China-based IASO Biotherapeutics has announced the completion of a nearly RMB 500 million (USD 73.7 million) Series C1 funding round. The round was led by Shanghai Guoxin Investment & Development, Efung Capital, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group, Nanjing Jiangbei New Area State-owned Asset Management, Housen Care Brothers, and Hongcheng Investment, among a total of 11 investors. The proceeds will be used to advance the research and development of IASO Bio’s pipeline products and support the commercial launch of its core product, Equecabtagene Autoleucel (CT103A).
Company Background and Pipeline
IASO Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel cell therapies for oncology and autoimmune diseases. Leveraging its proprietary fully human antibody discovery platform (IMARS), high-throughput chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) drug screening platform, and proprietary manufacturing processes, IASO Bio is developing a rich clinical-stage pipeline of multiple autologous and allogeneic CAR-T and biologics product candidates. The company’s pipeline includes over 10 novel products, with its leading asset being Equecabtagene Autoleucel (CT103A), a fully human BCMA CAR-T injection.
Regulatory Milestones and Partnerships
Equecabtagene Autoleucel received New Drug Application (NDA) acceptance from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (r/r MM) and obtained Investigational New Drug (IND) approval from the US FDA. The company also received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the NMPA in February 2021 and Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the FDA in February 2022. In addition to multiple myeloma, the NMPA has accepted its IND application for the new extended indication of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD).
Global Collaboration and Future Outlook
IASO Bio aims to be the partner of choice globally by collaborating with innovative companies in the field. The company has signed licensing or research agreements with overseas cell-therapy companies such as Sana Biotechnology, Cabaletta Bio, and Umoja Biopharma, leveraging its clinically validated fully human CAR constructs or sequences to explore the development of next-generation cell-therapy products. This strategic approach positions IASO Bio to advance its pipeline and address significant unmet medical needs in oncology and autoimmune diseases.-Fineline Info & Tech
