Key points from article :
Casma Therapeutics, a biotechnology company pioneering therapies through the autophagy system, has secured $46 million in a Series C funding round. This financing was supported by a mix of new investors, including Amgen Ventures, Astellas Venture Management, and Ono Venture Investment, alongside returning investors like Eventide Asset Management and Third Rock Ventures. The funding will enable Casma to advance its lead program targeting MYD88 mutant lymphoma, moving from preclinical development toward regulatory approval readiness.
Casma’s autophagy-based platform, PHLYT™, aims to degrade disease-causing proteins that have traditionally been considered "undruggable." CEO Keith Dionne, Ph.D., emphasized that the new resources will help the company expand its pipeline of autophagy-based therapies. The funding also brings key expertise to Casma’s leadership, with Dr. Hiromichi Kimura of Astellas Ventures joining the board of directors and representatives from other investors serving as board observers.
Dr. Kimura highlighted the uniqueness of Casma’s PHLYT™ platform and the team’s extensive expertise in drug development, expressing confidence that the funding will accelerate the company's progress. This investment reflects growing interest in innovative approaches like autophagy-based degradation to address challenging medical targets.
