iOnctura Raises €80M for Cancer Treatments
iOnctura Secures €80 Million in Series B Funding for Cancer Treatments
Swiss biopharma company iOnctura has successfully raised €80 million in Series B funding to advance its two main cancer treatments, roginolisib and cambritaxestat, into Phase II clinical trials. The funding round was led by Syncona Limited, with notable investments from the EIC Fund and Merck Ventures.
Key Takeaways
- iOnctura secures €80 million in Series B funding for Phase II trials of roginolisib and cambritaxestat.
- Roginolisib, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta (PI3Kδ) modulator, is set to be tested in clinical trials for various cancers.
- Cambritaxestat, an autotaxin inhibitor, is being developed to treat highly fibrotic tumors.
- Syncona contributes €30 million for a 23% stake in iOnctura, alongside other investors.
- Roginolisib shows low toxicity in metastatic uveal melanoma patients, with an overall survival rate of 70%.
Analysis
The substantial €80 million Series B funding received by iOnctura, primarily led by Syncona, reflects investor confidence in its cancer therapies, roginolisib and cambritaxestat. This funding is crucial for advancing Phase II trials, vital for regulatory approval and market entry. The favorable results of roginolisib in a Phase I trial, particularly in metastatic uveal melanoma patients, demonstrate its potential to be effective in treating various cancers. The development of cambritaxestat to address unmet medical needs in highly fibrotic tumors like metastatic pancreatic cancer could significantly impact cancer treatment. However, challenges such as rigorous clinical trial outcomes and market competition remain.
Did You Know?
- Phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta (PI3Kδ) modulator: A specialized drug targeting and modulating the activity of the PI3Kδ enzyme, which plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth and metabolism.
- Autotaxin inhibitor: This blocks the enzyme autotaxin, which is implicated in tumor progression and fibrosis, potentially reducing tumor growth and fibrosis.
- Orphan drug designation: A status assigned by the FDA to drugs intended for rare diseases, providing incentives such as tax credits for clinical trials and market exclusivity after approval.