OverT Bio

High-Level Overview

OverT Bio is a biotechnology company developing next-generation cell therapies for solid tumors, using AI-powered genetic screening and synthetic biology to reprogram immune cells for better persistence, tumor infiltration, and efficacy.[1][2][3] Founded in 2022 and based in New York, it targets unmet needs in oncology by engineering gamma delta T cells—naturally tumor-targeting immune cells—into scalable, allogeneic therapies that combine biologic-like manufacturing with curative potential.[1][2] The company serves cancer patients with solid tumors, solving challenges like immunosuppression and poor tissue penetration that limit current therapies, with $16 million raised in seed funding and first-in-human trials anticipated in H1 2027.[1][2][3] Early momentum includes a $120K G-Rex grant in 2023 and platforms like OverTarget™ and OverTCR™ for high-throughput discovery.[1][2]

Origin Story

OverT Bio was founded in 2022 by Dr. Mat Legut (CEO, immunologist and entrepreneur experienced in translating discoveries to clinical products) and Dr. Neville Sanjana (NYU and New York Genome Center faculty, pioneer in CRISPR and functional genomics).[1][3] The idea emerged from their expertise in cell therapy and immunology, leveraging decades of experience to build platforms that scan the entire human genome for optimal genetic modifications and tumor-specific receptors derived from patient immune responses.[1][2] Early traction came from foundational science published in top journals, a growing IP portfolio of discovery platforms and preclinical assets, and a $16 million seed round in May 2024 co-led by ARTIS Ventures and Wing VC, with investors like Fusion Fund, Alexandria Venture Investments, and Cancer Research Institute.[1][3] This funding supports platform expansion amid rising interest in engineered cell therapies.[1]

Core Differentiators

OverT Bio stands out in cell therapy through proprietary, high-throughput platforms and a focus on solid tumors:

• Genome-wide screening at scale: Tests every human gene using AI models to identify modifications boosting T cell durability against immunosuppression, via OverTarget™ and OverTCR™ platforms.[1][2]
• Patient-derived target discovery: First to mine real patient tumor immune responses for broadly applicable, safe receptors, validated with single-cell multiomics for expression and killing function.[1][2]
• Gamma delta T cell engineering: Harnesses these cells' innate/adaptive tumor-targeting and tissue infiltration advantages for "naturally allogeneic" therapies—faster, cheaper scalability without patient matching.[2]
• Data-driven efficiency: Combines big data, synthetic biology, and massively parallel screening to de-risk candidates, with preclinical assets and IP portfolio from founders' expertise.[1]

These enable therapies overcoming solid tumor barriers where CAR-T and others fail.[2][4]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

OverT Bio rides the cell therapy revolution in oncology, targeting solid tumors—a $100B+ market where only ~20% of patients respond to immunotherapies due to exhaustion and exclusion.[1][2] Timing aligns with AI-biotech convergence (post-2023 boom) and CRISPR maturation, enabling unprecedented genomic scale-up; market forces like FDA nods for allogeneic cells (e.g., via gamma delta) and big pharma partnerships favor rapid iteration.[2] It influences the ecosystem by open-sourcing functional genomics insights (via founders' academic ties) and advancing "off-the-shelf" models, potentially slashing costs 10x vs. autologous therapies while boosting cure rates.[1][2] As seed-stage with H1 2027 trials, it exemplifies NYC's biotech hub growth amid global immuno-oncology investment surge.[3]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

OverT Bio is poised for candidate nomination and first-in-human data by H1 2027, fueled by platform validation and grant momentum, with expansion into lead programs against high-burden solid tumors like lung or pancreatic.[2] Trends like AI-accelerated discovery, gamma delta adoption, and manufacturing scale (e.g., via G-Rex tech) will propel it, potentially drawing Series A at $100M+ valuation if preclinical efficacy holds.[1][2][3] Influence may evolve from pioneer to platform leader, licensing receptors or partnering with big pharma, reshaping solid tumor standards much like early CAR-T innovators did for blood cancers—unlocking curative scale for the masses.[1][2] This positions OverT as a high-conviction bet in precision immuno-oncology.