SQZ Biotechnologies develops cell-engineering technologies and platforms aimed at unlocking the potential of cell therapies across multiple therapeutic areas. Its proprietary Cell Squeeze® technology facilitates intracellular delivery and has been applied preclinically to generate neurons from induced human pluripotent stem cells via delivery of mRNA encoding fate-specifying transcription factors. The company is focusing on novel, scalable cell replacement approaches that could reprogram a patient’s own immune cells directly into dopamine-producing neurons for Parkinson’s disease. Using a patient’s own cells could reduce or eliminate the need for chronic immunosuppression, and SQZ emphasizes that RNA-based cell engineering methods are unlikely to cause genome changes that carry long-term risks. Beyond Parkinson’s, SQZ notes potential applications of direct cell replacement therapies for conditions including multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. Financially, the company has been awarded a $2 million SBIR Phase II grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) at the NIH to support a two-year program to develop direct mRNA-based reprogramming methods. SQZ Biotechnologies is a clinical-stage cell therapy company that uses its proprietary Cell Squeeze® microfluidic platform to deliver biological material into diverse cell types and create multifunctional cell therapy candidates. It is advancing multiple platforms including SQZ APC (antigen presenting cells) in a Phase 1 trial of SQZ-PBMC-HPV for HPV+ tumors, as well as SQZ AACs and earlier-stage SQZ TACs for oncology and autoimmune/tolerance applications. The company reports it has consistently manufactured autologous doses for the HPV trial in under 24 hours. SQZ is expanding its cellular vaccine platform into infectious diseases to generate pathogen-targeting CD8 T cell responses in prophylactic and therapeutic settings. To improve accessibility, SQZ is developing a point-of-care system intended to generate patient product at treatment centers and enable faster turnaround times. SQZ is privately held and advancing multiple clinical and preclinical programs across therapeutic areas. SQZ Biotechnologies has developed a cell therapy platform that directly engineers complex cell functions without affecting cell health, using a simple and scalable process. The company is led by co-founder and CEO Armon Sharei, PhD. Its lead program targets antigen presenting cells (APCs) for oncology, with first applications in multiple HPV+ tumor indications and plans to address additional solid tumors. Proceeds from the financing will support SQZ’s most advanced programs in solid tumors and auto-immunity. The company intends to use the funds to bring its programs in solid tumors and autoimmune diseases to the clinic. Board additions tied to the financing include Marc Elia (Bridger Healthcare) and Zafi Avnur, PhD (Quark Venture/Global Health Science Fund). SQZ Biotech is a preclinical-stage biotech based in Watertown, Massachusetts, developing cell therapy programs to induce immunological tolerance. It uses a proprietary CellSqueeze® technology to deliver antigens to cells and retrain the immune system. The company’s tolerance program includes a new type 1 diabetes (T1D) program intended to prevent immune attack on insulin-producing beta cells. SQZ received an investment from the JDRF T1D Fund and intends to use the funds to advance its novel T1D therapy. The T1D Fund also brings the expertise of JDRF, the global organization funding T1D research and accelerating innovations. SQZ is led by Bruce Beutel, PhD, Chief Business Officer. SQZ Biotech develops cell engineering technology and provides the CellSqueeze platform to enable novel cell therapies across a broad range of indications. The company harnesses the body’s natural immune system to combat disease and is advancing preclinical immuno-therapy programs in oncology and other serious diseases. SQZ intends to use the newly raised funds to further invest in its platform and to advance its preclinical programs. The company originated out of Dr. Klavs Jensen’s and Robert Langer’s laboratories at MIT. SQZ is led by Co-Founder and CEO Armon Sharei and is based in Boston, MA. The recent financing adds to the company’s development resources as it progresses toward clinical translation.

Total raised

$164M

Funding rounds

8

Latest round

Grant

Latest activity

Mar 2022