In a significant advancement for cancer treatment, Brenus Pharma has announced the successful completion of a $25 million Series A financing round, aimed at accelerating the development of its precision cancer vaccines. This round was led by a consortium of French investors, in partnership with Belgian investment funds, and will primarily fund the first Phase I/IIA clinical trial of its lead candidate, STC-1010, for metastatic colorectal cancer.
The investment is not only a testament to Brenus Pharma’s innovative approach but also highlights the pressing need for effective cancer treatments. The company is set to address an unmet need in oncology, as approximately 19 million new cancer diagnoses occur globally each year, with 10 million related deaths, according to recent statistics.
The funds raised will facilitate the initiation of clinical trials in France, Belgium, and the USA, launching with STC-1010 and paving the way for STC-1020, which targets another solid tumor indication. Both projects leverage Brenus’s proprietary STC ‘Stimulated-Tumor-(ghost)-Cell’ technology platform, a breakthrough that generates first-line cancer vaccines aimed at outsmarting cancer’s adaptive mechanisms.
Jacques Gardette, co-founder and lead investor at BIOJAG, remarked, “Brenus Pharma has taken a major step forward. The interest from investment professionals in our young company confirms our innovative potential. The Brenus team’s commitment and innovation provide a solid foundation to tackle one of the most complex therapeutic challenges in modern medicine.”
The successful funding round was notably supported by Angelor, UI Investissement, and various regional investment funds, highlighting a collaborative effort to bolster the French biotherapeutics landscape. Marie Chambodut, Partner at Angelor, expressed pride in leading this transaction, noting the strategic importance of the clinical development of Brenus’s vaccines. “We look forward to supporting Brenus in transforming into a global player in precision immuno-oncology,” she stated.
Brenus Pharma’s innovative technology stands to redefine the oncology field by not only treating existing tumors but also fortifying the immune system against potential future malignancies. By reproducing the mechanisms that allow tumor cells to evade the immune response, the STC platform offers a proactive solution in cancer care, which is critical given the high relapse rates associated with solid tumors.
The upcoming Phase I/IIA “BreAK-CRC” study is currently under review by European regulatory authorities. It aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of STC-1010, combined with low-dose immunostimulants and standard chemotherapy, marking a pivotal step toward establishing this novel treatment in the clinical landscape.
Editorial Perspective
The advancements made by Brenus Pharma signal a hopeful trajectory in the fight against cancer. With the urgent need for new therapeutic options, particularly in oncology, the company’s innovative approach stands out. By focusing on precision medicine through the STC platform, Brenus is not just responding to current market demands but is also proactively shaping the future of cancer treatment.
The collective expertise of the investors and the strong commitment from the Brenus team position the company to become a leader in next-generation immunotherapies. As it embarks on its clinical trials, there is a palpable sense of optimism that Brenus Pharma will contribute significantly to improving patient outcomes, offering a glimmer of hope to those affected by this pervasive disease.
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