Carolyn Bertozzi’s Valora Therapeutics Launches with $30M Seed Round to Develop Sugar-Based Immunotherapies

Valora Therapeutics Launch:
Valora Therapeutics, the latest biotech venture co-founded by Carolyn Bertozzi, has debuted with a $30 million seed round to develop immunotherapies based on sugars that help cancers evade the immune system[3].

Focus on Sugars:
The company focuses on sugars that dot cell surfaces, which are crucial in helping cancers evade immune responses. This approach aims to leverage these sugars to create novel immunotherapies[3].

Carolyn Bertozzi's Background:
Carolyn Bertozzi is a 2022 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry and has co-founded multiple biotech companies, including Palleon Pharmaceuticals, InterVenn Biosciences, and Firefly Bio, among others[1][2][4].

Recent Appointments:
Bertozzi was recently appointed as Co-Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board at Orna Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on circular RNA medicines[2].

Innovative Approach:
Valora Therapeutics' approach to immunotherapy is unique in its focus on sugars, which could potentially offer new avenues for treating cancers that have been resistant to traditional immunotherapies[3].