Abologix wins CHF 150,000 to develop targeted antibodies for cancer patients

Abologix develops a new therapeutic option to treat lymphoma patients who have become resistant to conventional treatments. The Geneva-based biotech startup is a spin-out from the laboratories at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG). Abologix will use the CHF 150,000 to advance the preclinical development of its product, refine its commercial and competitive positioning, and strengthen its business development and fundraising efforts.

B-cell lymphocytes are white blood cells circulating in the bloodstream: They play a critical role in our fight against infections and cancer. However, B-cell lymphocytes can become cancerous and transform into cancer cells, called lymphomas, which can ultimately lead to death. Most available therapies show efficacy in the early stages of treatment, but unfortunately, 80% of patients become resistant to these therapies, rendering treatments ineffective.

Certain B-cell lymphoma patients that eventually become resistant to conventional therapy express a JAM-C cell surface protein (Junction Adhesion Molecule C). Therefore, blocking JAMC has the potential as a new therapeutic option for patients who no longer respond to conventional treatments.

Abologix has developed a new monoclonal antibody, code-named H225, that blocks the function of JAM-C. In preclinical in vivo animal models, Abologix has shown that treatment with H-225 significantly increases overall survival rates. The antibody has been humanized, and the next steps in its development are advanced preclinical tests and then testing the potential of the molecule in Phase I/IIa clinical trials. The estimated market size for drug-resistant B-cell lymphomas is expected to exceed USD 15 billion in 2025.

Abologix was founded in 2018 by Dr. Ignacio Faus, an experienced pharma and biotech entrepreneur; Dr. Beat Imhof, professor at the University of Geneva and the leading expert in the field of JAM-C biochemistry/immunology; and Dr. Thomas Matthes, a resident physician at the University of Geneva hospital with a specialty in hematological cancers.

“We are extremely happy to have been selected by Venture Kick to receive a CHF 150,000 CHF convertible loan. The funds will be used to advance the development of our asset and for advanced commercial and business development efforts. We are also very thankful to Venture Kick for their coaching and help in building our business case and for all the invaluable assistance received at the two Kickers Camps that we attended,” said Dr. Ignacio Faus, president of Abologix.