Boston Biotech Bambusa Therapeutics Secures $90M for Next-Gen Bispecific Antibodies

Bambusa Therapeutics, a Boston-based biotech startup, has successfully raised $90 million in a Series A funding round to advance its pipeline of next-generation bispecific antibodies targeting immunological and inflammatory (I&I) conditions. The oversubscribed financing, led by new investor RA Capital Management, marks a significant milestone for the company as it aims to revolutionize treatments in dermatology, respiratory, and gastroenterology fields.

Funding Details and Investor Interest

The Series A round attracted a roster of prominent investors, including Janus Henderson Investors, Redmile Group, Invus, and ADAR1 Capital Management, alongside other unnamed existing investors. This substantial influx of capital follows a $15 million seed financing that closed in September 2024, co-led by BVF Partners and KKR's Dawn Biopharma, with participation from Salvia GmbH and INCE Capital.

Derek DiRocco, Ph.D., partner at RA Capital, expressed confidence in Bambusa's approach, stating, "The next wave of therapeutics for patients with I&I disorders will be both more efficacious and convenient than currently available options. The Bambusa Therapeutics pipeline fits this profile, as their half-life extended bispecific antibodies were designed to target complementary disease-driving signaling pathways, affording the potential for a best-in-disease profile for patients."

Pipeline Progress and Clinical Developments

Bambusa's lead candidate, BBT001, is currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials. The bispecific antibody is designed to challenge and potentially replace current standard-of-care treatments across various undisclosed dermatological conditions.

The company has also completed preclinical studies for its second candidate, BBT002, positioning it for potential FDA approval to initiate human trials. This bispecific antibody is being developed with applications spanning respiratory, dermatology, and gastroenterology areas.

Two additional earlier-stage candidates, BBT003 and BBT004, are in the pipeline, targeting inflammatory bowel diseases and rheumatological indications, respectively. The newly secured funds will support the advancement of lead programs through Phase 1 clinical trials, potentially accelerating the development of these novel therapeutics.

Leadership and Company Growth

Founded in May 2024, Bambusa Therapeutics has experienced rapid growth under the leadership of founder and CEO Shanshan Xu, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Xu brings valuable experience from previous leadership roles at BioNTech and Berenberg Capital Markets. The company's swift progress from inception to significant funding rounds in less than a year underscores the industry's enthusiasm for its innovative approach to bispecific antibodies in the I&I space.

As Bambusa Therapeutics continues to expand its operations and advance its pipeline, the pharmaceutical industry will be watching closely to see how these next-generation bispecific antibodies perform in addressing unmet needs in immunological and inflammatory conditions.