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 has raised $38.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Opna Bio's investors include B Capital Group, Northpond Ventures.
Key people at Opna Bio.
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]
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2022 | $38.0M Series A | B Capital Group, Northpond Ventures |
