Janux is a preclinical biotech developing next‑generation bispecific T cell engagers that remain inert in circulation and activate at the tumor site via its proprietary TRACTr (Tumor Activated T Cell Engager) technology. In mouse studies the company reported anti‑tumor activity comparable to conventional T cell engagers with reduced cytokine release, and in monkey studies dosing sustained drug levels for longer than two weeks versus hours for standard T cell engagers. Janux has disclosed initial targets for its own programs—PSMA, EGFR, and TROP2—and aims for once‑a‑week dosing. The company has an exclusive research pact with Merck, under which Janux could earn up to $500.5M in upfront and milestone payments for each of two targets Merck selects, plus royalties; Merck will fund the partner’s R&D. Janux is preclinical and says the new capital will enable it to bring immunotherapies into clinical testing and to support development of additional drug candidates. The company declined to answer questions about its technology or plans beyond prepared statements from CEO David Campbell. Janux Therapeutics is developing tumor-activated T cell engager immunotherapies using its proprietary TRACTr technology. TRACTr integrates tumor-specific activation with crossover pharmacokinetics to address dose-limiting toxicities, poor pharmacokinetic profiles, and systemic immune activation seen with prior T cell engagers; in preclinical studies Janux candidates demonstrated comparable anti-tumor efficacy without associated cytokine release or healthy tissue toxicities. The company employs a modular design to rapidly engineer candidates and is advancing a preclinical pipeline that includes TROP2-TRACTr and PSMA-TRACTr. Janux targets multiple solid tumor indications including colorectal, gastroesophageal, prostrate, NSCLC, triple negative breast, and ovarian cancers. The financing will be used to advance the preclinical pipeline and support the company’s plan to bring its first candidate into the clinic in the first half of next year. Janux was founded in the Avalon Ventures accelerator, COI Pharmaceuticals, in San Diego.

Total raised

$181M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Apr 2021