Nectin Therapeutics Secures $10 Million from GIBF to Propel Immunotherapy

The Guangzhou-Israel Biotechnology Fund (GIBF) has invested $10 million in Nectin Therapeutics, an Israeli biotech startup developing next-generation immunotherapies.

The funding will accelerate the clinical and preclinical development of Nectin’s pioneering immunotherapy products, including progressing its NTX1088 trial and advancing its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) portfolio.

Nectin Therapeutics is pioneering cutting-edge immunotherapies that tackle resistance mechanisms in current cancer treatments. Its portfolio includes a range of innovative monoclonal antibodies and ADCs designed to enhance treatment efficacy and patient outcomes across various cancer types. The investment from GIBF will support ongoing Phase 1 clinical trials of NTX1088, targeting the PVR protein that contributes to tumor immune evasion, and further the development of multiple ADC candidates.

NTX1088, Nectin's lead monoclonal antibody, is already recognized for its potential to disrupt cancer growth by reactivating key immune functions suppressed by tumor cells. This approach promises to improve the effectiveness of existing immune checkpoint inhibitors and positions NTX1088 as a foundational therapy for various solid tumors. Nectin’s comprehensive research into PVR expression aligns with their strategy to develop NTX1088 for use both as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies like KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab).

The latest funding round brings the startup's total funding to $61 million, with it's last round of $25 million completed in 2022. Nectin Therapeutics was founded in 2016 by Pini Tsukerman. Investors in the startup include aMoon, Israel Biotech Fund, and Peregrine Ventures, among others.