iOnctura is a technology company.
iOnctura has raised $109.0M across 3 funding rounds.
iOnctura has raised $109.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
iOnctura is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision oral small molecule therapies targeting neglected and hard-to-treat cancers by modulating immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Their pipeline focuses on next-generation cancer treatments designed to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and overcome resistance mechanisms, aiming to extend patient healthspan with therapies that are both effective and low in toxicity[1][3][4][5].
Founded in 2017 by Merck Ventures, iOnctura is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and led by CEO and co-founder Catherine Pickering, alongside co-founder and CSO Lars van der Veen. The company emerged from the need to address the significant number of cancer patients who do not respond to first-generation immunotherapies by developing novel drugs that target key drivers of immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment. Early milestones include raising over €100 million in private financing and advancing multiple programs into mid-stage clinical development, supported by strategic partnerships with Merck and Cancer Research Technology (CRT)[1][3][6].
iOnctura is positioned at the forefront of the immuno-oncology trend, focusing on overcoming tumor immune evasion and resistance to checkpoint inhibitors—a major challenge in cancer treatment today. The timing is critical as immunotherapies have revolutionized oncology but still leave many patients without effective options. By targeting the tumor-stroma-immune interface with novel small molecules, iOnctura leverages advances in precision medicine and immunology to push the boundaries of current cancer therapies. Their work contributes to expanding the therapeutic arsenal and improving outcomes in oncology, influencing both clinical practice and drug development paradigms[1][3][8].
Looking ahead, iOnctura aims to continue advancing its pipeline through clinical development and strategic partnerships, potentially bringing first-in-class therapies to market that improve patient survival and quality of life. Trends such as combination immunotherapies, precision oncology, and targeting the tumor microenvironment will shape their journey. As they deepen understanding of resistance mechanisms and refine their drug candidates, iOnctura’s influence is likely to grow, offering new hope for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers and setting new standards for low-toxicity, high-impact cancer treatments[6][8]. Their mission to extend healthspan by disrupting tumor-immune interactions remains a compelling driver for innovation in oncology.
iOnctura has raised $109.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
iOnctura's investors include Keno Gutierrez, INKEF Capital, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Hakan Goker, M Ventures (Merck), Seroba Life Sciences, Taiho Ventures, BGV (BioGeneration Ventures).
iOnctura has raised $109.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $86.0M Series B in June 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2024 | $86.0M Series B | Keno Gutierrez, INKEF Capital, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Hakan Goker, M Ventures (Merck), Seroba Life Sciences, Taiho Ventures | |
| Jul 1, 2020 | $6.0M Series A | BGV (BioGeneration Ventures), Johnson & Johnson Innovation, M Ventures (Merck), Seroba Life Sciences, Taiho Ventures | |
| Jan 1, 2020 | $17.0M Series A | BGV (BioGeneration Ventures), Johnson & Johnson Innovation, M Ventures (Merck), Seroba Life Sciences, Taiho Ventures |