Leiden-based BIMINI Biotech, specializing in drug development for haematological cancers, has raised €3 million in a seed funding round. The company aims to address the unmet needs in leukemia and lymphoma treatment by focusing on a specific protein critical to cancer progression. With this funding, BIMINI seeks to accelerate the preclinical development of its novel therapeutic candidates, potentially offering new solutions for high-relapse cancers. This effort reflects growing interest in innovative approaches to tackling cancer, particularly in patient groups that lack effective treatment options.
What is the significance of targeting WASp?
Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome Protein (WASp), found in immune and hematopoietic cells, plays a role in cancer cell proliferation and aggressiveness. By targeting WASp, BIMINI Biotech aims to inhibit cancer cell growth, especially in lymphoma and leukemia subtypes with poor treatment outcomes. Current therapies often fail to address these aggressive cancers, leaving elderly or medically complicated patients with limited options. BIMINI’s focus on WASp modulators introduces a novel mechanism of action in haematological cancer treatment.
How will the investment be utilized?
The €3M funding, led by Torrey Pines Investment and supported by InnovationQuarter Capital, Libertatis Ergo Holding, and a business angel, will be directed toward preclinical development and validation of WASp-targeting therapies. BIMINI plans to leverage advanced technologies, including computer-aided drug design and hybrid AI systems, to streamline early development processes. These tools will help ensure the safety and efficacy of their drug candidates before clinical testing phases.
Dr. Maurits van den Nieuwboer, COO of BIMINI Biotech, commented on the urgent need for new treatments, particularly for aggressive cancer subtypes.
“We have been talking to many clinicians and oncologists over these past years, and they all say the same: for aggressive leukaemia and lymphoma subtypes, it is not a matter ‘if’ patients relapse, but ‘when’ patients relapse,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity for innovative approaches.
Founded in 2019, BIMINI Biotech’s research has already demonstrated anti-cancer effects in experimental models. The company also aims to explore the potential of its WASp modulators for autoimmune disorders, expanding its therapeutic reach.
Earlier reports on WASp-focused research suggested its pivotal role in immune regulation and cancer biology. While other biotech companies have explored similar pathways, BIMINI’s approach of combining AI-driven systems with targeted drug design gives it a unique position in the oncology landscape.
BIMINI Biotech’s efforts could pave the way for a better understanding of WASp’s role in cancer progression and the development of targeted treatments. By focusing on aggressive cancer subtypes with high relapse rates, BIMINI could offer new hope to patients who currently have limited therapeutic options. However, the success of their WASp modulators in clinical trials will ultimately determine their impact on the oncology field. For patients and clinicians, the prospect of targeted treatments tailored to cancer biology remains a critical step forward.
