Cambridge-based Maxion Therapeutics has secured $72 million in Series A funding to expand its research and development efforts. The company is working on antibody-based drugs targeting ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which play a role in various diseases. Investors in this round include General Catalyst, British Patient Capital, Solasta Ventures, Eli Lilly and Company, LifeArc Ventures, Monograph Capital, and BGF. With this funding, the company aims to advance its proprietary drug discovery platform and therapeutic pipeline.
Maxion’s approach centers on developing protein therapeutics designed to address diseases that have remained difficult to treat with existing drugs. The company utilizes its proprietary KnotBody® technology to create therapies with higher selectivity and potency compared to conventional small-molecule treatments. Previously, antibody discovery for ion channels and GPCRs has been challenging, with no antibodies against ion channels currently in clinical development.
How will the funding support Maxion’s research efforts?
The newly acquired funds will be used to advance Maxion’s lead program, MAX001, which is currently in preclinical development. This program targets inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, Maxion is working on other early-stage programs focused on pain management and cardiovascular diseases. The company aims to improve treatment options by providing safer and more effective biologic drugs.
What makes Maxion’s technology different?
Unlike traditional small-molecule drugs, Maxion’s engineered antibodies offer improved selectivity and therapeutic benefits. Ion channel and GPCR dysfunction are linked to various diseases, but existing treatments often come with side effects due to their lack of specificity. Maxion’s KnotBody® molecules aim to overcome these limitations by offering targeted treatments that minimize unintended effects.
“This landmark fundraising – one of the largest European private biotech financings since the beginning of 2024 – highlights the significant potential of our technology and development pipeline. KnotBodies represent a potential breakthrough biologic drug modality, delivering greater potency, selectivity, and durability,” said founder Arndt Schottelius.
Maxion’s latest financing round follows a growing trend of investments in antibody-based therapies. Previous reports on the company’s research efforts have highlighted the challenges associated with targeting ion channels and GPCRs. While past attempts by various biotech firms have struggled with efficacy and manufacturability, Maxion claims its KnotBody® approach offers a more viable path to therapeutic development.
“We believe Maxion is radically shifting the biologics discovery process to address the most challenging drug targets such as ion channels and GPCRs. With a strong team and differentiated platform, Maxion is well-positioned to discover and develop medicines that matter,” said Elena Viboch, Managing Director at General Catalyst.
The challenges in developing antibody-based treatments for ion channels and GPCRs have long hindered progress in the field. Despite their therapeutic potential, these drug targets have remained difficult to address due to the complexity of their structures and interactions. Maxion’s approach could provide an alternative to small-molecule treatments, which often lack precision and lead to side effects. The success of its lead candidate, MAX001, will likely determine the extent to which the company can fulfill its goal of delivering targeted biologic therapies. Investors have shown confidence in the company’s platform, but its ability to translate early-stage research into clinical success remains to be seen.
