In September 2024, Brenus Pharma announced the completion of a $25 million Series A financing round and receipt of non-dilutive funding to take the STC-1010 cancer vaccine through proof-of-concept in first-line settings for metastatic colorectal cancer patients. STC-1010 is the first candidate based on Brenus Pharma’s STC (Stimulated Tumour (ghost) Cells) technology platform, which offers a new type of precision treatment for a “significant public health challenge”. The platform will be deployed in humans from the end of the year, beginning with STC-1010.
STC platform
Brenus Pharma’s STC platform is designed to educate the immune system to “recognise and anticipate escape mechanisms” in cold tumours. Four key stages happen after injection:
- APC (antigen-presenting cell) cross-priming activation
- TILs (tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes) pool generation
- TILs expansion
- Tumour cell destruction
The technology “not only treats the immediate threat, but also defends the immune system against tumours that may appear later”, reducing a risk of relapse. This is achieved through the education of a patient’s immune system through the “widest panel of therapeutic targets currently available”.
Trials
STC-1010 will be administered as a first-line treatment in patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) resistant to immunotherapies. It will also be tested in other types of gastric tumours, including those of the pancreas and liver. The second candidate in development, STC-1020, will be developed in other solid tumour indications. The team is optimistic that the platform products can become a “permanent part of precision medicine”.
The Phase I/IIA study of STC-1010 is known as “BreAK-CRC”; it is under review by the European regulatory authorities in preparation for participation of clinicians in early-phase immuno-oncology units in Europe and the United States. Phase I will evaluate the tolerability of different dose levels, combined with low dose immunostimulants and standard chemotherapy. The Phase IIA study will evaluate treatment efficacy, with a focus on progression-free survival at 12 months.
Achieving ambitious goals
Jacques Gardette, Chair of BIOJAG, confirmed that “Brenus Pharma now has our full attention to help the company achieve its ambitious goals” as it takes a “major step forward”.
“The arrival of investment professionals in our young company confirms the interest we are arousing…I’m convinced that the constant commitment and innovation of the Brenus team have built a solid foundation for tackling one of the world’s most complex therapeutic challenges.”
Mr Gardette commented on the “boldness, achievement, and resilience” demonstrated by Brenus in its “rapid development”. Dr Paul Bravetti, CEO of Brenus Pharma, reflected that the investment interest is an “important milestone” that confirms the platform’s potential.
“I would like to thank all our team for their motivation and their passionate work to rapidly bring a new therapeutic solution to patients. Our shared ambition is to position our platform at the forefront of the national and international scene, and to become a leader in next-generation cancer immunotherapies.”
Marie Chambodut, Partner and Investment Director at Angelor, is “proud” to lead the strategic transaction.
“We look forward to joining Paul and his exceptional team in transforming Brenus into a global player in precision immuno-oncology, bringing solutions to millions of patients experiencing treatment failure, and contributing to the development of the French biotherapeutics industry.”
Investment Manager at Noshaq, Hélène Sabatal, is “delighted” to support the development of the “cutting-edge technological platform”.
“We are convinced of its future impact for patients currently without concrete therapeutic solutions.”
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