On March 3, 2025, Callio Therapeutics, an emerging biotechnology firm, announced the successful completion of a Series A funding round, raising $187 million to propel its innovative multi-payload antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology towards clinical validation. The company was established with the support of Frazier Life Sciences, which led the funding effort, alongside significant contributions from Jeito Capital and other prominent life sciences investors, including Novo Holdings A/S, Omega Funds, ClavystBio, Platanus, Norwest, Pureos Bioventures, SEEDS Capital, and EDBI.
Based in Seattle and Singapore, Callio Therapeutics is set to utilize these funds to advance its lead multi-payload ADC program targeting the HER2 receptor in cancer therapy, alongside another undisclosed ADC program still in development. These cutting-edge therapeutic agents aim to enhance treatment efficacy by delivering multiple payloads directly to cancer cells, which is a significant advancement over existing single-payload therapies.
The company has also secured an exclusive global licensing agreement with Hummingbird Bioscience, which allows Callio access to a comprehensive platform of multi-payload ADC technology and related intellectual property. This partnership is set to further accelerate the development of innovative cancer therapies that can address critical medical needs in the oncology field.
Piers Ingram, PhD, the co-founder and CEO of Callio Therapeutics, expressed enthusiasm about the launch and funding, emphasizing that their multi-payload ADCs hold the potential to deliver cancer-fighting drugs in a more targeted manner, significantly improving clinical outcomes for patients. 'This next generation of ADC therapies could greatly enhance treatment results, addressing substantial unmet medical needs in cancer care,' he stated.
The founding management team at Callio Therapeutics is built upon seasoned professionals from leading biotech and biopharmaceutical companies, boasting extensive experience in the field. Key team members include:
- - Piers Ingram, PhD, Chief Executive Officer
- - Jerome Boyd-Kirkup, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer
- - Naomi Hunder, MD, Chief Medical Officer
- - Angèle Maki, PhD, Chief Commercial Officer
Adam Simpson, Chair of the Board and a venture partner at Frazier Life Sciences, highlighted the critical medical issues that Callio Therapeutics aims to tackle. 'The multi-payload ADCs being developed have the potential to overcome many of the limitations faced by current ADC treatments. With the expertise of the Callio team and its access to innovative technology, we believe Callio Therapeutics is positioned to be a leader in unlocking the clinical benefits of this exciting model of ADC therapies,' he remarked.
Looking ahead, Callio Therapeutics is focused on driving its programs forward to clinical proof-of-concept, with the hope of significantly enhancing therapeutic benefits for cancer patients. The commitment to delivering innovative therapeutic strategies underscores the company's mission to optimize treatment effectiveness through advanced biotechnology solutions.
The story of Callio Therapeutics marks a pivotal moment in the biotechnology sphere, particularly for treatments targeting cancer, where advancements in delivery mechanisms can lead to improved patient outcomes. Their multi-payload ADC approach offers a promising glimpse into the future of cancer therapy, highlighting the ongoing evolution in the fight against this complex disease.
To learn more about Callio Therapeutics and their innovative initiatives, you can visit their website at www.calliotx.com, and follow them on LinkedIn for updates and information about their progress in developing cutting-edge cancer therapies.