With $50M In Seed Financing, Avidicure To Develop Revolutionary Multifunctional Antibody Therapy For Cancer

Avidicure, a biotechnology company focused on developing a new class of multifunctional antibody therapeutics for cancer treatment, has officially launched with a $50 million seed financing round. The funding was led by EQT Life Sciences, with additional participation from Kurma Partners, BioGeneration Ventures, BOM, Curie Capital, and V-Bio Ventures.

The company is pioneering a novel antibody modality known as “AVC-Boosters.” These are dual agonistic, multifunctional, and avidity-engineered antibodies designed to safely provide targeted and potent monotherapy for cancer. AVC-Boosters aim to generate a strong, coordinated immune response by engaging both the innate and adaptive immune systems. This approach is intended to improve upon the capabilities of existing therapies, including first-generation antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, T-cell engagers, and antibody-drug conjugates.

Avidicure’s proprietary technology platform combines decades of experience in antibody engineering, computational protein design, and immunology. The platform’s plug-and-play functionality allows for the development of multiple antibody-based therapeutics. The company’s lead candidate, AVC-S-101, targets TROP2 and is being developed for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer as well as other cancer types.

Arthur Lahr, Chief Executive Officer of Avidicure, said in a statement, “AVC-Boosters have the potential to change the treatment landscape for a wide range of cancers as first-in-class multifunctional antibody products that safely mobilize the full power of the immune system. Our products drive targeted and potent immune responses only in the tumor with reduced toxicity risk. We are eager to build a broad pipeline with our unique platform and progress our lead oncology product, AVC-S-101, into clinical development for solid tumors.”  

Dr. Joern-Peter Halle, former Chief Strategy Officer and Global Head of Research at Merck KGaA and Chairman of Avidicure’s Scientific Advisory Board, mentioned, “Avidicure is taking an entirely new approach with broad clinical potential. Avidicure’s multifunctional antibodies provide a novel treatment modality with a unique, differentiated mode of action. These products are well-positioned to make a significant impact in the treatment of cancer patients.” 

The leadership team at Avidicure brings together deep industry experience in drug discovery, development, and commercialization. The founding team includes Arthur Lahr as Chief Executive Officer, Dirk De Naeyer as Chief Operating Officer, Robert Friesen as Chief Scientific Officer, and Govert Schouten as Chief Business Officer. All four have held senior roles at successful biotech companies such as Crucell, Ablynx, and Kiadis, and were involved in major acquisitions in the European biotech sector.

Avidicure’s Supervisory Board includes well-known industry leaders such as Frank Verwiel, Martijn Kleijwegt, Hunter Smith, and Helen Collins, each with extensive experience across prominent biopharmaceutical companies. The company plans to present preclinical data from its programs at the upcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in April and at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in May.