Artios, a Cambridge-based biotech group researching how to target the DNA damage response (DDR) in cancer, has successfully closed an oversubscribed $115m (£87.3m) Series D round.
The new funding will support the firm’s lead programme, called alnodesertib, which is examining therapies for pancreatic and colorectal cancers.
With the Series D closed, Artios can also initiate the second phase of clinical trials for its treatment targeting breast cancer, called ART6043.
“This Series D accelerates our potential path to registration for both alnodesertib and ART6043, broadening development for the next generation of DDR therapeutics to indications among the highest of unmet need across pancreatic, colorectal, and breast cancers, where median survival is often measured in months,” said Mike Andriole, chief executive of Artios.
The investment round was co-led by SV Health Investors and RA Capital Management and included participation from new backer Janus Henderson Investors.
“We are thrilled to have supported Artios’ evolution, from an early-stage DDR pioneer when we founded the company to the established company it has become, distinguished by a promising and differentiated pipeline,” said SV Health Investors managing partner Nikola Trbovic.
“We look forward to continuing to do so as it deploys the Series D proceeds to drive late-stage development of alnodesertib as well as its pipeline.”
