BridGene Biosciences, a San Jose–based biotech innovator focused on tackling traditionally “undruggable” molecular targets, has raised $28 million in a Series B+ funding round led by Bayland Capital. This capital injection will accelerate clinical advancement of BridGene’s lead candidate, BGC-515—a covalent TEAD inhibitor aimed at solid tumors—and fuel expansion of its proprietary IMTAC™ chemoproteomic platform into new therapeutic areas.
Founded by CEO and co-founder Ping Cao, Ph.D., BridGene leverages its IMTAC™ platform to systematically explore covalent small molecules against the entire proteome within live cells, unlocking novel drug candidates that evade conventional discovery techniques. BGC-515 is already progressing through clinical trials with plans to enter Phase 2, while a second program targeting oncology and autoimmune conditions is slated to begin clinical testing in 2027.
“This financing milestone equips us to push BGC-515 through pivotal clinical stages while advancing additional pipeline programs toward the clinic,” said Ping Cao. “Our broader goal is to deepen strategic collaborations that validate the IMTAC™ platform’s versatility across oncology, immunology, and neurology, delivering transformative therapies for patients.”
The round’s backing by established players such as GTJA Investment Group, Proxima Ventures, alongside returning investors Lapam Capital and Grains Valley Venture Capital, underscores strong institutional confidence in BridGene’s platform-driven approach. Yuexing Su, founding partner of Bayland Capital, described BridGene’s IMTAC™ technology as “a powerful and differentiated approach” enabling small-molecule discovery against elusive targets, positioning the company for significant impact across multiple disease domains.
Market Analysis and Industry Perspective
BridGene’s strategy reflects a growing paradigm shift in drug discovery where traditional ‘undruggable’ targets—such as transcription factors and protein-protein interactions—are becoming actionable through innovative chemoproteomic techniques. The company’s IMTAC™ platform harnesses live-cell proteomics to identify covalent binding sites with precision, effectively expanding the ‘druggable genome’ beyond the reach of conventional small molecules or biologics.
This approach arrives at a critical juncture in oncology and autoimmune therapeutics, where unmet needs are vast, and patient populations demand more targeted, effective, and durable treatments. Covalent inhibitors like BGC-515, which form irreversible bonds with disease-driving proteins, offer a promising mechanism to achieve such specificity and potency.
Additionally, BridGene’s diversified pipeline and ongoing partnerships suggest a scalable model that could accelerate clinical pipelines across several disease areas simultaneously. With growing investor appetite for platform-centric biotech ventures that marry chemical biology with clinical translation, BridGene is well positioned to become a key player in the biotech innovation landscape.
Looking ahead, the company’s ability to demonstrate clinical efficacy in Phase 2 trials and expand the IMTAC™ platform’s applications will be critical. If successful, BridGene could redefine therapeutic possibilities for diseases long considered beyond reach, while delivering substantial value to investors and patients alike.
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