Hillstar Bio Secures $67M Series A for Precision Immunotherapy Advancements in Autoimmune Treatment

Hillstar Bio, a pioneering biotechnology firm based in Boston, has successfully concluded a Series A funding round, securing $67 million. The financing was spearheaded by a group of seasoned investors from the United States, Europe, and Asia, which includes Droia Ventures, Frazier Life Sciences, Novo Holdings A/S, LifeArc Ventures, and Hummingbird Bioscience. This financial influx is set to accelerate the company's premier TRBV9 program into clinical proof-of-concept trials for axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) and facilitate the advancement of a broader therapeutic pipeline.

Led by CEO Robert Mabry, Ph.D., Hillstar Bio is at the forefront of transforming the treatment landscape for autoimmune diseases. Unlike conventional immunosuppressive therapies, Hillstar Bio employs a precision-driven methodology that selectively eradicates harmful immune cells while sparing healthy ones. This innovative approach aims to provide longer-lasting therapeutic benefits and improve patient outcomes by potentially resetting the immune system.

The fresh funding is earmarked to propel Hillstar Bio's main initiative, targeting TRBV9+ T cells, into clinical trials expected to commence in 2026. The initial focus will be on addressing AxSpA and possibly other immune and inflammatory disorders linked to the HLA-B27 gene. Beyond the lead program, the investment will also bolster the expansion of Hillstar Bio's diverse portfolio, which includes advanced precision immunology treatments targeting specific immune cell subsets across various autoimmune disorders.

Robert Mabry emphasizes the unique opportunity presented by the interplay between HLA-B27 and TRBV9+ T cells in autoimmune conditions such as AxSpA. He asserts that Hillstar Bio's innovative strategies are designed to deliver more effective, enduring results compared to existing treatments, thus potentially reducing the reliance on long-term immunosuppressive therapies.

The company is supported by a distinguished team with profound expertise in antibody engineering, immunology, and clinical development. Hillstar Bio integrates cutting-edge scientific insights with a robust, risk-mitigating strategy, utilizing validated technologies and disease-specific biomarkers to pinpoint patient groups that are most likely to benefit from their therapies.

Luc Dochez, Executive Chair at Hillstar Bio and Managing Partner at Droia Ventures, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Hillstar Bio in delivering groundbreaking precision-driven immunotherapies to individuals dealing with autoimmune diseases. He highlighted Hillstar Bio's top-tier antibody engineering capabilities, comprehensive understanding of immune cell biology, and the outstanding team of scientists and industry leaders as critical elements necessary to revolutionize autoimmune disease treatment.

The leadership team at Hillstar Bio comprises experienced professionals, including CEO Robert Mabry, who has previously held the role of Chief Scientific Officer at Orna Therapeutics and Global Head of Biologics at Takeda. Chief Development Officer Mitchell Keegan, who has served as SVP of Clinical Development at Boston Pharmaceuticals, and Chief Operating Officer Lauren Mifflin, who has been involved in founding multiple venture-backed biotech companies, complete the executive team. The board of directors includes prominent figures like Luc Dochez, Dan Estes from Frazier Life Sciences, Kenneth Harrison from Novo Holdings A/S, and Piers Ingram from Hummingbird Bioscience.

Hillstar Bio's mission is to usher in a new era in autoimmune disease treatment through precision immunology. By selectively targeting and depleting pathogenic immune cells while preserving healthy ones, the company aims to offer durable relief and a potential immune reset for patients suffering from autoimmune conditions. Backed by an experienced syndicate of investors and shareholders, Hillstar Bio is well-positioned to advance its TRBV9 program and expand its portfolio of selective immune cell-targeting therapies.