GIBF Invests $10M in Nectin Therapeutics for Novel Immunotherapies and Antibody Drug Conjugates

Guangzhou-Israel Biotechnology Fund (GIBF) has injected $10 million into Nectin Therapeutics Ltd., a biotechnology firm dedicated to the development of cutting-edge targeted immunotherapies. Based in Tel Aviv, Israel, Nectin Therapeutics is focused on overcoming resistance to current immuno-oncology treatments, with a portfolio designed to improve patient outcomes in difficult-to-treat cancers.

The substantial investment from GIBF will facilitate the ongoing development of Nectin's innovative immuno-oncology products. Specifically, the funds will support the advancement of Nectin's NTX1088, a lead candidate currently in a global Phase 1 clinical trial targeting PVR (CD155), and the preclinical development of various antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidates.

Nectin Therapeutics is at the clinical stage and is committed to transforming the landscape of cancer treatment by exploring the nectin pathways. The company's unique approach aims to set new benchmarks for efficacy and patient response rates in several challenging cancer types. By addressing key escape mechanisms of existing immuno-oncology therapies, Nectin’s pipeline of monoclonal antibodies and ADCs holds promise for significantly improved therapeutic outcomes.

Guided by a team with extensive expertise in oncology drug development, Nectin is supported by various venture funds including aMoon Fund, Peregrine Ventures, IBF, Integra Holdings, Myeloma Investment Fund (MIF), and Cancer Focus Fund.

The NTX1088 candidate is a pioneering, highly potent monoclonal antibody that targets PVR, a protein found on cancer cells that contributes to resistance against PD1 and PDL1 immune checkpoint inhibitors. NTX1088 aims to reinvigorate the antitumor immune activity of DNAM1 (CD226), a vital cell surface glycoprotein in T and NK cells that is normally suppressed by PVR in tumor cells. By blocking PVR, NTX1088 enhances the immune response by boosting the activity of T and NK cells and mitigating the suppressive signals from multiple immune checkpoint receptors, such as TIGIT and CD96.

PVR's overexpression is linked with poor prognosis and resistance to PD1 and PDL1 inhibitors in a range of solid tumors, including lung, colorectal, liver, ovarian, breast, adrenal, pancreatic, uterine, head and neck, gastric, and esophageal cancers. This makes PVR an appealing target for monotherapy or in combination with PD1 inhibitors. Currently, NTX1088 is being evaluated in combination with the PD1 blocker, KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), in clinical trials.

Professor Shlomo Noy, Managing Partner and Chief Medical Officer of GIBF, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Nectin is poised to revolutionize cancer treatment with innovative immune-mediated therapies. We are thrilled to support their mission and team.”

Fabian Tenenbaum, CEO of Nectin Therapeutics, highlighted the significance of the investment, “We appreciate GIBF's support which underscores the rapid progress of our anti-PVR clinical program and the development of our ADC candidates. This funding enables us to move forward with the dose-escalation and dose-expansion trials for NTX1088 and continue our IND-enabling activities for our ADC assets. We are committed to advancing novel therapies that have the potential to save lives and improve outcomes for cancer patients.”

Nectin Therapeutics aims to leverage this investment to continue their breakthrough work in immuno-oncology, setting the stage for potentially transformative cancer treatments.