Adaptam Therapeutics, a biotech firm located in San Sebastián and Barcelona, has successfully acquired €3 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Criteria Bio Ventures. This investment will facilitate the development of their novel antibody therapies aimed at addressing immunosuppressive myeloid cells in solid tumors. The funding promises significant advancement in Adaptam’s strategic programs such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and bispecific antibodies.
Adaptam operates in a field continually striving for breakthroughs, and the company’s focused approach towards disrupting the tumor microenvironment appears promising. Unlike conventional immunotherapies, Adaptam targets unique glycoimmune checkpoints found explicitly on immunosuppressive cells such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). This specificity intends to overcome traditional immunotherapy challenges by neutralizing obstacles present within tumors.
What is Adaptam’s Strategic Approach?
By addressing one of the foremost challenges in contemporary immunotherapy—immunosuppressive myeloid cells—Adaptam aims to realign immune responses against cancers effectively. The company’s CEO, Asis Palazon, articulated the challenge, stating:
“Immunosuppressive myeloid cells within tumours present one of the toughest challenges in immunotherapy today. Our goal is to neutralise this obstacle by developing therapies that specifically target these cells, offering patients new hope where traditional approaches have failed.”
Who Supports Adaptam’s Vision?
The investment led by Criteria Bio Ventures is further supported by the joining of Salvatore Cappadona and Pablo Cironi to Adaptam’s board of directors, reinforcing their commitment to the company’s mission. Echoing this support, Pablo Cironi remarked:
“We are thrilled to support Adaptam in its mission to transform cancer treatment by targeting the immunosuppressive cells within the TME.”
Adaptam’s foundation was laid by research from CIC bioGUNE in Bilbao, emphasizing comprehensive scientific exploration since its inception. Adaptam benefitted early on from strategic backing including a Caixa Research Health grant provided to Palazon in 2021, highlighting its long-term objective-oriented trajectory. Some of the significant discoveries have been recognized and documented in Nature Communications, mapping Adaptam’s dedication to advancing oncology treatment.
Presently, Adaptam Therapeutics remains on a path propelled by innovative research and robust investment. The firm aims not merely to develop its technology but more importantly to make tangible impacts on cancer treatment outcomes. With a keen emphasis on selectively targeting immunosuppressive challenges in solid tumors, Adaptam envisages significant contributions to evolving cancer therapies beyond existing limitations.
Adaptam’s trajectory highlights its dedication to providing solutions where traditional treatments may fall short. With the recent funding, advancing their antibody-based programs gains traction, moving towards preclinical stages across diverse oncology indications. Endorsements from leading venture entities emphasize the critical importance placed on Adaptam’s scientific ventures in targeting previously elusive cancer hurdles.
