The Venture Codex

Participated · Series A · Oct 2021

Abalos Therapeutics is advancing a platform that harnesses the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) to specifically target tumor cells. Using its proprietary Fast Evolution Platform the company generates viral variants with optimized anti‑tumoral properties to elicit a precise, directed immune response that can treat distant metastases and enable long‑term disease control. The lead program is being prepared for a Phase 1/2 trial in multiple solid tumors, including expansion cohorts to demonstrate early signs of clinical efficacy. The company intends to use the new funds to advance that first product candidate into clinical testing and to support further pipeline expansion. Abalos is led by CEO Dr. Marcus Kostka and is based in Dusseldorf. Financially, the company has raised a total of €43m (USD 50m) to date. Abalos Therapeutics is developing novel immuno-oncology therapeutics based on a specific arenavirus strain that preferentially infects and proliferates in cancer cells to generate strong anti-tumor immune responses. The company uses a proprietary Fast Evolution platform to generate virus strains with optimized anti-tumoral properties and will select candidates that re-program the immune system to eliminate malignant tissue. Proceeds from a €12 million Series A will be used to advance lead candidates toward clinical testing. Abalos builds on research from Prof. Dr. Karl Lang and Prof. Dr. Philipp Lang and maintains close collaborations with the Universities Duisburg‑Essen and Düsseldorf. The Series A established company operations and leadership in Essen, Germany, with Dr. Marcus Kostka named CEO and Dr. Jörg Vollmer named CSO. Investor representatives will join the company’s Supervisory Board as the team advances toward clinical evaluation.