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§ Private Profile · Sandwich, United Kingdom
Ottimo Pharma is a technology company.
Ottimo Pharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing bi-functional antibodies for cancer treatment. Its core product, Jankistomig, is a dual-paratopic antibody designed as a single-agent IgG therapy. This approach targets immune checkpoint inhibition via PD-1 and angiogenesis through VEGFR2 pathways, enhancing tumor immune cell biodistribution while managing VEGF-related side effects.
Co-founded in 2020 by Medicxi and Jonny Finlay, the company originated from Finlay's scientific insight into a differentiated molecule. This research led to a novel dual-pathway mechanism for addressing cancer. David Epstein, an industry veteran, later joined as Chair and Chief Executive Officer, providing leadership to accelerate the therapeutic’s development.
Ottimo Pharma focuses on patients with solid tumors, aiming to provide a wider therapeutic window. The company’s vision is to improve cancer outcomes and extend patient lives. By advancing its unique combination of mechanisms of action, Ottimo Pharma addresses unmet needs in oncology and contributes to reducing healthcare burden.
Ottimo Pharma has raised $140.0M across 1 funding round.
Ottimo Pharma has raised $140.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Ottimo Pharma has raised $140.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Ottimo Pharma's investors include OrbiMed, Avoro Capital Advisors, Samsara BioCapital, Arix Bioscience.
Ottimo Pharma is a private biotechnology company developing first-in-class, dual paratopic PD-1/VEGFR2 antibodies for solid tumors, with its lead asset Jankistomig targeting immune checkpoint inhibition (PD-1) and angiogenesis (VEGFR2) in a single IgG therapy to extend patient lives.[1][2][4] Co-founded in 2020 by Medicxi and Jonny Finlay, it emerged from stealth in October 2024, backed by top investors like OrbiMed, Avoro Capital, and others, and is advancing IND-enabling studies for Jankistomig with FDA filing planned for late 2025.[1][2][6] The company serves cancer patients by addressing tumor microenvironment challenges, offering a wider therapeutic window over bispecific fusions through cooperative binding and minimized VEGF side effects.[1][3]
(Note: One source incorrectly describes focus on gastrointestinal diseases, but consensus across primary sources confirms oncology for solid tumors.[5])
Ottimo Pharma was co-founded in 2020 by life sciences investor Medicxi and antibody engineer Jonny Finlay, remaining in stealth until October 2024.[1][2][6] The idea emerged from innovative antibody design to combine PD-1 checkpoint blockade with VEGFR2 angiogenesis inhibition in a novel dual-pathway, single-agent format, leveraging high PD-1 affinity for better immune cell distribution in tumors.[2][3] Pivotal early traction includes assembling a world-class team: David Epstein (former Novartis Pharma CEO and Seagen leader) as Chair and CEO, Mehdi Shahidi as Head of Development and CMO, James Sabry (Medicxi Managing General Partner) as Vice-Chair, with later additions like Roger Dansey (oncology expert) to the board in April 2025 and senior VPs Robert Tighe and Katherine Bell-McGuinn in February 2025.[2][3][4] Jankistomig advanced through three years of preclinical work, culminating in public launch.[6]
Ottimo rides the wave of next-generation cancer immunotherapy, combining checkpoint inhibitors with anti-angiogenesis in multifunctional antibodies amid surging demand for solid tumor therapies post-PD-1/PD-L1 dominance.[1][2][6] Timing aligns with maturing ADC and bispecific platforms, but Ottimo's IgG-based dual paratopic approach differentiates by simplifying administration and safety over multi-agent regimens or fusions.[1][3] Favorable market forces include growing evidence for PD-1/VEGF combos (e.g., research-backed synergies) and investor appetite for oncology, as seen in its stealth-to-Series B trajectory.[2][6] It influences the ecosystem by validating "exquisitely designed" single agents from elite teams, potentially accelerating similar TME-targeted innovations.[1][4]
Ottimo is poised to enter clinical trials with Jankistomig in 2026 post-late-2025 IND, scaling its team and preclinical strategy amid strengthening leadership.[4] Trends like multifunctional antibodies and TME modulation will propel it, with potential Phase 1 data in solid tumors shaping proof-of-concept by 2027-2028. Its influence may grow via partnerships or acquisition (echoing Epstein's Seagen exit), redefining dual-pathway oncology if efficacy holds. This stealth-emergent biotech exemplifies precise innovation extending cancer patient lives.[1][2][6]
Ottimo Pharma has raised $140.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $140.0M Series A in December 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2024 | $140M Series A | OrbiMed, Avoro Capital Advisors, Samsara BioCapital | Arix Bioscience | Announced |