Biotech firm Kivu Bioscience has secured $92 million in Series A funding, led by Novo Holdings, with additional participation from Gimv, Red Tree Venture Capital, HealthCap, BioGeneration Ventures, M Ventures, and BOM. The investment will support Kivu’s efforts to develop next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) aimed at improving cancer treatment by minimizing side effects and increasing therapeutic precision.
“We’re thrilled to partner with investors who share our vision for advancing safer and more effective ADC therapies for cancer patients,” said Mohit Trikha, Ph.D., President and COO of Kivu Bioscience. The company’s next-gen ADCs leverage Synaffix’s proprietary site-specific linker-payload technology to create highly stable and precise therapeutics that reduce off-target effects.
Using GlycoConnect™ technology, Kivu’s ADCs maintain stability by coupling linkers to asparagine-297, producing a homogeneous, clean product that minimizes unwanted side effects. This refined approach addresses issues with existing ADCs, expanding their therapeutic window and enhancing tolerability for patients with solid tumors.
Novo Holdings’ Partner Daniel O’Connell, M.D., Ph.D., praised Kivu’s approach, noting, “ADCs have great potential for treating cancer, but stability has been a barrier. Kivu’s technology and leadership team are well-positioned to revolutionize this space.” Kivu’s assets, currently in late-stage preclinical development, will enter Phase 1 trials in 2025, marking a significant step forward in bringing targeted, safer cancer therapies to the clinic.
