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§ Public · Waltham, MA, USA
Biotechnology company developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases and cancers, focused on KIT mutations.
Cogent Biosciences is a Waltham, Massachusetts-based biotechnology company developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases and rare cancers. Originally founded in 2014 by Chuck Wilson, the publicly traded biopharmaceutical enterprise focuses on creating selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors, primarily targeting KIT pathway mutations to treat conditions such as systemic mastocytosis and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Their lead clinical program, bezuclastinib, formerly known as PLX9486, is rationally designed to address the underlying genetic causes of these specific diseases rather than merely managing patient symptoms. Operating under the NASDAQ ticker COGT, the oncology firm maintains a capitalization structure that includes exactly 103,913,396 shares of common stock outstanding as of February 22, 2024. The current executive leadership team includes Chief Executive Officer Andrew Robbins, Chief Medical Officer Jessica Sachs, Chief Scientific Officer John Edward Robinson, and Board Chair Peter Harwin.
Cogent Biosciences has raised $196.4M across 4 funding rounds.
Cogent Biosciences has raised $196.4M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Cogent Biosciences is a biotechnology company, not a general technology company, focused on developing precision therapies for genetically driven diseases such as systemic mastocytosis (SM) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).[2][3][4] Its lead product, bezuclastinib, is a highly selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting the KIT D816V mutation, which drives these conditions, while its pipeline also includes CGT4859 and preclinical assets.[1][3] The company serves patients with rare, serious disorders caused by unchecked mast cell proliferation or oncogenic KIT signaling, addressing unmet needs in treatment by inhibiting the root genetic causes.[2][4] Recent growth momentum includes positive top-line results from the Phase 3 APEX trial in advanced SM (December 8, 2025), full SUMMIT results in nonadvanced SM (December 6, 2025), and Phase 3 PEAK results in GIST (November 10, 2025), positioning it for potential regulatory submissions.[2]
Cogent Biosciences emerged from a focus on rational precision medicine, leveraging validated biology to target genetically defined drivers of disease, though specific founding details like year or founders are not detailed in available sources.[2] The company's idea stems from identifying KIT mutations—particularly D816V in SM and exon 17 in GIST—as key culprits in mast cell disorders and cancers, leading to the development of selective inhibitors like bezuclastinib (formerly CGT9486).[1][3][4] Early traction built through advancing its clinical pipeline, with recent pivotal moments including multiple positive Phase 3 readouts in late 2025, highlighting its evolution toward registration-directed trials for real patient solutions.[2]
Cogent rides the wave of precision oncology and rare disease therapeutics, where genetic insights enable targeted KIT inhibitors amid rising demand for mutation-specific treatments in mast cell disorders and sarcomas.[2][4] Timing aligns with advances in tyrosine kinase inhibitor design and regulatory emphasis on orphan drugs, bolstered by market forces like aging populations increasing GIST/SM incidence and failures of prior therapies creating gaps.[1][3] It influences the ecosystem by validating KIT D816V as a high-value target, potentially accelerating similar biotech efforts in genetically driven cancers and fostering collaborations in hematology-oncology.[2]
Next steps likely include regulatory filings for bezuclastinib across SM and GIST indications, leveraging 2025 Phase 3 successes, with expansion into preclinical assets like CGT4859.[2][3] Trends in AI-driven drug design, combo therapies, and orphan drug incentives will shape its path, amplifying influence as a precision biotech leader. As a NASDAQ-listed player (COGT), its momentum could redefine treatments for KIT-driven diseases, delivering on its promise of real solutions from the outset.[2][4][5]
Cogent Biosciences has raised $196.4M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $104.4M Series A in July 2020.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 8, 2020 | $104.4M Series A | Chris Cain | Acorn Bioventures, Ally Bridge Group, Bruce Booth, BVF Partners, Commodore Capital, KIQ, Logos Capital, OrbiMed, Perceptive Advisors, RTW Investments, Samsara BioCapital, Venrock | Announced |
| Mar 15, 2017 | $15M Debt Financing | Square 1 Bank | — | Announced |
| Jun 1, 2015 | $65M Series B | Liam Ratcliffe | Access Biotechnology, Atlas Venture, Brandon Capital Partners, Josh Resnick, Brace Pharma Capital, Cowen Private Investments, F Prime Capital, Jennison Associates, Novo Holdings, Sabby Management, Sanofi Ventures, Seattle Genetics, Sectoral Asset Management, Wellington Management | Announced |
| Oct 1, 2014 | $12M Series A | Atlas Venture, BEN Auspitz | Brandon Capital Partners, Josh Resnick, Sanofi Ventures | Announced |
Cogent Biosciences has raised $196.4M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Cogent Biosciences's investors include Chris Cain, Acorn Bioventures, Ally Bridge Group, Bruce Booth, BVF Partners, Commodore Capital, Kiq, Logos Capital, OrbiMed, Perceptive Advisors, RTW Investments, Samsara BioCapital.