Boston Biotech Bambusa Secures $90M for Next-Gen Bispecifics

Bambusa Therapeutics, a biotechnology company based in Boston, has successfully secured approximately $90 million in series A funding to advance its development of next-generation bispecific antibodies aimed at treating various immunological and inflammatory conditions. This round of funding was led by RA Capital Management and saw participation from Janus Henderson Investors, Redmile Group, Invus, and ADAR1 Capital Management, as well as several other existing investors. This follows a $15 million seed financing that concluded in September 2024, co-led by BVF Partners and KKR’s Dawn Biopharma, with contributions from Salvia GmbH and INCE Capital.

Founded in May 2024, Bambusa Therapeutics has rapidly expanded its operations. The company intends to channel the newly acquired funds into progressing its lead projects through phase 1 clinical trials. The leading candidate in Bambusa’s pipeline, BBT001, is a bispecific antibody that aims to revolutionize the existing standard of care in different, unspecified dermatological conditions. Presently, BBT001 is undergoing phase 1 trials.

Additionally, Bambusa has completed preclinical studies for another promising bispecific antibody candidate, BBT002. This particular asset is positioned to seek FDA approval for human trials, with potential applications across respiratory, dermatological, and gastroenterological fields. Beyond these, the company also has earlier-stage candidates, BBT003 and BBT004, which are poised for potential evaluation in treating inflammatory bowel diseases and rheumatological indications, respectively.

RA Capital partner Derek DiRocco, Ph.D., expressed optimism about the advancement of therapies for patients with immunological and inflammatory disorders. He highlighted that Bambusa’s bispecific antibodies, designed to extend half-life and target complementary pathways driving disease, present a promising opportunity to develop best-in-disease therapeutic profiles.

Dr. Shanshan Xu, M.D., Ph.D., who is at the helm of Bambusa Therapeutics as Founder and CEO, brings a wealth of experience from her prior leadership positions at BioNTech and Berenberg Capital Markets. Under her guidance, the company is poised to make significant strides in the development of treatments that are both more effective and convenient than current options available to patients with I&I disorders.