Profile

Abcuro is committed to delivering next generation medicines to better the lives of patients with T cell driven autoimmune disease with no other options. The late-stage clinical company is developing first-in-class immunotherapies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer through precise modulation of highly cytotoxic T and NK cells.

Its advanced technology allows for the selective depletion of highly cytotoxic T cells. Abcuro’s first-in-class anti- KLRG1 antibody, ulviprubart (ABC008) (in clinical development,) has the potential to stabilize the immune system, halting disease progression. The company’s focus begins with inclusion body myositis (IBM), a high unmet need indication with no currently approved therapies, but Abcuro believes this approach can be applied to other autoimmune diseases characterized by cytotoxic T cells as well as cancer.

Abcuro keeps patients at the center of everything it does. The company’s dedication to those living with IBM, a debilitating chronic disease, characterized by progressive weakness and atrophy of certain muscles, for which currenlty there are no therapeutic options, is evident in its partnerships with advocacy organizations including Myositis Support and Understanding and The Myositis Association for whom Abcuro serves on the corporate advisory council. Guided by a dedication to patients, the leadership team has secured multiple successful funding rounds for the company and continues to advance multiple late-stage clinical trials.

Visit www.abcuro.com

Key Products

Ulviprubart (ABC008)

Ulviprubart (ABC008) is a first-in-class anti-KLRG1 antibody capable of selectively depleting highly cytotoxic T cells, while sparing naïve, regulatory and central memory T cells. It is currently being studied in a Phase 1 and Phase 2/3 trial in those living with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) and a Phase 1/2 trial in those living with T-cell Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia (T-LGLL). Ulviprubart has been granted Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of IBM by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Association (EMA).

Key Executives

Alex Martin, Chief Executive Officer

Alex came to Abcuro in 2022 and brings over 30 years of experience leading companies in the biotech industry. Prior to Abcuro, Alex was Chief Executive Officer of Palladio Biosciences, and earlier held roles including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at multiple biotech companies. Alex is also an active coach and mentor to other senior executives, and a guest lecturer at Wharton and Columbia Business School on biotech, entrepreneurship, and raising capital. He holds a BA from Cornell University and an MBA from Harvard.

H. Jeffrey Wilkins, MD, Chief Medical Officer

Jeff, a highly experienced clinician who has advanced clinical programs from IND to regulatory approval, came to Abcuro in 2022, bringing his deep expertise in the areas of immunology, rare diseases, and immuno-oncology. Prior to Abcuro, Jeff held senior clinical leadership roles, including Chief Medical Officer across biotech companies including Avalo Therapeutics, Lycera, Ceptaris Therapeutics, Cephalon, and Ception Therapeutics. Jeff received his M.D. from Temple University School of Medicine and his B.S. from Bucknell University.

Karen Tubridy, PharmD, Chief Operating Officer

Karen, who brings more than 30 years of experience in drug development strategy and operations supporting novel and first-in-class therapeutics, became Abcuro’s Chief Operating Officer in 2024 after serving as Chief Development Officer since 2022. Earlier, Karen served as Chief Development Officer at Verseau Therapeutics, Akebia Therapeutics, and Eleven Bio. Within these positions and others, she has had responsibility for driving global program strategies and oversight of drug development operations including the build out of core R&D infrastructure and quality systems. Karen holds a B.S. in pharmacy and a PharmD from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences.

Investors

Abcuro closed an oversubscribed $155 million Series B in 2023, led by Redmile Group and Bain Capital Life Sciences. New and existing investors that participated included RA Capital Management, Samsara BioCapital, Sanofi Ventures, New Leaf Ventures, Pontifax, funds managed by Tekla Capital Management, LLC, funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, Mass General Brigham Ventures, Eurofarma, and Soleus Capital.

Competitors

Abcuro is aware of several other clinical trials in IBM that are investigator-sponsored trials evaluating safety and efficacy of sirolimus, ruxolitinib, and combination of pozelimab+cemdisiran. We are not aware of company-sponsored trials in IBM.

Corporate Responsibility

Abcuro is empowering patients with IBM by advancing the clinical development of a novel therapeutic medicine that has the potential to preserve and maintain muscle strength. The company is dedicated to advancing its technology and also working closely with patient advocacy organizations to ensure the patient voice is heard during the clinical development process. Abcuro partners with both Myositis Support and Understanding and The Myositis Association and is on the corporate advisory council for The Myositis Association.