University of Chicago immuno-oncology spinout Pyxis Oncology has been backed by corporate investment vehicle Leaps by Bayer in its first funding round.

Pyxis Oncology, a US-based cancer immunotherapy developer exploiting University of Chicago research, yesterday received $22m in a round led by Leaps by Bayer, an investment vehicle for drug and chemicals producer Bayer.

The round featured pharmaceutical firm Ipsen, as well as healthcare-focused venture fund Longwood and VC firm Agent Capital.

Founded in 2018, Pyxis Oncology is working on antibody-based immunotherapies for cancer that tackle the disease by restoring the function of damaged immune cells.

The company’s thesis focuses on the…