Solstice Oncology Launches with Major Series A Funding
Solstice Oncology, a Boston-based clinical-stage immuno-oncology company, has announced the successful closing of a $225 million Series A funding round. The round was led by RA Capital Management, with participation from Canaan Partners and Forbion. Solstice Oncology is pioneering treatments that target cancer at its most vulnerable stage, before surgery, with the goal of achieving a deep pathological response and long-lasting health for patients. The company's lead program is focused on colon cancer.
Advancing Cancer Treatment
The Series A funding will primarily support the advancement of Solstice Oncology's lead candidate, porustobart. This second-generation Fc-enhanced CTLA-4 antibody is designed for use in the neoadjuvant setting, where it is administered before surgery to maximize the immune response against the tumor. The company's Phase 2 trial will evaluate porustobart in combination with pembrolizumab for treating microsatellite-stable (MSS) clinical stage II-III colon cancer. This segment represents the largest group of colon cancer patients who have not yet benefited from immunotherapy.
Leadership and Vision
Solstice Oncology is led by Co-CEOs Caroline Loew and Maiken Keson-Brookes. "We believe the greatest opportunity in oncology lies in treating disease earlier," said Caroline Loew, highlighting the company's focus on early intervention when the immune system is still intact.
Strategic Use of Funds
The substantial investment will enable Solstice Oncology to further its clinical trials and potentially expand its pipeline to include additional indications. The company has not disclosed specific plans for other indications at this time.
About the Investors
RA Capital Management, the lead investor, is known for its focus on healthcare and life sciences investments. Canaan Partners and Forbion, both participants in this round, are also established investors in the biotech space, supporting companies that aim to develop transformative therapies.
As Solstice Oncology progresses with its clinical trials, the company is poised to make significant strides in the field of cancer treatment, particularly in advancing therapies that can be utilized in the neoadjuvant setting.