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AltruBio has raised $293.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Key people at AltruBio.
AltruBio has raised $293.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
AltruBio is a San Francisco, California-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class immunomodulators to treat immunological and inflammatory diseases. The biotechnology firm focuses on creating targeted therapies that deplete chronically activated T-cells to address severe gastrointestinal and autoimmune conditions. The company's lead product candidate, ALTB-268, recently entered an exploratory Phase 2a clinical trial for patients diagnosed with biologic-refractory ulcerative colitis. AltruBio has secured significant venture capital funding to advance its pipeline, including a $63 million Series A in 2021 and an oversubscribed $225 million Series B financing round in May 2024. This financial backing was provided by prominent institutional investors such as BVF Partners, Cormorant Asset Management, aMoon Fund, and RA Capital Management. The enterprise was originally founded as AbGenomics in 2000 by Rong-Hwa Lin before rebranding as AltruBio in 2020 under the leadership of Judy Chou.
AltruBio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel PSGL-1 agonist antibodies as immune checkpoint enhancers to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases like ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).[1][2][5] Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area (with offices listed in Redwood City and San Francisco), it serves patients with high unmet needs in immunology by targeting chronically activated T-cells to restore immune homeostasis without broad suppression.[1][3][6] The company has raised nearly $300 million total, including a $225 million Series B in 2024 led by BVF Partners, RA Capital, and Cormorant, fueling advancement of lead candidate ALTB-268 into Phase 2a trials for ulcerative colitis, with Phase 1 completion in healthy volunteers.[4][6]
AltruBio originated as AbGenomics Holdings, a startup initially focused on oncology drugs, but pivoted in 2020 to immunology amid strategic challenges including near-bankruptcy discussions.[4][6] This shift involved new leadership under CEO Dr. Judy Chou, who brought proven biotech experience, and a rebranding to AltruBio, founded formally in 2020.[1][4] The idea stemmed from unique insights into PSGL-1 (CD162) as a regulator of T-cell homeostasis, leading to in-house discovery of first-in-class antibodies like ALTB-168, which showed early proof-of-mechanism in Phase 1/2 trials across multiple indications.[1][2][5] Early traction included a $63 million Series A in Q2 2021 and clinical validation in diseases like steroid-refractory acute GVHD, setting the stage for next-generation ALTB-268.[1][4]
AltruBio rides the wave of surging investment in immunology and inflammation therapeutics, fueled by demand for targeted immune modulators beyond broad immunosuppressants amid rising autoimmune disease prevalence.[4][7] Timing is ideal post-2020 pivot, aligning with industry enthusiasm for T-cell regulators—distinct from oncology checkpoint inhibitors—as evidenced by its $225 million Series B amid a tough funding environment, reflecting validator data from ALTB-168.[4] Market forces like high unmet needs in ulcerative colitis (Phase 2a data expected H1 2025) and GVHD (89% Phase 1-to-2 success benchmark) favor its platform, influencing the ecosystem by validating PSGL-1 as a novel checkpoint for broader T-cell mediated disorders like multiple sclerosis.[3][5][6]
AltruBio's near-term catalysts include Phase 2a ulcerative colitis readout in H1 2025 for ALTB-268, potential Phase 2b start in 2025-2026, and expansion into psoriatic arthritis plus GVHD trials.[4][6] Trends like precision immunology and biologics durability will shape its path, with preclinical data at FOCIS 2025 bolstering multi-indication potential.[6] Its influence may grow via partnerships or further funding if data succeeds, evolving from pivot survivor to immunology leader—transforming "Cinderella story" origins into durable patient impact.[4][6]
Key people at AltruBio.
AltruBio has raised $293.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $230.0M Series B in May 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2024 | $230M Series B | Gorjan Hrustanovic | Third Rock Ventures, Alice Zhang, Evan Cheng, Blackstone, Cormorant Asset Management, Jake Simson, Soleus Capital | Announced |
| Apr 1, 2021 | $63M Series A | — | Amoon Fund, BVF Partners, CAM Capital | Announced |
AltruBio has raised $293.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
AltruBio's investors include Gorjan Hrustanovic, Third Rock Ventures, Alice Zhang, Evan Cheng, Blackstone, Cormorant Asset Management, Jake Simson, Soleus Capital, aMoon Fund, BVF Partners, CAM Capital.
