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§ Private Profile · Lausanne, Switzerland
Opna Bio is a company.
Opna Bio has raised $38.0M across 1 funding round.
Key people at Opna Bio.
Opna Bio has raised $38.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Opna Bio develops novel oncology therapeutics, focusing on innovative small molecule drugs designed to target key regulators of cancer. As a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, it advances a pipeline of compounds aimed at addressing unmet needs in various cancer types, including specific inhibitors like OPN-6602 for multiple myeloma and OPN-2853 for myelofibrosis. Its approach involves proprietary drug design strategies to create more effective and safer treatments.
The company emerged from a commitment to scientific discovery in the oncology space, driven by the persistent need for improved cancer therapies. Its inception was fueled by the insight that specific molecular pathways could be targeted with precision to disrupt cancer progression. This foundational belief guides its research and development efforts toward impactful clinical solutions, though specific founding individuals and dates are not publicly detailed in available information.
Opna Bio’s efforts ultimately serve cancer patients, particularly those with conditions like multiple myeloma and myelofibrosis, through the development of specialized therapies. The overarching vision is to deliver transformative treatments that significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The company strives to redefine cancer care through scientific rigor and therapeutic innovation, aiming to provide better therapeutic options for patients globally.
Opna Bio has raised $38.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $38.0M Series A in November 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2022 | $38M Series A | Northpond Ventures, Reinaldo M. Diaz | B Capital Group, Menlo Ventures | Announced |
Opna Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing novel small molecule oncology therapeutics targeting multiple cancer drivers, including epigenetic modulators and a novel fragile-X multifunctional RNA-binding protein (FMRP) program.[1][2][3] Its lead candidates include OPN-2853, a BET bromodomain inhibitor in Phase 1/2 trials combined with ruxolitinib for myelofibrosis, and OPN-6602, a dual EP300/CBP inhibitor in Phase 1 for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, both designed with pulsatile dosing for improved safety and efficacy.[1][3][5] The company serves patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, addressing unmet needs in tolerability and response durability through rationally designed inhibitors, bolstered by a $38 million Series A in 2022 and recent preclinical advancements like a protein degrader program.[2][5] Growth momentum includes 2025 ASH presentations on updated OPN-2853 data and new degraders, alongside a diversified pipeline from Plexxikon acquisition.[4][5]
Opna Bio was founded in 2019 in Lausanne, Switzerland, initially to develop inhibitors against FMRP, a novel oncology target discovered in co-founder Douglas Hanahan's lab at EPFL, known for co-authoring the "Hallmarks of Cancer" series.[1][2][4] Gideon Bollag, PhD, former Plexxikon CSO with a track record of FDA-approved drugs, serves as CEO and co-founder, alongside Joseph Schlessinger, PhD from Yale.[2] A pivotal moment came in March 2022 when Opna acquired five small molecule programs from Plexxikon (post-Daiichi Sankyo closure), including clinical assets like OPN-2853 (formerly PLX-2853), expanding to South San Francisco labs.[2][4] This fueled the November 2022 Series A launch of $38 million led by Longitude Capital and Northpond Ventures, advancing FMRP discovery and the acquired pipeline.[2]
Opna Bio stands out in oncology through scientific pedigree, innovative design, and pipeline diversity:
Opna Bio rides the epigenetics and targeted degradation wave in oncology, where modulating gene expression and protein stability addresses resistance in hematologic cancers like myelofibrosis and multiple myeloma.[1][5] Timing aligns with post-2020 demand for best-in-class inhibitors overcoming first-generation limitations (e.g., BET toxicity), amplified by combo trials with standards like ruxolitinib.[1][3] Market forces favor it: rising M&A in biotech (e.g., Plexxikon assets), ASH-validated data signaling de-risking, and FMRP's novelty tapping unmet immune-oncology needs.[4][5] Opna influences the ecosystem by validating pulsatile PK paradigms and repurposing validated assets, potentially accelerating FDA paths via experienced team.[2]
Opna Bio's near-term catalysts include ongoing Phase 1 readouts for OPN-6602 and OPN-2853, with 2025 ASH data on degraders poised to attract partnerships amid multiple myeloma's $30B+ market.[5][6] Trends like AI-driven discovery and bispecific degraders will shape its FMRP push, potentially yielding first-in-class assets by 2027-2028 if preclinical hits mature.[4] Influence may evolve via Big Pharma buyouts, leveraging Bollag/Hanahan's track record to mirror Plexxikon's successes. This positions Opna as a nimble player turning novel science into clinical wins, echoing its origin in cancer hallmarks research.[1][2]
Key people at Opna Bio.
Opna Bio has raised $38.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Opna Bio's investors include Northpond Ventures, Reinaldo M. Diaz, B Capital Group, Menlo Ventures.
