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§ Private Profile · Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
MiroBio is a technology company.
MiroBio develops a novel class of therapeutic agents designed to treat autoimmune diseases by modulating immune responses. The company focuses on creating agonists of immune inhibitory receptors, such as B- and T-Lymphocyte Attenuator (BTLA) and PD-1, to restore immune balance. Their lead investigational program, MB272, an agonist of BTLA, has progressed into Phase 1 clinical development, representing a key advancement in their technical approach to immune system regulation.
The company was established in 2017 by distinguished immunologists Simon Davis, Ph.D., and Richard Cornall, F.Med.Sci., DPhil., both from the University of Oxford. Their foundational insight stemmed from pioneering research into how T and B cell co-receptors can be precisely targeted to halt uncontrolled immune activity. This scientific understanding formed the basis for MiroBio's mission to translate advanced immunology into new therapies.
MiroBio's product pipeline is intended for patients battling various autoimmune conditions. The company's overarching vision centers on developing a robust suite of best-in-class immune inhibitory receptor agonists. Through this work, MiroBio aims to provide innovative treatments that restore immunological homeostasis and significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by these chronic diseases.
MiroBio has raised $130.0M across 2 funding rounds.
MiroBio has raised $130.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
MiroBio has raised $130.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
MiroBio's investors include Nick Williams, Advent Life Sciences, Atlas Venture, Draper Associates, F-Prime Capital Partners, Global Ventures, Maverick Capital, Novartis Venture Fund, Questa Capital, SR One, Wellington Partners, Curtis Chambers.
MiroBio has raised $130.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $97.0M Series B in June 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2022 | $97M Series B | Nick Williams | Advent Life Sciences, Atlas Venture, Draper Associates, F Prime Capital, Global Ventures, Maverick Capital, Novartis Venture Fund, Questa Capital, SR ONE, Wellington Partners, Curtis Chambers, Monograph Capital, Erez Chimovits, Oxford Science Enterprises, Samsara BioCapital | Announced |
| Oct 1, 2019 | $33M Series A | — | Advent Life Sciences, Atlas Venture, Draper Associates, F Prime Capital, Global Ventures, Maverick Capital, Novartis Venture Fund, Questa Capital, SR ONE, Wellington Partners, Curtis Chambers | Announced |
MiroBio was a clinical-stage biotechnology company founded in 2019 as a spinout from the University of Oxford, focused on developing checkpoint agonist antibodies to restore immune balance in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.[2][3][4][5] The company built a proprietary discovery platform called I-ReSToRE (REceptor Selection and Targeting to Reinstate immune Equilibrium), combining antibody engineering with the Checkpoint Atlas receptor mapping tool, to create best-in-class therapeutics targeting immune inhibitory receptors like BTLA and PD-1.[3][4][6] Its lead candidate, MB272 (a BTLA agonist), entered Phase 1 trials in 2022, with additional assets including MB151 (PD-1 agonist) and early-stage programs; MiroBio served the healthcare sector by addressing unmet needs in immune-mediated diseases where current therapies often fail to achieve remission.[2][3][4][7] In August 2022, Gilead Sciences acquired MiroBio for approximately $405 million, integrating its platform and pipeline into Gilead's inflammation R&D strategy.[2][4][6][7]
MiroBio emerged from over 15 years of research in the Oxford University labs of Professor Simon Davis (co-founder) and Professor Richard Cornall, who pioneered agonist antibodies for immune control.[3][5] Spun out in 2019, the company was backed by a £27 million Series A led by Oxford Science Enterprises and Samsara BioCapital, followed by an £80 million Series B in June 2022 led by Medicxi, with Nick Williams joining the board.[6] Early traction came from its I-ReSToRE platform, enabling rapid development of candidates like MB272, which dosed its first patient in Phase 1 shortly before the Gilead acquisition in August 2022—a milestone validating its science just three years post-founding.[2][4][6]
Dr. Carolin Barth served as CEO, leading the team through platform validation and clinical entry.[1]
MiroBio rode the wave of immune modulation innovation, shifting from oncology-focused checkpoint inhibitors to agonists for autoimmune diseases—a trend gaining momentum as biologics dominate inflammation markets amid limitations of small molecules and steroids.[3][6][7] Its 2019 timing capitalized on maturing antibody engineering and Oxford's immunology expertise, aligning with rising venture interest in precision immunology (e.g., Series A/B funding totaling ~$130M).[2][6] Market forces like high autoimmune prevalence and incomplete remission rates with existing therapies (e.g., JAK inhibitors) favored its approach, influencing the ecosystem by validating agonist platforms—now advancing via Gilead, potentially accelerating clinical readouts and inspiring similar spins.[4][6]
Post-acquisition, MiroBio's assets thrive within Gilead's resources, with MB272 likely progressing through Phase 1/2 and I-ReSToRE yielding more candidates like PD-1 agonists over the next few years.[4][7] Trends in personalized immunology and combination therapies will shape its legacy, as big pharma integrates biotech platforms to tackle chronic inflammation. Gilead's commitment signals expanding influence, potentially delivering first-in-class autoimmune treatments and redefining immune balance restoration—echoing MiroBio's founding mission to harness natural controls for patient benefit.[1][4]