Laigo Bio Secures Seed Funding
Laigo Bio, a biotech firm based in Utrecht, The Netherlands, has successfully closed its seed funding round, raising a total of €17 million. The round was co-led by Biovance Capital and Kurma Partners, with additional participation from investors including Curie Capital, Argobio Studio, Angelini Ventures, Eurazeo, Oncode Bridge Fund, ROM Utrecht Region, and Cancer Research Horizons.
Company Overview
Laigo Bio specializes in developing therapies that target disease-causing proteins on cell surfaces. The company utilizes its proprietary SureTACs™ platform, which employs bispecific antibodies to identify and degrade specific membrane proteins. This innovative approach focuses on oncology and autoimmune conditions, offering potential treatments for diseases considered undruggable by traditional methods.
Leadership and Vision
Laigo Bio was founded by Madelon Maurice, who serves as the Scientific Lead, alongside Matthew Baker, the Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Baker emphasized the significance of the funding, stating, "The second close of our seed financing round further validates the potential of our SureTACs platform."
Use of Funds
The fresh capital will primarily be allocated to accelerate the development of Laigo Bio’s SureTACs platform. The company aims to advance its oncology programs towards clinical trials and continue the development of its three candidate programs targeting autoimmune and immunology conditions, including graft rejection.
Investor Perspectives
Dr. João Incio from Biovance Capital expressed confidence in Laigo Bio's technology, highlighting its efficacy and selectivity. He noted the "remarkable in vivo and in vitro efficacy" of the SureTACs platform, which offers a new approach to targeting disease-driving membrane proteins with improved safety profiles.
Conclusion
The seed funding round marks a significant milestone for Laigo Bio, enabling the company to further its research and development efforts in targeted protein degradation. With strong backing from a diverse group of investors, Laigo Bio is well-positioned to advance its innovative therapies in oncology and autoimmunity.