On Wednesday, Tr1X, a San Diego-based biotech, made a significant entrance into the biopharmaceutical landscape, revealing its emergence from stealth mode along with an impressive $75 million in Series A funding. The funding round, spearheaded by The Column Group and featuring participation from Alexandria Ventures and NEVA SGR, positions Tr1X to advance allogeneic engineered Treg and CAR-Treg cell therapies into clinical trials, targeting major autoimmune diseases.
Leadership and Experience
Tr1X will be led by seasoned CEO William Lis, boasting over 25 years of experience in the biotech industry. Lis previously served as the interim CEO of Jasper Therapeutics from 2019 to 2022 and held the position of CEO at Portola Therapeutics from 2008 to 2018.
Innovative Therapeutics: Engineered Type 1 Regulatory T (Tr1) Cells
Tr1X introduces what it claims to be the first engineered Type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) therapeutics derived from universal donors. These cells aim to replicate the function of naturally occurring Tr1 cells, which play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and tolerance in healthy individuals. Tr1 cells are known for suppressing inflammation and repressing pathogenic effector T cell responses. Tr1X’s products leverage these properties to benefit patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Proprietary Technology for Targeted Therapies
Tr1X emphasizes its proprietary technology that enables the conversion of CD4+T cells from healthy donors, which are then engineered to target specific tissues or organs. The versatility of this approach positions Tr1X to develop investigational cell therapies with a broad range of applications.
Pipeline and Clinical Trials
The company’s first investigational cell therapy, TRX103, is scheduled to enter a Phase I trial in 2024. This therapy aims to prevent Graft versus Host Disease in patients undergoing mismatched hematopoietic stem cell transplants. Tr1X envisions expanding its programs to include Type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases, with expectations of initiating Phase I clinical trials in multiple indications by 2024.
Scientific Foundation
Tr1X’s scientific foundation is rooted in the work of its scientific founder, Maria Grazia Roncarolo. Roncarolo, who will also serve as the president and head of R&D as well as a director at the company, expressed the significance of Tr1 cells in developing ‘immune reset’ products. The company’s dual targeting approach, addressing both pathogenic T and B cells, holds promise for a wide range of indications.
Conclusion: A Thriving 2024 for Emerging Biotechs
Tr1X’s entrance into the public eye aligns with a trend seen in 2024, where smaller biotechs are securing substantial funding and making significant strides. With a well-defined strategy, experienced leadership, and a focus on innovative cell therapies, Tr1X stands poised to contribute to the evolving landscape of biopharmaceuticals and immune-based therapeutics.