Lifordi Immunotherapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing antibody-drug conjugates for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, has secured a strategic investment from Sanofi Ventures along with additional funding from existing backers ARCH Ventures, 5AM Ventures, and Atlas Venture. The latest financing brings the company’s total capital raised to $112 million.
The new funding supports the ongoing Phase 1 clinical study of LFD-200, Lifordi’s lead antibody-drug conjugate being evaluated in rheumatoid arthritis. LFD-200 is designed to deliver a potent glucocorticoid to immune cells while avoiding systemic toxicity. The capital will also support Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls activities to prepare clinical supply for a Phase 2 trial without experiencing delays. As part of the investment, Christopher Gagliardi, Ph.D., Principal at Sanofi Ventures, will join Lifordi’s Board of Directors as an observer.
The company reported that enrollment and dosing in the Phase 1 study are advancing as planned, with initial safety and pharmacodynamic data from healthy participants expected by year’s end. The clinical program includes single- and multiple-ascending-dose components, after which Lifordi plans to study LFD-200 in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Lifordi recently presented new non-clinical data at the American College of Rheumatology 2025 meeting, showing that subcutaneous administration of LFD-200 every 7 days for 13 weeks maintained glucocorticoid exposure in immune cells at clinically relevant doses without evidence of systemic toxicity. The company stated that by enhancing the therapeutic benefits of glucocorticoids while limiting toxicity, LFD-200 could address challenges that have long restricted their long-term use.
In addition to its lead program, Lifordi is progressing a broader pipeline built on its proprietary targeted ADC delivery platform, which has been applied to small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides, and siRNA payloads. The company continues to expand its scientific and strategic collaborations as it accelerates development of immune-modulating therapies.
KEY QUOTES:
“We continue to search for new approaches to improve the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and were intrigued by Lifordi’s targeted ADC approach to deliver glucocorticoids without toxicity.”
Christopher Gagliardi, Ph.D., Principal, Sanofi Ventures
“Sanofi has demonstrated a strong commitment to invest in new treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and we are fortunate to have this support from Chris and the Sanofi Ventures team alongside our current investors to advance LFD-200 and our targeted ADC delivery pipeline for immune-mediated conditions.”
“Enrollment and dosing in our Phase 1 study of LFD-200 in RA is progressing as planned, and we look forward to sharing initial data from healthy participants in the coming months.”
Arthur Tzianabos, Ph.D., President & Chief Executive Officer, Lifordi Immunotherapeutics
“We continue to search for new approaches to improve the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and were intrigued by Lifordi’s targeted ADC approach to deliver glucocorticoids without toxicity.”
“Once we met the team and did our due diligence on the proof-of-concept data in multiple animal models of autoimmune disease together with extensive nonclinical studies, we made the decision to invest in Lifordi now. This enables Sanofi to share our expertise and experiences to help guide LFD-200 through clinical studies and support pipeline development using this approach to deliver other drug payloads, such as ASOs or siRNAs.”
Christopher Gagliardi, Ph.D., Principal, Sanofi Ventures
