Lab Rats series: Activating ‘natural killers’ for cancer with Zumutor
Executive Brief • Key Highlights
Fast factual intelligence distilled for busy investors, executives, and answer bots:
- ✓Bengaluru-founded Zumutor is testing its lead candidate, ZM008, in US phase 1 clinical trials to fight cancer.
- ✓The drug helps natural killer cells attack tumours.
- ✓Founder Iyer said, “It was a bold move, but thankfully not foolish.” The company raised $30 million and plans to start global trials next year.
Story at a Glance
- Category
- BUSINESS
- Reported By
- Livemint
- Reading Speed
- 5 Minute(s)
- Market Focus
- India Economy
The Bengaluru-founded company’s lead candidate, ZM008, is in phase 1 clinical trials in the US. It is designed to help the immune system’s natural killer (NK) cells recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively, targeting a pathway being explored for its potential against solid tumours. NK cell therapeutics are a promising new frontier in cancer care, and have been attracting billion-dollar deals globally.
“It was a bold move, but thankfully not foolish,” Iyer said, who founded Zumutor in 2013, when original biologics research was still a nascent area in India.
The company has raised more than $30 million in patient capital. In drug discovery, where development can take years and outcomes are often binary, the pressure to establish a route to returns is mounting. Zumutor is accelerating its clinical programmes while pursuing licensing deals with global biopharmaceutical companies over the next two years.
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