Kivu Biosciences, a biotechnology startup based in San Francisco, has successfully raised $92 million in a Series A funding round to revolutionize the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer treatment.
The funding will be used to enhance Kivu's proprietary technology, which aims to address limitations faced by existing ADCs. The company's approach promises to yield more precise and stable ADCs, reducing the risk of side effects.
The funding round was led by Novo Holdings, with participation from six other venture firms. Kivu plans to initiate its first clinical trial focused on solid tumors in the upcoming year. The company aims to enhance the delivery of tumor-targeting drugs while reducing systemic toxicity, a common challenge in current ADC therapies.
ADCs have the potential to deliver targeted cancer therapies by linking a potent toxin to an antibody that specifically targets cancer cells. However, traditional ADCs have faced challenges related to tolerability and stability. Kivu aims to overcome these hurdles by utilizing technology acquired from Synaffix, which includes proprietary linkers designed to maintain stability.
Kivu is particularly focused on addressing solid tumors, which have posed significant challenges for earlier ADC technologies. The company's commitment to improving treatment options for solid tumors is clear.
Kivu's innovative approach to ADC development reflects a broader trend in the biotechnology sector, where companies are focused on refining existing technologies to enhance their effectiveness and safety. The company's advancements could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of targeted therapies.