Synthorx's artificial genetic DNA pairings are expected to support the administration of an immuno-oncology drug previously hindered by safety issues.
Synthorx, a US-based immuno-oncology drug developer spun out from Scripps Research Institute, closed a $63m series C round yesterday that included spinout-focused investment firm Osage University Partners.
Healthcare-focused investment firm OrbiMed led the round, which also featured Avalon Ventures, RA Capital Management and Correlation Ventures.
Synthorx is exploiting new genetic DNA pairings to enhance the formulation of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a drug currently hindered by safety concerns which could otherwise complement immuno-oncology treatments such as checkpoint inhibitors.
The genetic pairings add to the naturally occurring DNA bases of adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine – also known simply as A, C, G and T – providing additional bandwidth for the creation of proteins.
They were discovered in a Scripps research lab led by Floyd Romesberg, who specialises in expanding the genetic alphabet.
Synthorx closed a $10m series B round in 2016 led by RA Capital Management with contributions from Avalon and Correlation, after receiving $3.1m from unspecified investors two years previously, according to press releases and securities filings.
Laura Shawver, president, chief executive and director of Synthorx, said: “The ability to activate tumour-fighting immune cells has been a tremendous breakthrough in curing cancer in some patients, but the rate of responses leading to long-term remission and overall survival is still limited.
“Combination therapies are needed that demonstrate improved efficacy but are safe and convenient for patients.”
