Affini-T Launches with $175 Million Financing

Affini-T Therapeutics has completed an oversubscribed $175 million financing, the proceeds from which will enable the company to operationalize its platform discovery engine, drive multiple programs into the clinic and pursue complementary technology licenses to bolster its cell therapy platform. To enable and accelerate growth, the company has established a bi-coastal U.S. presence with research labs in Seattle and headquarters and manufacturing in Boston.

Affini-T is committed to developing potentially life-changing medicines for patients with intractable solid tumor cancers, who represent a critical unmet need as current treatment options lack durability and efficacy. Its proprietary platform has the potential to deliver transformative therapies for patients with mutant variants of KRAS, the most prevalent oncogenic driver mutation in solid tumors. Treatment options are needed for these patients as KRAS mutations account for up to 30% of all cancers and are particularly frequent in cancers with high mortality rates including lung cancer, colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer.

“By targeting oncogenic drivers like mutated KRAS, we strike at the core genetic mutations that enable tumors to grow and spread,” said Jak Knowles, M.D., Affini-T Co-Founder, President and CEO. “Our differentiated platform combines highly active TCRs [T-Cell receptors] with unique synthetic biology, allowing us to pioneer novel therapeutic approaches intended to eradicate solid tumors.” (Source: Affini-T Therapeutics Website, 22 March, 2022)