Hong Kong-based Immuno Cure BioTech is at the forefront of medical innovation. From targeting cancer and infectious diseases to combating HIV/AIDS, this Hong Kong startup’s research has the potential to reshape the medical science landscape.
Hong Kong-based startup Immuno Cure BioTech has secured US$12 million in its Series A funding round led by AEF Greater Bay Area Fund, managed by Gobi Partners GBA, adding to a total US$27 million raised. The company, located in Hong Kong Science Park, plans to utilise these funds to advance its research and development of DNA vaccines and immunotherapies for HIV, various cancers, and infectious diseases.
At the forefront of Immuno Cure’s innovative work is their patented “PD-1-enhanced DNA Vaccine Platform” and “Anti-Δ42PD1 Antibody Platform,” and two promising clinical trials for DNA vaccine candidates: ICVAX and ICCOV.
ICVAX, designed as a therapeutic DNA vaccine against HIV/AIDS, aims to induce broadly reactive polyfunctional viral-specific T cells, with the goal of achieving a functional cure for HIV/AIDS. The Phase I clinical trial for ICVAX is already underway in Shenzhen. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involves 45 stable HIV/AIDS patients who are under antiretroviral therapy. The primary focus of the trial is to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of ICVAX.
ICCOV is a preventive COVID-19 DNA vaccine candidate, and has progressed to Phase IIa clinical trials in Hong Kong. The trial, which is an open-label study, is currently evaluating the immunogenicity and safety of ICCOV as a booster vaccine in a group of 60 healthy adult volunteers between the ages of 18 and 75.
Immuno Cure has also achieved significant milestones in its work on the Anti-Δ42PD1 Antibody platform which utilises antibodies that target Δ42PD1, a recently discovered isoformic programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). The focus of this research is to restore the function of killer T cells, a critical type of immune cell responsible for eliminating cancer cells. The potential applications for this platform include the treatment of liver cancer and colorectal cancer.
With the successful completion of the Series A fundraising round, Immuno Cure BioTech is now better equipped to further its research and development efforts in the field of immunotherapies. The company also has plans to prepare for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Hong Kong stock exchange (HKEX).
The future of medical advancements in Hong Kong appears promising, thanks to the ongoing efforts of startups like Immuno Cure BioTech,# are committed to combating life-threatening diseases and improving global health outcomes.
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