Biotech Startup Pan Cancer T Secures €4.25 Million for Innovative Cancer Therapy
Rotterdam, Friday, 12 July 2024.
Rotterdam-based Pan Cancer T has raised €4.25 million in seed extension funding to advance its novel T cell therapies for solid tumors. The company’s lead product targets triple negative breast cancer, potentially transforming treatment options for this aggressive cancer type.
Funding for Pioneering T Cell Therapies
The recent seed extension round, which brought Pan Cancer T’s total funding to approximately €11 million, was led by InnovationQuarter with participation from existing investors Van Herk Ventures, Thuja Capital, Swanbridge Capital, and Erasmus MC O&O Holdings. This financial support underscores the confidence in Pan Cancer T’s approach to developing advanced T cell receptor (TCR) therapies aimed at combating hard-to-treat solid tumors.
Targeting Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Pan Cancer T’s lead clinical candidate, PCT1:CO-STIM, is designed to address triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of cancer with limited treatment options. This innovative therapy targets ROPN1, a tumor-restricted antigen found in over 90% of patients with TNBC and melanoma, making it a promising solution for a significant portion of cancer patients.
How PCT1:CO-STIM Works
PCT1:CO-STIM incorporates a proprietary Tumor Microenvironment (TME) solution that provides co-stimulation to T cells, enhancing their durability and effectiveness even in hostile tumor environments. This approach improves the response duration of T cells in preclinical models, potentially translating to more effective and long-lasting cancer treatments.
The Road Ahead
With the new funding, Pan Cancer T plans to complete preclinical studies for PCT1:CO-STIM and progress Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) activities. These steps are crucial in derisking the project and adding value as the company prepares to move towards clinical trials. Additionally, the funds will support earlier-stage pipeline projects targeting colorectal and ovarian cancers.
Future Prospects
Pan Cancer T aims to secure a Series A round within the next year and seek business development partnerships with biotech and pharmaceutical companies. The company’s strategy involves leveraging its validated TCR discovery platform to develop therapies for a range of solid tumors, including cancers of the bladder, ovary, colorectum, prostate, skin, esophagus, lung, and brain.
A Collaborative Effort
InnovationQuarter’s investment not only provides financial support but also strengthens the entrepreneurial Life Sciences and Health cluster in the Province of Zuid-Holland. Their involvement highlights the collaborative effort required to bring state-of-the-art cell therapies to market. Nina Satih from InnovationQuarter will join Pan Cancer T’s supervisory board as an observer, ensuring continued support and guidance.
A Spin-off from Erasmus MC
Founded in late 2020 as a spin-off from Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, Pan Cancer T has been at the forefront of developing next-generation TCR T cell therapies. The company’s unique approach includes targeting tumor antigens that are robustly expressed across multiple solid cancers and enhancing the durability of T cells to ensure sustained anti-tumor activity.
Conclusion
Pan Cancer T’s innovative approach and recent funding milestone mark significant progress in the fight against hard-to-treat cancers. By advancing their lead candidate, PCT1:CO-STIM, and expanding their pipeline, the company is poised to offer new hope to cancer patients worldwide.