Interius BioTherapeutics is a biotechnology company pioneering in vivo cell-specific gene delivery platforms aimed at transforming the treatment landscape for hematologic malignancies and other serious diseases. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Interius is dedicated to developing innovative therapies that enable the direct reprogramming of cells within the human body, thereby eliminating the need for ex vivo cell manipulation and preconditioning chemotherapy.
Key Strategic Focus
Interius's strategic focus centers on its proprietary gene delivery platform designed to generate chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells directly in vivo. This approach aims to simplify the therapeutic process by bypassing traditional ex vivo cell manipulations and reducing the associated toxicities of preconditioning chemotherapy. The company's primary target is hematologic malignancies, with a broader vision to extend its technology to other conditions not amenable to current gene therapy modalities.
Financials and Funding
Since its inception, Interius has successfully secured significant funding to advance its research and development efforts:
- Series A Financing (May 2021): Raised $76 million in an oversubscribed round co-led by Cormorant Asset Management and Fairmount Funds, with participation from Bain Capital Life Sciences, Pfizer Ventures, RA Capital Management, Longwood Fund, Logos Capital, Osage University Partners, and Quan Capital.
- Series B Financing (May 2024): Secured an additional $67 million to further advance its gene delivery platform and pipeline development.
The capital raised is intended to support the progression of Interius's lead programs into clinical trials, expand research capabilities, and enhance manufacturing processes.
Pipeline Development
Interius's lead candidate, INT2104, is designed to treat B-cell malignancies by generating CAR T and CAR NK cells in vivo. In July 2024, the company received regulatory clearance from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to commence a Phase 1 clinical trial named INVISE (Injectable Vectors for In Situ Engineering). This trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single intravenous dose of INT2104 in transforming T and NK cells into CAR cells directly within patients, targeting cancer cells without the need for ex vivo manipulations or preconditioning chemotherapy.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Interius's proprietary in vivo gene delivery platform utilizes engineered lentiviral vectors to achieve precise, cell-specific gene delivery. This technology enables the direct reprogramming of immune cells within the patient's body, offering a novel therapeutic modality that simplifies the production and administration of CAR therapies. By eliminating the complexities associated with ex vivo cell manipulation, Interius's platform has the potential to make gene therapies more accessible and cost-effective.
Leadership Team
- Philip Johnson, MD: President and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Johnson brings extensive experience in gene therapy and has been instrumental in guiding Interius's strategic direction.
- Saar Gill, PhD: Co-Founder and Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Gill is a physician-scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, whose pioneering research laid the foundation for Interius's gene delivery platform.
- Bruce Peacock: Co-Founder and Advisor. A seasoned biotech executive, Mr. Peacock has played a crucial role in establishing Interius's operational framework and strategic partnerships.
Leadership Changes
In May 2021, Tomas Kiselak of Fairmount Funds and Ben Lund of Bain Capital Life Sciences joined the Interius Board of Directors, bringing valuable investment and strategic expertise to the company's leadership team.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The gene therapy market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by advancements in genetic engineering and an increasing demand for innovative treatments for various diseases. The global gene therapy market size was valued at approximately $4.1 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $15.5 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.8%. This growth is fueled by the rising prevalence of genetic disorders and cancers, along with the expanding pipeline of gene therapy candidates.
Competitor Analysis
Interius operates in a competitive landscape with several key players:
- Kite Pharma: A subsidiary of Gilead Sciences, Kite Pharma specializes in the development of CAR T-cell therapies for hematologic cancers.
- Autolus Therapeutics: A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing next-generation, programmed T-cell therapies for the treatment of cancer.
- Jubilant Therapeutics: A biopharmaceutical company developing small molecule modulators to treat oncology and autoimmune diseases.
These competitors are also advancing cell and gene therapies, each with unique approaches and technologies.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Interius has established significant collaborations to bolster its research and development efforts:
- University of Pennsylvania: The foundational research for Interius's platform originated from Dr. Saar Gill's laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania, providing a strong scientific basis for the company's technology.
- WuXi Advanced Therapies: A partnership for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing of INT2104, leveraging WuXi's expertise to support Phase I clinical product manufacturing.
Operational Insights
Interius's in vivo gene delivery platform offers distinct advantages over traditional ex vivo methods, including reduced complexity, lower costs, and potentially improved patient outcomes. By focusing on in situ engineering of immune cells, Interius aims to streamline the therapeutic process and address limitations associated with current CAR T-cell therapies.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Looking ahead, Interius plans to:
- Advance Clinical Trials: Progress INT2104 through Phase 1 clinical trials and gather data to support further development.
- Expand Pipeline: Apply its gene delivery platform to other hematologic malignancies and explore applications in autoimmune diseases.
- Enhance Manufacturing Capabilities: Strengthen partnerships to ensure scalable and efficient production of gene therapy products.
By leveraging its innovative platform and strategic collaborations, Interius is well-positioned to make significant contributions to the field of gene therapy.
Contact Information
- Website: www.interiusbio.com
- LinkedIn: Interius BioTherapeutics
For more information, please visit the company's official website.
