Orthogon Therapeutics LLC

The company announced an oversubscribed recent funding boost toward the preclinical development of its HHLA2 and IL18BP programs CANTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Conformation-X Therapeutics, LLC, an immune-oncology focused drug development company, announced today that it has closed an oversubscribed funding tranche of $3.65M, bringing the total raised since inception to over $13.5M. The company unveiled its lead assets by disclosing successful ex vivo and in vivo proof-of-concept studies for its HHLA2 and IL18BP programs, marking critical milestones in the cancer drug development process. Drawing inspiration from the fundamental role of protein conformations in disease biology and drug efficacy, Conformation-X applies unparalleled precision to developing novel immune checkpoint inhibitors. The company is creating a comprehensive portfolio of differentiated therapeutics addressing cancer mechanisms that have eluded existing treatments. “The limitations of current checkpoint therapies are evident, as they don’t fully target the diverse spectrum of mechanisms associated with non-responsiveness and treatment resistance,” said Dr. Ali H. Munawar, CEO of Conformation-X Therapeutics. Despite the pivotal role of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy, several peer-reviewed clinical studies have shown that the overall response rate across various cancers remains at or below 20%. Patients facing resistance to conventional checkpoint therapies encounter a range of challenges. This includes tumors that inherently possess low immunogenicity, are less likely to trigger an immune response, and immune exclusion, which restricts immune cells from the tumor microenvironment (TME). Moreover, complex genetic landscapes featuring oncogenic drivers and epigenetic modifications further contribute to immune evasion and influence treatment outcomes. Dr. Munawar added, “We are committed to pioneering alternative therapeutic options for these patients by targeting novel biology and molecular pathways. The successive rounds of funding are a testament to our investors’ confidence in the innovation and rigor behind our efforts.” The recent capital infusion accelerates the company towards translational studies of its lead asset and facilitates the expansion of its pipeline. The company's pipeline encompasses diverse drug target classes, extending beyond the current landscape of immune checkpoints to include novel soluble and epigenetic checkpoints while continuing to innovate within the B7-family of receptors. “Achieving selective therapeutic targeting of HHLA2 demonstrates our team’s profound understanding of its intricate structure-function relationship and the critical role that HHLA2 plays in tumor immune evasion. Our work highlights the strength of Conformation-X’s drug discovery platform,” said Dr. Stephen Weeks, Sr. Director of Structural Biology and Biophysics. About Conformation-X Therapeutics Conformation-X utilizes a proprietary discovery platform enriched by structural insights to pioneer therapeutics with innovative mechanisms of action. The company is developing a diverse portfolio of immunotherapies that activate both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. The company’s premier preclinical asset includes a potent HHLA2-inhibitor that selectively restores its immune-suppressing effect with application in PD1/PDL1-negative cancers. To learn more visit . Conformation-X Therapeutics is an independent, privately held research & development (R&D) company affiliated with the Pledge Therapeutics discovery platform. About Pledge Therapeutics Pledge Therapeutics is headquartered in Greater Boston with a second R&D branch in Leuven, Belgium. Pledge harnesses a state-of-the-art platform that merges structure-based drug design with biophysics, facilitating breakthroughs in the design of treatments for challenging therapeutic targets. Pledge is grounded in a collaborative ethos, drawing on a network of experienced life sciences entrepreneurs, clinicians, and discovery scientists. Under its management umbrella, Pledge unites two independent biotech ventures: Orthogon Therapeutics, which specializes in antiviral treatments, and Conformation-X, dedicated to advancements in immune-oncology. This integrated model reinforces Pledge’s mission to revolutionize patient care across diverse therapeutic areas. More info on . View source version on businesswire.com: Contacts Media Ali H. Munawar, Ph.D. amunawar@conformationx.com 1-339-502-8643 Maria Martin mmartin@pledge-tx.com 1-339-502-8630 Krishna Kandala kkandala@pledge-tx.com Source: Conformation-X Therapeutics, LLC View this news release online at:

The Company announced the development of the first antiviral to combat BK virus, one of the most common viral infections in transplant patients CANTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Orthogon Therapeutics LLC, a trailblazer in the field of antiviral therapeutics, today announced a dual victory. Orthogon’s lead molecule has successfully completed acute toxicity studies, marking a pivotal technical milestone that has unlocked an additional $3M from its dedicated syndicate of healthcare investors. This wraps up a $6M financing over the past year and brings Orthogon's total raise to a formidable $18.5M. "We're celebrating this scientific achievement as much as this new funding," said Dr. Ali H. Munawar, CEO of Orthogon Therapeutics. "Our team's unwavering efforts and ingenuity have led us to these important wins. These achievements bring us one step closer to delivering the first-ever treatment for BK virus." Dr. Munawar added, “The real breakthrough in truly preventing, managing, and treating BK virus will come with a versatile, small molecule that targets BK virus at the site of replication. One that offers dosing flexibility in both at-risk patients and those already experiencing BK virus reactivation. This therapeutic option is non-existent, but the landscape is about to be transformed.” BK virus presents a substantial threat to immunocompromised patients, especially transplant recipients. With no current treatment options available, Orthogon’s groundbreaking work is poised to deliver a first-of-its-kind solution. “Once again, our backers have demonstrated their belief in our technology platform and in our mission to develop innovative treatment options for transplant patients,” remarked Dr. Munawar. This development serves as a major catalyst, propelling Orthogon’s pioneering drug candidate into pre-IND studies and moving it closer to the clinic. About Orthogon Therapeutics: Orthogon Therapeutics, LLC is a privately held R&D firm headquartered in the biotech hub of Greater Boston with a branch in Leuven, Belgium. Orthogon wields an innovative structure-based and biophysics platform for the design of novel medicines. About BK and polyomaviruses: BK virus (BKV), a member of the polyomavirus family, establishes a life-long, persistent yet silent infection in over 80% of healthy adults. BK virus reactivation is seen in the kidneys of nearly half of all solid organ and stem cell transplant patients, leading to severe complications and graft loss.