Conformation-X Therapeutics Bolts out of Stealth, Securing Over $13.5M in Funding to Propel Its Innovative Immune-Oncology Pipeline
3.4.2024 13:55:00 EEST | Business Wire | Press release
Conformation-X Therapeutics, LLC, an immune-oncology focused drug development company, announced today that it has closed an oversubscribed funding tranche of $3.65M, bringing the total raised since inception to over $13.5M. The company unveiled its lead assets by disclosing successful ex vivo and in vivo proof-of-concept studies for its HHLA2 and IL18BP programs, marking critical milestones in the cancer drug development process.
Drawing inspiration from the fundamental role of protein conformations in disease biology and drug efficacy, Conformation-X applies unparalleled precision to developing novel immune checkpoint inhibitors. The company is creating a comprehensive portfolio of differentiated therapeutics addressing cancer mechanisms that have eluded existing treatments.
“The limitations of current checkpoint therapies are evident, as they don’t fully target the diverse spectrum of mechanisms associated with non-responsiveness and treatment resistance,” said Dr. Ali H. Munawar, CEO of Conformation-X Therapeutics.
Despite the pivotal role of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy, several peer-reviewed clinical studies have shown that the overall response rate across various cancers remains at or below 20%. Patients facing resistance to conventional checkpoint therapies encounter a range of challenges. This includes tumors that inherently possess low immunogenicity, are less likely to trigger an immune response, and immune exclusion, which restricts immune cells from the tumor microenvironment (TME). Moreover, complex genetic landscapes featuring oncogenic drivers and epigenetic modifications further contribute to immune evasion and influence treatment outcomes.
Dr. Munawar added, “We are committed to pioneering alternative therapeutic options for these patients by targeting novel biology and molecular pathways. The successive rounds of funding are a testament to our investors’ confidence in the innovation and rigor behind our efforts.”
The recent capital infusion accelerates the company towards translational studies of its lead asset and facilitates the expansion of its pipeline. The company's pipeline encompasses diverse drug target classes, extending beyond the current landscape of immune checkpoints to include novel soluble and epigenetic checkpoints while continuing to innovate within the B7-family of receptors.
“Achieving selective therapeutic targeting of HHLA2 demonstrates our team’s profound understanding of its intricate structure-function relationship and the critical role that HHLA2 plays in tumor immune evasion. Our work highlights the strength of Conformation-X’s drug discovery platform,” said Dr. Stephen Weeks, Sr. Director of Structural Biology and Biophysics.
About Conformation-X Therapeutics
Conformation-X utilizes a proprietary discovery platform enriched by structural insights to pioneer therapeutics with innovative mechanisms of action. The company is developing a diverse portfolio of immunotherapies that activate both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. The company’s premier preclinical asset includes a potent HHLA2-inhibitor that selectively restores its immune-suppressing effect with application in PD1/PDL1-negative cancers. To learn more visit www.conformationx.com.
Conformation-X Therapeutics is an independent, privately held research & development (R&D) company affiliated with the Pledge Therapeutics discovery platform.
About Pledge Therapeutics
Pledge Therapeutics is headquartered in Greater Boston with a second R&D branch in Leuven, Belgium. Pledge harnesses a state-of-the-art platform that merges structure-based drug design with biophysics, facilitating breakthroughs in the design of treatments for challenging therapeutic targets.
Pledge is grounded in a collaborative ethos, drawing on a network of experienced life sciences entrepreneurs, clinicians, and discovery scientists. Under its management umbrella, Pledge unites two independent biotech ventures: Orthogon Therapeutics, which specializes in antiviral treatments, and Conformation-X, dedicated to advancements in immune-oncology. This integrated model reinforces Pledge’s mission to revolutionize patient care across diverse therapeutic areas. More info on www.pledge-tx.com.
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403623298/en/
Contact information
Media
Ali H. Munawar, Ph.D.
amunawar@conformationx.com
1-339-502-8643
Maria Martin
mmartin@pledge-tx.com
1-339-502-8630
Krishna Kandala
kkandala@pledge-tx.com
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
bet365 Partners with TestMu AI to Accelerate Global Release Velocity with Agentic AI Quality Engineering31.3.2026 20:01:00 EEST | Press release
TestMu AI (Formerly LambdaTest), the world's first full-stack Agentic AI Quality Engineering platform, today announced that Hillside Technology Limited, the technology powerhouse behind global online gambling leader bet365, has adopted its platform to unify software testing and support hundreds of weekly production releases. The global online gaming industry is currently experiencing a massive shift, with the market projected to exceed $150 billion by 2030. As mobile gaming becomes the primary touchpoint for users, the technical complexity of delivering a seamless, low-latency experience has grown exponentially. For industry giants like bet365, the need to validate software across an infinite matrix of hardware, screen resolutions, and OS versions is a mission-critical requirement. This partnership ensures that, as gaming becomes more mobile-centric, bet365 can lead with technical excellence by testing on real-world configurations that mirror its diverse global user base. Founded in 20
IFF Secures First Heart Health Claim for Soy Protein in Australia and New Zealand31.3.2026 17:00:00 EEST | Press release
IFF (NYSE: IFF), a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences announced today that a new heart health claim for isolated soy protein has been accepted by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). The approval enables food and beverage manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand to link soy protein consumption with healthy blood cholesterol levels. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260330523416/en/ First heart health claim approved for soy protein in Australia and New Zealand. “For decades, IFF has invested in the science behind soy protein and its role in supporting cardiovascular health,” said Tony Andrew, vice president of protein solutions for IFF Food Ingredients. “This approved claim validates years of rigorous research and collaboration. With our deep expertise in ingredient science, application and scale, we are well-positioned to help our customers translate th
Andersen Consulting Strengthens Capabilities with Addition of Lukkap31.3.2026 16:30:00 EEST | Press release
Andersen Consulting adds collaborating firm Lukkap, a consultancy focused on experience-driven capabilities aligned with clients’ evolving people, customer, and digital transformation needs. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Spain, Lukkap delivers integrated solutions that help organizations transform how they serve customers, engage employees, and unlock value through behavioral insights and data analytics. The firm’s multidisciplinary approach spans customer journey redesign, high-impact employee experience programs, talent and leadership development, predictive analytics, and comprehensive outplacement and transition services. Lukkap works across sectors — including healthcare, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, retail, finance, and banking — to build human-centered strategies that drive measurable business results. “By combining our experience-led methodology with Andersen Consulting’s global platform, we can accelerate the way organizations approach customer experience,” said Albe
Sub-Q Bionics Closes $1.5M Pre-Seed Round to Advance Next-Generation Solution for Lymphedema Care31.3.2026 16:26:00 EEST | Press release
Sub-Q Bionics, a medical device company developing next-generation solutions to improve care for patients living with lymphedema, today announced the successful close of its $1.5 million pre-seed funding round. The round includes investment from Mayo Clinic and Yeda, the technology transfer company of the Weizmann Institute of Science, as well as several private investors. The Israel Innovation Authority also provided matching funds. The funding will enable Sub-Q Bionics to continue to develop its novel bionic lymph node technology designed to transform how lymphedema is managed, based on scientific innovations from the Weizmann Institute and Shamir Medical Center. The system aims to provide a solution to manage fluid with a subcutaneous implant that will allow patients freedom of movement, automatic fluid management and reduction of symptoms such as pain and swelling. Lymphedema affects millions of patients worldwide, especially breast cancer survivors, and remains significantly under
HTEC Achieves SOC 2 Type II Attestation, Reinforcing Commitment to Client Trust31.3.2026 16:25:00 EEST | Press release
HTECtoday announced that it has successfully achieved a SOC 2 Type II attestation, audited by Deloitte, demonstrating the company’s commitment to maintaining high standards in security, availability, and confidentiality. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260331132225/en/ HTEC today announced that it has successfully achieved a SOC 2 Type II attestation, audited by Deloitte, demonstrating the company’s commitment to maintaining high standards in security, availability, and confidentiality. For clients, this means working with a technology partner whose practices are standardized, consistently executed, and independently verified over time. It reflects a level of operational maturity where security, reliability, and data protection are built into every engagement. Achieving this standard required coordinated effort across the entire organization. Compliance, engineering, delivery, security, IT, legal, and people t
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom