Leukogene Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation therapies for hematologic and other immunologically “cold” malignancies, announced that it has received strategic funding from the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) and its investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc. The investment will be used to advance the company’s immunotherapy programs toward clinical development and to strengthen its position as a leader in cancer therapeutics.
The funding marks a significant milestone for Leukogene as it continues building its research and development infrastructure in South Carolina. The company is focused on bringing transformative therapies to patients with hard-to-treat cancers by leveraging its proprietary M2T technology platform.
Leukogene’s M2T platform is a recombinant, high-affinity Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II (MHCII) binding protein conjugated to tumor-associated antigens. It functions as an antigen-presenting cell (APC) engager that directly stimulates MHCII, triggering robust T and B cell responses against selected antigens. The company’s lead programs include LTI-214 (M2T-CD33) for hematological cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and LTI-002 for solid tumors, including pancreatic and ovarian cancers. Leukogene expects to begin first-in-human clinical evaluation of LTI-214 in AML in the near future.
SCRA, which is chartered by the State of South Carolina, operates as a public non-profit corporation dedicated to fueling the state’s innovation economy through support of academic, startup, and industry-based enterprises. SC Launch Inc., SCRA’s independent investment affiliate, provides convertible loans and equity investments to qualifying technology companies that are SCRA members.
The partnership between Leukogene and SCRA reflects a broader effort to bolster biotechnology innovation within South Carolina, particularly in the field of oncology. The investment not only validates Leukogene’s scientific approach but also strengthens the state’s growing reputation as a hub for biotech research and development.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are honored to receive this strategic funding from SCRA and SC Launch Inc. It will allow us to advance our programs toward the clinic, strengthen our position as a leader in developing next-generation cancer therapeutics and continue building a world-class biotech company right here in South Carolina.”
Dr. Sandeep Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Leukogene Therapeutics
“This investment represents a strong validation of our vision and science and enables us to accelerate our mission of bringing transformative therapies to patients with hard-to-treat cancers.”
Dr. Nathan Dolloff, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Leukogene Therapeutics
“Leukogene Therapeutics exemplifies the kind of innovative, high-growth company that SCRA and SC Launch Inc. were designed to support. Their groundbreaking immunotherapy platform and strong leadership team are well-positioned to make a lasting impact in oncology and the broader biotech sector. We are proud to partner with them as they advance toward clinical development.”
Matt Bell, Executive Director, SC Launch Inc.
