Umoja Biopharma has successfully raised $100 million in a series C funding round, aimed at expanding its pipeline of cell therapies for cancer treatment. The company's focus is on developing groundbreaking in vivo CAR T-cell therapies, particularly with UB-VV400, an innovative multidomain fusion protein. This investment will support clinical trials and further research into both oncology and autoimmune conditions. Additionally, Umoja continues to progress its preclinical candidate, UB-VV111, in collaboration with AbbVie, while also advancing its only clinical-stage asset, UB-TT170, which targets solid tumors.

Advancing In Vivo CAR T-Cell Therapy

The recent influx of capital will primarily propel the development of UB-VV400, a novel off-the-shelf lentiviral vector engineered to produce CD22-directed CAR T cells within the patient’s body. This approach aims to simplify and enhance the effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapy by eliminating the need for ex vivo manipulation. The funds will enable Umoja to initiate multiple clinical studies across various oncology and autoimmune diseases, marking a significant milestone in the field of immunotherapy.

UB-VV400 represents a revolutionary advancement in cancer treatment, leveraging Umoja’s proprietary VivoVec platform. By generating CAR T cells inside the patient, this method promises to reduce barriers and improve access to life-saving therapies. The technology's ability to address multiple disease areas underscores its potential to transform patient outcomes. With the backing of this substantial investment, Umoja is poised to lead the way in developing more efficient and accessible CAR T-cell therapies, ultimately benefiting a broader patient population.

Building on Previous Successes and Partnerships

Beyond UB-VV400, Umoja is also making strides with UB-VV111, a preclinical CAR T-cell therapy targeting blood cancers. Developed through a collaboration with AbbVie, this candidate focuses on CD19, a key marker in hematological malignancies. The company’s continued growth and innovation are supported by strong partnerships and significant financial backing, including a previous raise of $210 million in 2021. These resources have enabled Umoja to expand its research and move closer to clinical trials.

Since its inception in 2020, Umoja has rapidly established itself as a leader in next-generation immunotherapies. The company’s mission to push beyond current limitations in cancer treatment has attracted support from leading investors such as Double Point Ventures and DCVC Bio. CEO Andrew Scharenberg expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the potential to increase the effectiveness and accessibility of CAR T-cell therapies. With this latest funding, Umoja is well-positioned to deliver on its promise of transformative medical advancements, bringing hope to patients worldwide.