Granite Bio Launches with $100M to Advance Novel Antibody Therapies for Autoimmune Diseases

Granite Bio, a new player in the immunology and inflammation space, has emerged from stealth mode with $100 million in funding to develop innovative antibody treatments for autoimmune conditions. The Swiss-based biotech, backed by heavyweight investors including Versant Ventures, Novartis Venture Fund, Forbion, and Sanofi Ventures, aims to pioneer a new approach to tackling inflammation, autoimmunity, and fibrosis by addressing fundamental disease drivers at their source.

Two Lead Candidates Target Key Players in Inflammatory Cascade

Granite's pipeline is anchored by two potentially first-in-class antibody therapies. The first, GRT-001, is designed to target and deplete pro-inflammatory monocytes, which play a crucial role in the inflammatory cascade. Currently in Phase Ia testing with healthy volunteers, GRT-001 has shown promise in previous studies, demonstrating safety, tolerability, and efficient, dose-dependent lowering of pro-inflammatory monocytes while sparing tissue-resident macrophages. The company plans to advance GRT-001 into a Phase Ib trial for inflammatory bowel disease later this year.

The second lead asset, GRT-002, targets the IL-3 cytokine, which is involved in autoimmune inflammation and type II inflammation. Still in preclinical testing, GRT-002 is being developed for itch and allergies, with clinical trials planned for 2026. Granite CEO Patrick Loustau stated that these assets represent a new approach to tackling inflammation, autoimmunity, and fibrosis by addressing fundamental disease drivers at their source.

Experienced Leadership Team and Strong Investor Support

Granite Bio has assembled a leadership team with extensive industry experience. Joining CEO Patrick Loustau are Chief Medical Officer Dominik Hartl, an alumnus of Novartis and Roche, and Chief Scientific Officer Gijs van den Brink, who previously worked at Roche and GSK.

The company's $100 million in funding consists of a $30 million Series A round led by Versant Ventures and Novartis Venture Fund, followed by a $70 million Series B financing led by Forbion and Sanofi Ventures. This substantial financial backing positions Granite Bio to compete in the crowded immunology and inflammation space, which has seen significant investment and activity in recent years.

Broader Context: Immunology Investment Surge and Competitive Landscape

Granite Bio's launch comes amid a surge in immunology investments, which more than doubled to approximately $3.1 billion in 2024 among prominent venture firms tracked by industry analysts. The trend appears to be continuing in 2025, with about $1 billion raised so far.

The company joins a growing roster of startups focused on novel approaches to treating autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Other recent entrants include Helicore, which debuted in January with $65 million to develop a GIP-targeting monoclonal antibody for obesity, and Ouro Medicines, backed by GSK, which is developing T cell engagers for chronic immunological disorders.

As Granite Bio enters the competitive immunology and inflammation arena, its focus on targeting crucial players in the inflammatory cascade, combined with strong financial backing and experienced leadership, positions the company as a potentially significant contributor to the next generation of autoimmune disease treatments.