Loading organizations...
§ Private Profile · South San Francisco, CA, USA
clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision oncology therapies, focused on small molecule compounds.
Founded in 2010 by Susan Molineaux and James Wells, Calithera Biosciences was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, that developed targeted small molecule therapies for precision oncology. The organization focused on exploiting genetic vulnerabilities in cancer cells to treat aggressive hematologic malignancies and tumor metabolism disorders in biomarker-specific cancer patient populations. Before executing a strategic wind-down in late 2023, the enterprise successfully raised $105 million in pre-IPO funding from venture capital backers including Morgenthaler Ventures and Aberdare Ventures. The firm advanced multiple clinical drug development programs, most notably achieving positive Phase 2 clinical trial results in 2016 for its primary glutaminase inhibitor candidate, CB-839. During its final period as a publicly traded entity on the Pink Market, the business operated with a consolidated workforce of approximately ten employees before closing permanently.
Calithera Biosciences has raised $81.0M across 4 funding rounds.
Calithera Biosciences has raised $81.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Calithera Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery and development of small molecule drugs targeting tumor metabolism and tumor immunology to treat cancer. Its primary product focus was on precision oncology therapies, such as Telaglenastat (CB-839), a glutaminase inhibitor aimed at depriving cancer cells of energy, primarily serving patients with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma and other cancers. The company sought to address unmet needs in oncology by translating innovative research into clinical-stage drug candidates. However, it has transitioned into a plan of liquidation, marking an end to its active development phase[1][2][3].
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, Calithera Biosciences was led by CEO Dr. Susan M. Molineaux, Ph.D. The company emerged from ambitious efforts to develop novel cancer therapies by targeting tumor metabolism and immune pathways. Early traction involved advancing clinical-stage programs that demonstrated potential in oncology, positioning Calithera as a contributor to cancer research innovation before its operational wind-down[1][2].
Calithera operated at the intersection of biotechnology and precision medicine, riding the trend of targeting cancer metabolism and immune-oncology pathways—a growing focus area due to the limitations of traditional chemotherapy. The timing aligned with increased scientific understanding of tumor microenvironments and metabolic dependencies, which created opportunities for novel small molecule therapies. Although the company is now in liquidation, its efforts contributed to the broader ecosystem by advancing knowledge and clinical data in tumor metabolism-targeted therapies, influencing ongoing research and development in oncology biotech[1][2].
With Calithera Biosciences moving toward liquidation, its direct influence on the biotech landscape will diminish, but the scientific insights and clinical data generated may inform future drug development in tumor metabolism and immune-oncology. The oncology field continues to evolve rapidly, with increasing emphasis on combination therapies and personalized medicine, areas where Calithera’s research had relevance. Future trends shaping this space include deeper molecular targeting, integration of immunotherapies, and leveraging metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells, which remain promising avenues for new entrants and established companies alike[1][2].
Calithera Biosciences has raised $81.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Calithera Biosciences's investors include Adage Capital Management, Abingworth, Advanced Technology Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Longwood Fund, Morgenthaler Ventures, Polaris Partners, Delphi Ventures, The Column Group, Jonathan Root, Ralph "Chris" Christoffersen, Deepika R Pakianathan.
Calithera Biosciences has raised $81.0M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $35.0M Series D in October 2013.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2013 | $35M Series D | Adage Capital Management | Abingworth, Advanced Technology Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Longwood Fund, Morgenthaler Ventures, Polaris Partners, Delphi Ventures, Morgenthaler Ventures | Announced |
| Dec 1, 2012 | $2M Series C | — | Abingworth, Advanced Technology Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Longwood Fund, Morgenthaler Ventures, Polaris Partners | Announced |
| Nov 1, 2011 | $4M Series U | — | Abingworth, Advanced Technology Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Longwood Fund, Morgenthaler Ventures, Polaris Partners, The Column Group, Jonathan Root | Announced |
| Jul 1, 2010 | $40M Series A | Ralph "Chris" Christoffersen | Abingworth, Advanced Technology Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Longwood Fund, Morgenthaler Ventures, Polaris Partners, The Column Group, Jonathan Root, Deepika R Pakianathan, Mission BAY Capital, Larry Lasky | Announced |