Mana Therapeutics is a technology company.
Mana Therapeutics has raised $35.0M across 1 funding round.
Mana Therapeutics has raised $35.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Mana Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company founded in 2018, specializing in off-the-shelf, allogeneic cell therapies that target multiple tumor-associated surface and intracellular antigens without genetic modification.[1][2][3][6] These therapies aim to treat liquid tumors like acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and solid tumors, making cell-based treatments more effective, safer, and accessible by leveraging the body's natural immune responses via their EDIFY™ platform.[1][3][4][6] Key programs include MANA-312 (clinical-stage autologous donor-derived therapy for relapsed/refractory AML post-HSCT) and MANA-412 (preclinical allogeneic therapy for transplant-ineligible AML and solid tumors).[1][3] The company has raised $49.5M total, including a $35M Series A in 2021 led by Cobro Ventures and Lightchain Capital, funding MANA-312 through Phase I trials.[1][2]
Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Mana serves cancer patients, particularly those with hematological malignancies and solid tumors, addressing challenges like limited efficacy, safety issues, and accessibility of personalized cell therapies.[2][4][7]
Mana Therapeutics was founded in 2018 by a team focused on revolutionizing cell therapy for cancer.[2][3] The idea emerged from the need to create "off-the-rack" allogeneic therapies that bypass genetic engineering, training T-cells to recognize diverse tumor antigens naturally for safer, reproducible treatments.[1][3][6] Early efforts targeted AML, with pivotal moments including the development of the EDIFY™ platform and advancement of MANA-312 to clinical stage.[1][3] Amid COVID-19 market challenges, Locust Walk orchestrated a dual-track process (investors and partners), culminating in a successful $35M Series A close, enabling Phase I progression for MANA-312.[1] A patent filed in 2021 on methods for allogeneic cell product delivery underscores their IP foundation in immunology and biotech.[2]
Mana rides the cell therapy revolution in oncology, where allogeneic "off-the-shelf" models address scalability bottlenecks of personalized treatments amid rising cancer incidence.[1][3][4] Timing aligns with advances in immunology and T-cell engineering, fueled by market forces like post-COVID investor interest in biotech resilience and demand for accessible therapies—evident in their 2021 raise despite uncertainties.[1][2] By targeting hard-to-treat AML and solid tumors without genetic edits, Mana influences the ecosystem through IP innovation (e.g., 2021 patent) and partnerships, potentially lowering costs and accelerating adoption in a $50B+ cell/gene therapy market.[2][3]
Mana's next milestones include completing Phase I for MANA-312 and advancing MANA-412 toward clinic, with potential expansion via EDIFY™ to more indications.[1][3] Trends like AI-enhanced immunology, combo therapies, and regulatory tailwinds for off-the-shelf platforms will shape their path, amplifying influence as allogeneic adoption grows. Their evolution from AML focus to broader oncology could redefine accessible cell therapies, building on Series A momentum for outsized impact in cancer care.[1][2][3]
Mana Therapeutics has raised $35.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Mana Therapeutics's investors include Cobro Ventures.
Mana Therapeutics has raised $35.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $35.0M Series A in January 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2021 | $35.0M Series A | Cobro Ventures |