Kleo Pharmaceuticals develops next-generation, fully synthetic bispecific compounds (MATE and ARM platforms) designed to emulate or enhance the activity of biologics and direct the immune system against cancerous or virally infected cells. Its MATE platform uses site-directed chemical conjugation with off-the-shelf therapeutic antibodies and Kleo has developed binders targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein to conjugate with commercial IVIG to create a hyperimmune globulin mimic (HGM). The HGM product is intended as a synthetic, targeted and homogenous replacement for convalescent serum and is described as acting via direct neutralization, innate immune viral clearance, and longer-term vaccination-like effects; the product consists of IgG1/2/4 subclasses for a multimodal effect. Kleo has previously demonstrated proof-of-concept for MATE conjugation with commercial-grade IVIG in a preclinical in vivo oncology model. The company also develops Antibody Recruiting Molecules (ARMs) and has collaborations with South Korea-based Green Cross LabCell and U.S.-based Celularity to explore COVID-19 therapies, including combining ARM technology with allogeneic NK cells. Financially, Kleo announced a $5 million non-dilutive grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to accelerate COVID-19 HGM development and clinical candidate identification with the goal of entering the clinic in early 2021; investors include Biohaven and PeptiDream. Kleo Pharmaceuticals is a New Haven, CT-based biotechnology company developing small-molecule immunotherapies that recruit a patient’s own antibodies to target disease. Founded by Dr. David Spiegel and Roy Prieb, the company is advancing two classes of agents: Antibody Recruiting Molecules (ARMs) and Synthetic Antibody Mimics (SyAMs). ARMs are bifunctional, two-headed chemical structures with one head that binds disease-relevant molecular targets and the other that interacts with antibodies already present in the bloodstream. SyAMs are synthetic molecules designed to possess both the targeting and effector-cell-activating functions of antibodies. Kleo’s drug candidates aim to recruit the immune system to target and kill disease-specific cells in cancers and infectious diseases. Financially, Kleo secured a Series A financing of undisclosed size led by Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company to advance development of ARMs and SyAMs.

Total raised

$5M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Grant

Latest activity

Jul 2020