CytoCares secures strategic investment from Tellgen to advance lead autoimmune asset CC312

Shanghai CytoCares Biotechnology Co., Ltd. ("CytoCares") recently completed its A++ round of financing, which was exclusively invested by strategic investor Tellgen Corporation.

Tellgen's exclusive investment in CytoCares is based on its confidence in the company's independently developed, globally leading novel co-stimulatory signal tri-specific T cell engager (TriTE™) platform and its unique advantages in the treatment of oncology and autoimmune diseases. Tellgen also recognizes the differentiated clinical value and commercial potential of CytoCares' lead asset (CC312) in treating various B-cell-related autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Furthermore, CytoCares' development direction aligns highly with Tellgen's long-term strategy of "leveraging diagnostic technological strengths to expand into therapeutic areas, thereby building comprehensive life-cycle healthcare service capabilities."

CytoCares' lead asset CC312 (targeting CD19/CD3/CD28) has obtained Investigational New Drug (IND) clearances in both China and the United States for multiple indications in B-cell hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases. It represents the world's first IND approval for clinical research of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using a CD28 co-stimulatory signal-based tri-specific T cell engager (TriTE™). Preliminary clinical data have shown that CC312 holds the potential to cure SLE and various other B-cell-related autoimmune disorders. The asset demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile in patients with moderate to severe SLE, alongside profound depletion of B cells in both peripheral blood and tissues. It effectively reduced the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2K), with clinical efficacy being positive and significantly enhanced with dose escalation. The core efficacy metrics surpassed those of existing treatment regimens. These results, which have been presented at leading international academic conferences including AACR and EULAR, provide a solid foundation for subsequent pivotal trials and future regulatory approval.

Following the completion of this financing round, the company will leverage the capital support and clinical resources from strategic investor Tellgen to accelerate the clinical development of CC312, particularly for autoimmune indications such as SLE. Concurrently, efforts will intensify to finalize partnerships with international organizations for the joint development of rights in regions beyond Greater China, aiming to deliver potential cures to global patients suffering from SLE and various other B-cell-related autoimmune diseases.

Furthermore, the proceeds will also be used to accelerate the expansion of the company's novel drug platforms, including TriTE™, into solid tumors, supporting several first-in-class (FIC) drug candidates with novel mechanisms of action to advance into the IND application stage as rapidly as possible. This will further broaden the company's R&D footprint and portfolio in the fields of oncology and immunology.