A2 Biotherapeutics Secures $80M Series C to Advance Precision Cell Therapies

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc. (A2 Bio), a company at the forefront of cell therapy, has recently announced the successful completion of an $80 million Series C financing round. This substantial financial boost is backed by a consortium of investors, notably The Column Group and Samsara BioCapital. The primary utilization of these funds will be the progression of A2 Bio's trio of clinical development programs and the further development of its pipeline of CAR-T cell therapies, which are rooted in the company's proprietary Tmod™ platform technology.

A2 Bio's CEO, Jim Robinson, expressed enthusiasm about the positive clinical data emerging from their leading projects. He highlighted that this new funding will be instrumental in continuing the development of their CAR-T cell therapies and potentially facilitating the next steps in their advancement. The company's innovative approach offers a unique strategy in tackling solid tumor cancers through their proprietary logic-gate technology.

At present, A2 Bio is engaged in two comprehensive phase 1/2 clinical trials. The EVEREST-1 study is evaluating A2B530, which targets carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for cancers including pancreatic, lung, and colorectal. Concurrently, the EVEREST-2 study is investigating A2B694, targeting mesothelin (MSLN) for cancers such as pancreatic, ovarian, lung, colorectal, and mesothelioma. Enrollment for these studies is facilitated through the BASECAMP-1 prescreening initiative, which employs AI-enabled precision diagnostics. This approach is both cost-effective and highly efficient in identifying suitable participants for A2 Bio's clinical trials.

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Agoura Hills, California, A2 Biotherapeutics is a fully integrated entity encompassing discovery, development, and manufacturing. The Series C funding is earmarked not only for supporting ongoing clinical trials but also for advancing preclinical programs using the Tmod™ platform. These programs aim to address significant unmet needs in the realm of cancer and other areas.

The Tmod™ platform represents a groundbreaking cellular targeting system developed by A2 Bio. This system utilizes two distinct receptors: an activator and a blocker. The activator is designed to recognize and attack antigens present on tumor cells, thereby triggering their destruction. In contrast, the blocker identifies antigens on normal cells to protect them. This innovative blocker technology allows for precise, personalized, and effective targeting by T cells, ensuring tumors are accurately distinguished from healthy tissue.

A2 Biotherapeutics is committed to advancing first-in-class logic-gated cell therapies to meet the pressing unmet needs in cancer treatment. The company's proprietary Tmod™ cell therapy platform addresses a critical challenge in oncology: the differentiation between tumor cells and normal cells by cancer therapies. A2 Bio's dedication to innovation and precision in the field offers a promising pathway toward more effective cancer treatments.

The infusion of $80 million in Series C funding marks a significant milestone for A2 Biotherapeutics, positioning the company to further its mission of pioneering advanced cell therapies. As the company continues to make strides in clinical trials and development, there is hope for substantial advancements in the treatment of various challenging cancers, fulfilling critical gaps in current medical needs.