanisms in solid tumors, thereby enhancing anti-tumor immune responses. This approach aims to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients who are non-responsive to existing therapies, addressing a significant gap in current immunotherapy effectiveness.
Funding
$271.1M 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.
CPFounders
Product
Problem
Many solid tumors develop resistance to existing immunotherapies, leaving a significant portion of cancer patients without effective treatment options. This resistance often stems from immune suppression mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment, hindering the ability of immune cells to target and eliminate cancer cells.
Solution
CatalYm is developing visugromab, a monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15), a key mediator of immune resistance in solid tumors. By blocking GDF-15, visugromab aims to reverse these resistance mechanisms, enabling enhanced anti-tumor immune responses. This approach facilitates immune cell activation and tumor infiltration, potentially restoring sensitivity to checkpoint inhibitors and improving treatment outcomes, particularly in patients who have relapsed or are refractory to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. Visugromab is being investigated in combination with other immunotherapies to achieve more durable and complete responses across a range of solid tumor types.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes oncologists and cancer patients with advanced solid tumors who have developed resistance or are non-responsive to existing immunotherapies, specifically checkpoint inhibitors.
Features
- Visugromab: A humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody targeting GDF-15.
- Designed to neutralize GDF-15, preventing its interaction with the receptor, GDNF family receptor alpha-like (GFRAL).
- Reverses GDF-15-mediated immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment.
- Enhances immune cell infiltration into tumors.
- Restores sensitivity to checkpoint inhibitors like anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies.
- Demonstrates a favorable safety profile, allowing for multi-combination use in frontline treatment.