Loading organizations...
§ Private Profile · Newton, MA, USA
Clinical-stage biotech developing immunotherapies for autoimmune diseases & cancer, targeting KLRG1 to deplete T & NK cells.
Based in Newton, Massachusetts, Abcuro is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapies for autoimmune diseases and rare cancers. The enterprise precisely modulates highly cytotoxic T and natural killer cells using monoclonal antibodies, such as its lead candidate ulviprubart, which targets the KLRG1 receptor to selectively deplete pathogenic cells while sparing protective ones. This proprietary approach is currently advancing through Phase 2/3 clinical trials for the treatment of inclusion body myositis and Phase 1/2 trials for T cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia. The firm secured a $200 million Series C financing round in February 2025, following an oversubscribed $155 million Series B, drawing capital from prominent institutional investors including New Enterprise Associates, Bain Capital Life Sciences, Sanofi Ventures, and RA Capital Management. Abcuro was originally founded in 2015 by medical researchers Dr. Steven Greenberg and Dr. David Hafler.
Abcuro has raised $402.0M across 3 funding rounds.
Abcuro has raised $402.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Abcuro has raised $402.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $200.0M Series C in February 2025.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1, 2025 | $200M Series C | NEW Enterprise Associates | F Prime Capital, Michele Park, Pontifax Venture Capital, Rivervest, Sanofi Ventures | Announced |
| Aug 1, 2023 | $160M Series B | — | Michele Park, Pontifax Venture Capital, Sanofi Ventures | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2021 | $42M Series A | Sanofi Ventures, Mass General Brigham Ventures | F Prime Capital, Pontifax Venture Capital, Rivervest | Announced |
Abcuro is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class immunotherapies that precisely target highly cytotoxic T cells and NK cells to treat autoimmune diseases like inclusion body myositis (IBM) and rare cancers such as T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL). Its lead product, ulviprubart (ABC008), is an anti-KLRG1 monoclonal antibody in Phase 2/3 trials for IBM—a rare muscle-wasting disease with no approved therapies—and Phase 1/2 for T-LGLL, selectively depleting pathogenic cells while sparing healthy ones.[1][2][3][5] Abcuro serves patients with T-cell-driven autoimmune disorders and cancers where current treatments fail, addressing high unmet needs by stabilizing the immune system and halting disease progression. In February 2025, it raised $200 million in Series C funding (valuing the company at $1.2 billion) to complete its registrational MUSCLE trial, prepare a Biologics License Application, and launch commercially, signaling strong growth momentum amid biotech investor interest.[1][4]
Abcuro was founded in 2015 in Newton, Massachusetts, by Steven A. Greenberg, M.D., M.S., a clinical neurologist, Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women's Hospital researcher specializing in myositis diagnostics and therapeutics.[1][5] Greenberg's work identifying cytotoxic T cells as key drivers in IBM inspired the company's precision-targeting approach, emerging from translational research on immune-mediated muscle damage where no effective treatments existed.[2][5] Early traction built around ulviprubart, with Phase 1 data presented in 2025 showing safety and pharmacodynamics for IBM at the American Academy of Neurology meeting.[1] Leadership includes biotech veteran Alex Martin as CEO, with prior exits at Palladio Biosciences and Realm Therapeutics.[5] Despite one source citing a 2020 founding in South San Francisco (likely an error given consistent 2015 evidence), Abcuro has evolved into a late-stage player, partnering with patient groups like The Myositis Association.[1][2][4][5]
Abcuro rides the wave of precision immunology and T-cell targeted therapies, a booming trend in biotech amid failures of broad immunosuppressants and rising demand for tissue-specific immunomodulators in autoimmune diseases affecting 50 million Americans.[2][5] Timing is ideal post-2025 funding, aligning with regulatory pushes for rare disease approvals (e.g., FDA's IBM incentives) and advances in antibody engineering for selective cell depletion.[1][6] Market forces favor it: exploding interest in cytotoxic T/NK modulation for "T-cell driven" orphan indications, plus oncology crossovers like lymphomas, amid a biotech funding resurgence for late-stage assets with clean safety data.[1][3][4][7] Abcuro influences the ecosystem by validating KLRG1 as a novel target, potentially expanding to dermatomyositis or solid tumors, and fostering patient advocacy integration in trials—pushing competitors toward precision over blunt-force immunosuppression.[2][5]
Abcuro's path hinges on ulviprubart's Phase 2/3 MUSCLE trial readout and BLA submission in 2026-2027, potentially making it the first IBM therapy and unlocking a $1B+ rare disease market.[1][2] Trends like AI-driven immune profiling and combination immunotherapies will accelerate its pipeline (e.g., ABC-015 into clinic), while Series C firepower supports manufacturing scale-up. Its influence could grow by pioneering T-cell precision platforms, inspiring copycats in autoimmunity-oncology overlaps and cementing Abcuro as a biotech leader in unmet immune disorders—transforming patient lives where options were once none.[1][4][6]
Abcuro has raised $402.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Abcuro's investors include New Enterprise Associates, F-Prime Capital Partners, Michele Park, Pontifax Venture Capital, RiverVest, Sanofi Ventures, Mass General Brigham Ventures.