Novel Approach to Treat Late-Stage and Metastatic Cancers
SEATTLE, WA, – March 16, 2022, KayoThera, Inc. (“KayoThera”), an early-stage therapeutics company developing novel cancer immunotherapies, today announces the closing of an $8 million Series A round of financing. The financing was led by Accelerator Life Science Partners (“ALSP”) with participation from BioAdvance and 7G Bioventures. KayoThera will focus its therapeutic development efforts on its lead oncology program to further advance the technology towards a product that will benefit patients with late-stage and metastatic cancers.
“KayoThera is developing a paradigm-shifting cancer immunotherapy that has significant clinical and commercial potential,” said Ken Mohler, PhD, Chief Development Officer at ALSP. “We believe that this Series A investment will provide the financial resources to rapidly advance the company’s development program towards the clinic, which will open the door to an exciting new therapeutic approach.”
KayoThera’s science is based on research conducted by Mark Esposito, PhD and Yibin Kang, PhD at Princeton University. Dr. Kang, a Warner-Lambert/Parke-Davis Professor of Molecular Biology, and Dr. Esposito, a postdoctoral research associate in the Kang lab, co-founded KayoThera in 2019 to pursue the development of therapies based on their research.
“KayoThera is founded on a deep understanding of the underlying biology of metastatic cancers. We have identified and validated a family of key enzymes that can be targeted with novel small molecule inhibitors to treat advanced cancers,” described Dr. Kang.
Dr. Esposito will continue at KayoThera as Vice President of Research and Development and Dr. Kang will serve as the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board. “We are extremely excited about the investment by ALSP, and the opportunity to work with a partner that provides exceptional drug development experience and resources which will be critical to the success of KayoThera,” stated Dr. Esposito, Co-Founder of KayoThera.
About KayoThera Inc
KayoThera, Inc. is an early-stage therapeutics company focused on the development of a new class of cancer immunotherapeutics. KayoThera is developing therapies to treat late-stage and metastatic cancers including breast, lung, pancreatic, colorectal, brain, and kidney cancers. Based on discoveries from Dr. Mark Esposito’s post-doctoral research in Princeton University and professor Yibin Kang, PhD. The company was initially funded by Foundation Venture Capital Group (FVCG). For more information, visit www.kayothera.com.
About Accelerator Life Science Partners
Accelerator Life Science Partners is an early-stage life science accelerator and investment firm that creates and builds next generation biotechnology companies centered on innovative science. ALSP catalyzes the development and commercialization of breakthrough biotechnology innovations by providing a holistic toolkit and leveraging its network and entrepreneurial expertise to accelerate the establishment and operation of early-stage biotechnology companies. ALSP’s portfolio companies are backed by some of the world’s leading life science investors and are comprised of industry-leading, transformative companies, including Petra Pharma (acquired by a global pharmaceutical company), Rodeo Therapeutics (acquired by Amgen Inc.) and Lodo Therapeutics (acquired by Zymergen). For more information, please visit www.acceleratorlsp.com.
About BioAdvance
BioAdvance is a $70 million early-stage life sciences fund with a focus in the mid-Atlantic region, investing up to $1.5 million initially and up to $5 million over the lifetime of companies that have the potential to improve human health. Since making its first investments in 2003, BioAdvance has committed more than $50 million in funding to approximately 100 organizations developing more than 160 products in the therapeutics, medtech, diagnostics, research tools and digital health sectors. BioAdvance portfolio companies have leveraged $3.7 billion in subsequent capital, including proceeds from acquisitions. Eleven products have received FDA approval. For more information, please visit www.bioadvance.com.
About 7G BioVentures
7G BioVentures is a venture fund focusing on first in class life science innovations in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Led by partners with decades of domain expertise and strong track records, we empower top scientists, clinicians, and entrepreneurs to translate breakthrough discoveries into lifesaving products. To our portfolio companies, our long-term commitment of capital and resources usually initiates at seed/startup stage.
Contact
Jessica Burback
Email: jburback@acceleratorlsp.com
Phone: 206-957-7302