Forbius is a clinical-stage protein engineering company focused on the TGF-beta and EGFR pathways to develop biotherapeutics for fibrosis and cancer. Its lead program, AVID200, is a first-in-class selective inhibitor of TGF-beta isoforms 1 and 3 designed to spare TGF-beta 2 to improve safety. AVID200 is undergoing clinical testing: the Phase 1a solid tumor (AVID200-03) trial fully enrolled 15 patients across 5, 15 and 30 mg/kg dose cohorts given once every three weeks, with pharmacokinetics and target engagement evaluated. The company also has an EGFR-targeting program, AVID100, an anti-EGFR antibody-drug conjugate currently in Phase 2a for EGFR-overexpressing solid tumors. Forbius reports that its proprietary platform has produced TGF-beta inhibitors with potent, selective activity in preclinical models and favorable toxicology profiles. The recently completed Series C financing is intended to fund operations into 2021 and advance AVID200 through its clinical proof-of-principle program. The company listed Austin, Texas and Montreal in its release. Forbius (Formation Biologics) is a clinical-stage company that designs and develops biotherapeutics to treat cancer and fibrotic diseases, with particular expertise targeting the TGF-β and EGFR pathways. Its lead program, AVID100, is a highly potent anti-EGFR antibody-drug conjugate that completed a Phase 1 clinical trial and showed a compelling profile in preclinical and early clinical studies. The company plans to initiate three Phase 2a trials of AVID100 in breast cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for patients with confirmed EGFR overexpression. Forbius received a Product Development grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to support operations, additional preclinical and translational research, manufacturing, personnel, and clinical development. Acceptance of the award is subject to completion of contract negotiations. Management indicated dosing in the Phase 2a trials will commence later this year.

Total raised

$19M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Grant

Latest activity

Aug 2018