Zumutor Biologics, a biotech startup focused on immunotherapy, has secured $7.3 million in a Series B funding round led by existing investors Accel and Bharat Innovation Fund, with participation from new investors Premji Invest and angel investors Ashish Kacholia and Raj Dandu, according to inc42.com. The funds will support ongoing clinical trials of its cancer drug ZM008, including US FDA Phase 1 studies and planned Phase 1B and global Phase 2 trials, including in India.
Founded in 2013 by Kavitha Iyer Rodrigues, Zumutor develops therapies that activate natural killer (NK) cells to target tumors. ZM008, described as a first-in-class NK cell checkpoint therapy, began human trials in 2024. The startup’s chief scientific officer, Maloy Ghosh, highlighted early Phase 1 data showing promising potential for solid tumor treatment. The Series B round builds on a previous $6.2 million Series A4 raise and includes two proprietary antibody engineering platforms aimed at regulating the tumor microenvironment.
The funding round underscores growing investor interest in immuno-oncology startups targeting innate immunity, a less-explored area compared to T-cell therapies. Zumutor’s approach to harnessing NK cells could complement existing cancer treatments and address solid tumors, a challenging area for immunotherapies. The involvement of established investors like Accel and Premji Invest signals confidence in Zumutor’s technology and clinical progress within the competitive biotech sector.
Zumutor plans to use the capital to complete its ongoing US FDA Phase 1 clinical study of ZM008 as monotherapy and in combination regimens, and to initiate Phase 1B expansion cohorts and global Phase 2 studies, including trials in India, according to inc42.com.