Clasp Therapeutics Launches with $150M Series A Funding to Develop Next-Generation T Cell Engaging Immunotherapies

1. Clasp Therapeutics, a biotechnology startup, emerged on March 20, 2024, with $150 million in Series A funding.
2. This financing supports the development of a portfolio of next-generation immunotherapies designed to tackle difficult-to-treat tumors using T cell engagers (TCE).
3. Leading investors include Novo Holdings, Third Rock Ventures, and Catalio Capital Management.
4. Clasp focuses on creating TCEs that target mutated protein fragments displayed by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, aiming to increase precision and reduce side effects compared to conventional TCEs.
5. Each TCE will be matched to a specific tumor mutation and patient HLA type, offering a balance between personalization and off-the-shelf convenience.
6. The company, led by CEO Robert Ross, plans to use the funding to advance its lead drug candidates toward generating human data without immediate pressure to go public.
7. Clasp's approach is founded upon the work of Bert Vogelstein and Drew Pardoll of Johns Hopkins University.
8. The company currently operates facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Rockville, Maryland, employing over 15 people.
9. Specific cancer types being targeted and anticipated timing for initiating human trials have not been disclosed.