PAQ Therapeutics Secures $39 Million Funding and Launches Innovative Phase 1 Trial for KRAS-Driven Cancers
PAQ Therapeutics Secures Significant Funding
On May 7, 2025, PAQ Therapeutics, a cutting-edge biotech firm, announced successful closing of a $39 million Series B financing round. This funding marks a pivotal moment for the company as it progresses toward clinical trials aimed at addressing KRAS-driven cancers, which represent a significant area of unmet medical need. The financing round was notably co-led by MRL Ventures Fund (MRLV) and Bayland Capital, with several other investors joining, including Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LAV Fund, BioTrack Capital, and Sherpa Health Partners.
In tandem with this financial milestone, the company has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for PT0253, its leading KRAS G12D degrader candidate. This compound has shown considerable promise in preclinical studies, highlighting its potential as a best-in-class therapeutic targeting this notorious mutation associated with a range of relentless solid tumors.
Insights from Leadership
Dr. Nan Ji, the co-founder and CEO of PAQ Therapeutics, expressed optimism regarding the completed financing and the rapid enrolment of patients in the trial. He stated, “The successful completion of our Series B funding and rapid enrollment of our Phase 1 trial in the US for PT0253 mark significant steps forward in our clinical development efforts.” His enthusiasm underscores how these developments not only validate PAQ’s innovative strategies but also indicate a strong investor confidence in its mission to tackle some of the most challenging cancers.
In addition to supporting the ongoing clinical trials for PT0253, the funds will further assist in advancing PAQ's second asset, which is set to undergo IND-enabling studies. This shows the company’s proactive approach to expanding its therapeutic pipeline and thereby maximizing its impact in oncology.
Investor Confidence
Leading figures from partnering ventures have expressed robust support for PAQ. Olga Danilchanka from MRLV highlighted the unique opportunity presented by PAQ to develop groundbreaking therapies for oncology patients suffering from high unmet needs. “We’re confident in PAQ’s ability to unlock the full potential of KRAS degraders and are proud to support their journey toward achieving clinical impact,” she noted.
The sentiment echoed from Yuexing Su of Bayland Capital reiterates the strong scientific foundation and leadership team at PAQ, which made the investment highly appealing. As the clinic's first patient was dosed in 2025, anticipation builds around the results and safety data that will emerge from this initial trial phase.
About PAQ Therapeutics
Founded in 2020, PAQ Therapeutics has rapidly positioned itself as a notable player in the biotechnology landscape, especially focusing on KRAS-related malignancies. Through dedicated research over the past three years, the company has developed an extensive proprietary understanding of KRAS biology that informs its drug development efforts. The initiatives of PAQ Therapeutics not only strive to improve outcomes for patients currently maintaining poor prognoses but potentially redefine treatment options available in oncology.
The company completed a $30 million Series A financing earlier in 2021, paving the way for this more significant investment. As they continue to navigate the complexities of drug development, PAQ remains set on its goal to address critical limitations that have historically impeded effective treatment of KRAS mutations.
As PAQ Therapeutics embarks on this next chapter, stakeholders watch closely as the company advances its clinical programs and potentially ushers in a new era of therapeutic options for patients living with deadly cancers. The interplay of strong funding, innovative drug design, and strategic clinical trials is bringing hope to many who have been underserved in oncology treatment pathways.