Targeting inflammatory diseases, company gears up for trials of in-licensed OX40L and TNF alpha inhibitor.
US biotech Navigator Medicines has announced the completion of a $100 million Series A financing to advance biologics for targeted immune regulation and restoration. The funding, co-led by RA Capital Management and Forbion, will support the development of NAV-240, an antibody currently in Phase 1 clinical development for treating complex autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Navigator acquired an in-licensing agreement for NAV-240 and a broader portfolio of antibodies from IMBiologics, a Korean biotech focused on the development of “immunomodulatory biologics.”
NAV-240, originally known as IMB101, targets two key proteins, OX40L and TNF alpha, both of which play critical roles in the progression of inflammatory diseases. Indeed, TNF alpha is strongly linked to age-related chronic inflammation, and conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, sarcopenia and neurodegeneration. By targeting both OX40L and TNF alpha signaling pathways simultaneously, NAV-240 aims to surpass the efficacy of existing monotherapies for patients with heterogenous, complex conditions.
The new funding will be used to accelerate the clinical development of NAV-240 and will also bolster development of Navigator’s broader pipeline of antibodies. The company has appointed Dr Dana McClintock as Chief Medical Officer, who will play a pivotal role in advancing NAV-240 through clinical trials.
“NAV-240 has the potential to make an impact on patients living with autoimmune diseases, and our Series A funding will be pivotal in accelerating its development alongside other exciting programs within our pipeline,” said McClintock. “We look forward to initiating additional clinical studies with NAV-240 in the coming months and delivering on our commitment to innovation that enhances patient care.”
Founded this year as a subsidiary of RA Capital Management affiliate Sera Medicines, Navigator also announced new board members, including Wouter Joustra of Forbion and Andrew Levin of RA Capital.
