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LIfT BioSciences is a pre-clinical stage biotech developing the world's only neutrophil-based cell therapy platform, N-LIfT. This allogeneic immunotherapy utilizes Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs) for a novel class of cancer treatments. The platform overcomes current therapy limitations in solid tumors by harnessing innate immunity.
Specific founders and inception details are not publicly available. LIfT BioSciences was established on the insight that neutrophils offer significant, untapped potential. This led to developing a distinct cell therapy focused on robustly targeting and eliminating cancer cells, pioneering a new approach in immuno-oncology.
LIfT BioSciences aims to advance its IMAN-based cell therapy into Phase I clinical trials for solid tumors. The company envisions delivering a potent, universally applicable treatment for aggressive cancers. Its innovative innate immunity approach fundamentally transforms how persistent disease is addressed.
LIfT BioSciences has raised $20.0M across 2 funding rounds.
LIfT BioSciences has raised $20.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
LIfT BioSciences has raised $20.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $13.0M Series A in September 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2024 | $13M Series A | — | Astellas Venture Management, Mogrify, Parkwalk Advisors, Sana Capital, Starbloom Ventures, Jonathan Milner | Announced |
| Dec 1, 2022 | $7M Series U | — | Starbloom Ventures, Jonathan Milner | Announced |
LIfT BioSciences is a pre-clinical stage UK and Ireland-based biotechnology company developing the world's first neutrophil-based cell therapy platform, N-LIfT, which produces allogeneic Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs) from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).[1][2][3] These IMANs target solid tumors through a dual mechanism: directly killing cancer cells and reprogramming the tumor microenvironment to activate broader immune responses, addressing treatment resistance and tumor escape.[1][2] The lead product, N-LIfT (Neutrophil Only Leukocyte Infusion Therapy), is advancing toward Phase I clinical trials, serving oncology patients worldwide with scalable, off-the-shelf immunotherapies; recent momentum includes a €12 million grant from Ireland’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, U.S. facility expansions in Houston and Cambridge, and preclinical data presentations at major conferences like SITC and ASGCT.[1][3]
LIfT BioSciences was founded in 2016 by Alex Blyth, the current CEO, following the death of his mother from pancreatic cancer due to tumor escape from fixed-target therapies.[1][2] Motivated by this personal loss and inspired by pioneering work on neutrophil infusions from immunologists like Professor Zheng Cui and the late Dr. Lloyd J. Old—who established concepts of immunoediting (elimination, equilibrium, escape)—Blyth envisioned a "living, adapting therapy" using innate neutrophils to prevent tumor escape.[2] Early traction built on patented N-LIfT technology, evolving from HSC-derived IMANs to scalable iPSC-derived CAR-IMANs, with offices established in London, Galway, and Boston, plus pharmaceutical collaborations.[1][2][3]
LIfT rides the innate immunity wave in immuno-oncology, shifting from adaptive T-cell therapies (e.g., CAR-T) to underutilized neutrophils for solid tumors, where adaptive approaches often fail due to immunosuppressive microenvironments.[2] Timing aligns with surging demand for allogeneic, off-the-shelf cell therapies amid clinical trial bottlenecks for autologous options; market forces like rising cancer incidence, immunotherapy resistance, and funding for disruptive tech (e.g., €12M Irish grant) favor scalable platforms.[1][3] LIfT influences the ecosystem by pioneering neutrophil engineering, presenting data at SITC/ASGCT, and expanding U.S. presence via Bayer Co.Lab and Houston facilities, potentially accelerating innate cell therapy adoption.[3]
LIfT is poised for first-in-human Phase I trials of HSC-derived IMANs, with iPSC/CAR-IMANs following for expanded solid tumor indications and partnerships.[1][3] Trends like AI-optimized cell manufacturing, combo therapies with checkpoints, and global regulatory pushes for innate immunity will propel growth, evolving LIfT from pre-clinical pioneer to a leader in escape-proof cancer cures. As neutrophil therapies gain validation, LIfT's personal origins and adaptive platform position it to transform outcomes for patients like Blyth's mother, delivering on the promise of comprehensive immune control.[2]
LIfT BioSciences has raised $20.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
LIfT BioSciences's investors include Astellas Venture Management, Mogrify, Parkwalk Advisors, Sana Capital, Starbloom Ventures, Jonathan Milner.
