Adaptam Therapeutics, a biotech startup based in Spain, has successfully secured €3 million in a pre-seed financing round, with Criteria Bio Ventures leading the investment. This funding is earmarked to propel the development of the company’s pioneering antibody-based therapies, which include antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and bispecific antibodies designed to combat various forms of cancer.
Addressing Tumor Microenvironment Challenges
While advancements in immunotherapy have significantly impacted cancer treatment, many patients continue to experience limited outcomes. A major factor contributing to this issue is the tumor microenvironment (TME), a complex structure of cells that often inhibits immune response. Within solid tumors, specific myeloid cells, particularly tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), significantly dampen T-cell activity. Adaptam’s innovative strategy aims to disrupt this cycle of suppression. By targeting unique glyco-immune checkpoints expressed on these myeloid cells, the company hopes to reactivate the immune system, enabling it to identify and eliminate cancer cells. If successful, this approach could provide a much-needed breakthrough for patients who have not benefited from existing immunotherapies.
From Academic Research to Clinical Innovation
The foundation of Adaptam is rooted in the groundbreaking research of Prof. Asis Palazon at CIC bioGUNE in Bilbao, Spain. His investigations into immune regulation in cancer have shaped the company’s scientific direction. The startup was established with the strategic insight of Criteria Bio Ventures, which also played a critical role in its corporate structure and initial operations. Additionally, Palazon’s research has been supported by the “la Caixa” Foundation through a Caixa Research Health grant received in 2021. With this new funding, Adaptam is set to advance its lead programs into the preclinical phase, a vital step toward validating its innovative targets and therapeutic strategies across multiple oncology indications.
Strategic Leadership and Future Goals
Joining the board of Adaptam are Salvatore Cappadona, PhD, and Pablo Cironi, PhD, both representatives of Criteria Bio Ventures. Their expertise will be instrumental in guiding the company through its growth phase and ensuring a seamless transition from research to clinical trials. Adaptam aims to develop a new class of cancer immunotherapies designed to overcome immune resistance, ultimately benefiting patients with solid tumors. The company is positioning itself as a significant player in precision oncology, aligning cutting-edge scientific advancements with impactful therapeutic developments.
In a statement, Asis Palazon, the founder and CEO of Adaptam, emphasized the challenge posed by immunosuppressive myeloid cells in tumors, noting that the company’s objective is to neutralize this barrier through targeted therapies. He expressed gratitude for the support from Criteria Bio Ventures, which will facilitate the next steps in their mission. Pablo Cironi, chairman of the board, also expressed enthusiasm for their partnership, highlighting the potential for substantial advancements in cancer treatment through the company’s innovative strategies.
According to Prof. Jesús Jiménez-Barbero, the scientific director of CIC bioGUNE, the organization’s expertise in glycobiology has provided a solid scientific base for Adaptam. He noted that the startup’s approach, which uniquely integrates myeloid-mediated immunosuppression and glycobiology, positions it to explore new frontiers in cancer immunotherapy. The ongoing collaboration with Asis Palazon marks an exciting chapter in the development of transformative cancer treatments that could benefit numerous patients in the future.
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