Fortitude Biomedicines has launched following the close of a $13 million seed financing round to advance antibody-based therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancer. The round was co-led by K2 Bio Partners, Shanghai Healthcare Angel Capital (SHAC), and Elikon Venture, with additional participation from Everjoy Fortune and Taihill Venture.
The company is developing two core technology thrusts: immune cell-targeting biologics and an antibody–drug conjugate platform called GLUE-DAC, which pairs antibody targeting with proprietary molecular glue payloads that enable targeted protein degradation. Fortitude said proceeds from the seed round will support its lead immune cell targeting biologic program through IND-enabling studies, while also advancing additional oncology and autoimmune programs using its GLUE-DAC drug discovery engine.
GLUE-DAC was originally developed in Professor Jin Wang’s research laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine. Fortitude positions the platform as a next-generation ADC approach intended to potentially expand the therapeutic window, address resistance mechanisms that can limit current ADCs, and open up new therapeutic target space.
Fortitude was co-founded by Jesse Chen, Ph.D., and Jin Wang, Ph.D. Chen, a serial entrepreneur who previously co-founded TRIANA Biomedicines and Avilar Therapeutics, will serve as President and CEO, leading research and business operations. Wang serves as Director at the Center for NexGen Therapeutics and is the Michael E. DeBakey, M.D. Endowed Professor in Pharmacology at Baylor College of Medicine.
The company’s board includes independent Chair Tim Noyes, President and CEO of Newleos Therapeutics, and institutional director Yunhai Wang, Ph.D., Managing Partner at K2 Bio Partners. Fortitude is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, and describes itself as building a differentiated pipeline of biologics and ADCs for patients with high unmet medical needs.
KEY QUOTES
“Fortitude is at the forefront of a new era in therapeutic innovation. With proprietary antibody-based technology, we are unlocking the ability to precisely target diseases while engaging the body’s own biology in powerful, transformative ways.”
“GLUE-DAC is a powerful modality that aims to redefine precision medicines and bring new hope to patients.”
Dr. Jesse Chen, President and CEO, Fortitude Biomedicines
“Resistance is increasingly emerging as a challenge in the current ADC therapeutic landscape. The field urgently needs payloads with distinct mechanisms of action. GLUE-DAC technology meets this unmet need by combining the validated delivery capabilities of antibodies with the transformative potential of targeted protein degradation.”
“I am thrilled to work with Fortitude to advance their novel platform and be part of their mission to deliver a new generation of effective therapies for patients.”
Dr. Jin Wang, Professor in Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine
“Fortitude Biomedicines is dedicated to developing next-generation biologics and ADC technology for immunotherapy and oncology therapy. The founding team brings a strong global perspective, with deep expertise and a proven track record across translational research, drug development, and clinical execution. K2 Bio Partners has been conducting systematic research in the immunotherapy and oncology space and highly recognizes Fortitude’s scientific vision, differentiated technology approach, and leading position in this field.”
“We believe that Fortitude has the potential to become a leading international enterprise in immunotherapy and oncology treatment. We look forward to working closely with the company to accelerate the development of its pipeline and bring benefits to patients worldwide.”
Dr. Yunhai Wang, Managing Partner, K2 Bio Partners
“Fortitude employs a unique platform to develop novel payloads for antibody-drug conjugates, addressing resistance seen with conventional ADCs and extending this modality to autoimmune diseases, which is a meaningful and transformative effort for the current therapeutic landscape.”
“With the seasoned team led by Dr. Chen, we are highly confident in advancing the development of potential life-changing therapies.”
Samuel Guo, Partner, SHAC
