T-Therapeutics has closed a $133M Series B to move two T-cell receptor bispecific programs into human testing, the Cambridge, UK company said on November 5.
Two shots on goal
TTX-008 targets an undisclosed pan-tumor driver and is aimed at solid tumors. TTX-018 is designed for autoimmune disease, selectively eliminating the cells driving chronic inflammation. Neither has entered the clinic yet. The money buys proof-of-concept data on both.
Chief executive Theodora Harold called the two programs “pan-indication, blockbuster potential” and described the round as the company’s transition to a clinical-stage outfit.
Why the receptor matters
The platform rests on what T-Therapeutics describes as an unparalleled supply of fully human T cell receptors, engineered for high affinity and specificity against disease targets. The claim is access to validated but previously undruggable targets inside cells.
T cell engagers have struggled in solid tumors for a lack of suitable targets. Advent Life Sciences general partner Dominic Schmidt said the company appears able to reach previously unreachable targets with the potential for a markedly improved safety profile.
Who paid
Advent Life Sciences and British Business Bank co-led the oversubscribed round. Johnson & Johnson’s venture arm JJDC and Samsara BioCapital came in as new investors, alongside existing backers Eli Lilly, Samsara and Sofinnova Partners.
T-Therapeutics added $32M to a Series A last year that reached $91M. The company has disclosed little about its targets or development timelines, which is common this early and will be the thing to watch as the first patients are dosed.
