Auron Therapeutics Gains FDA Approval for AUTX-703 Trials and Closes Series B Funding

Auron Therapeutics, a biotechnology company based in Newton, MA, has announced significant advancements in the development of its lead program, KAT2A/B, and its clinical candidate, AUTX-703. The company, which focuses on using cell-state plasticity for improved patient outcomes in oncology and inflammatory diseases, has successfully completed a $27 million Series B financing round. This funding will support the progression of AUTX-703 through its Phase 1 clinical trial aimed at providing proof-of-concept for its efficacy in treating hematologic malignancies.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given clearance for Auron’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application, allowing the company to initiate clinical trials for AUTX-703 in patients with hematological cancers. AUTX-703 is an innovative, orally administered KAT2A/B degrader, which Auron developed using its proprietary AURIGIN™ Platform. This platform uses AI and machine learning to explore cellular states and discover new drug targets. Previously, at the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting, Auron presented preclinical data that showed AUTX-703 could offer a significant survival benefit in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Furthermore, the company plans to research the drug's effectiveness in treating solid tumors, specifically targeting neuroendocrine prostate and small-cell lung cancers.

The funds raised through the Series B financing will not only back the Phase 1 trial of AUTX-703 in AML but will also support the investigation of KAT2A/B's potential in autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the funding will aid in discovering new EMT tumor targets identified by the AURIGIN platform.

Auron’s CEO, Dr. Kate Yen, expressed pride in the company's development of a robust profile for AUTX-703, emphasizing the novel approach to cell state biology to combat aggressive cancers. With the new financing, Auron is well-positioned to advance AUTX-703 in clinical trials for hematological disorders and explore its potential in treating inflammatory diseases, aligning with the company’s mission to deliver transformative treatments to patients.

Serge Messerlian, Operating Partner at DCVC Bio and Director on Auron's Board, highlighted the strength of Auron's approach in leveraging biological insights to discover therapeutic targets, optimize model systems, and identify biomarkers that aid in precise patient selection. As the need for targeted therapies and personalized patient trials increases, Auron is strategically placed to meet these demands. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Dr. Yen and the Auron team as they enter this new phase of growth.

The Series B financing was led by DCVC Bio, with participation from several other investors, including Apollo Health Ventures, Arkin Bio Ventures, and BrightEdge, among others.

Auron Therapeutics is committed to enhancing patient outcomes in oncology and inflammatory diseases through its AURIGIN™ platform. This pioneering platform facilitates the identification of novel drug targets and the development of effective therapies. The company’s pipeline is spearheaded by AUTX-703, a groundbreaking KAT2A/B degrader, which is under development for both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.