Kupando GmbH Company Profile

Background

Overview: Kupando GmbH is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4/7 agonists aimed at stimulating innate immunity for applications in oncology and infectious diseases. Founded in 2018, the company is headquartered in Schönefeld, Germany.

Mission and Vision: Kupando is committed to pioneering innovative therapies that harness the body's innate immune response to combat cancer and infectious diseases, striving to improve patient outcomes through cutting-edge immunological research.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives:

• Development of TLR 4/7 Agonists: Kupando focuses on creating small molecule-based drug candidates that activate TLR 4 and TLR 7 pathways to enhance innate immune responses.

• Pipeline Expansion: The company aims to build a diverse pipeline addressing various indications, either independently or through strategic partnerships.

Primary Markets:

• Oncology: Targeting solid tumors with innovative immunotherapeutic agents.

• Infectious Diseases: Developing prophylactic vaccines leveraging innate immunity stimulation.

Financials and Funding

Funding History:

• Series A Financing (September 2022): Kupando secured €13 million in a Series A funding round led by Remiges Ventures, co-led by LifeCare Partners, with additional investments from Brandenburg Kapital, High-Tech Gründerfonds, Ventura Biomed Investors, and undisclosed family offices.

Utilization of Capital:

• The funds are allocated to complete Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies and initiate clinical development of the lead candidate, KUP101, for solid tumor indications.

Pipeline Development

Lead Candidate: KUP101

• Composition: KUP101 is a unique co-encapsulation of two small molecules—a TLR 4 agonist and a TLR 7 agonist—in a liposomal formulation.

• Mechanism of Action: Designed to induce a broad immune response, facilitating its development as an anti-tumor agent, either as a standalone product or in combination with other therapies, and as a prophylactic vaccine for infectious diseases.

• Development Stage: Currently undergoing IND-enabling work for the treatment of solid tumors and the prevention of infectious diseases.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies:

• TLR 4/7 Agonist Platform: Kupando's proprietary platform focuses on the co-encapsulation of TLR 4 and TLR 7 agonists, aiming to stimulate innate immunity effectively.

Scientific Methodologies:

• Liposomal Formulation: Utilizing liposomal delivery systems to enhance the stability and efficacy of the co-encapsulated agonists.

Leadership Team

• Johanna Holldack, MD: Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Holldack brings extensive experience from previous roles at TreThera, Avaris, Telormedix, Borean Pharma, and MediGene.

• Angelika Leppert: Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Kupando, Ms. Leppert served as a Start-up Coach specializing in Strategy and Corporate Finance.

• Pierre Morgon, PharmD, LL.M, MBA: Chairman of the Board. Dr. Morgon has a robust background in pharmaceutical leadership and strategic development.

• Wolfram Nothaft, MD: Deputy Chairman and Advisor. Dr. Nothaft provides strategic guidance with his extensive medical and executive experience.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no recent significant changes or appointments within Kupando's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics:

• Market Size and Growth Potential: The global immuno-oncology market is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in cancer immunotherapies and increasing prevalence of cancer worldwide.

• Industry Trends: There is a growing emphasis on developing therapies that harness the innate immune system, with TLR agonists gaining attention for their potential in oncology and infectious disease treatments.

Competitor Analysis:

• Blueprint Medicines: Focuses on precision therapies for genomically defined cancers.

• Genentech: A leader in biotechnology, developing medicines for serious diseases, including cancer.

• Lineage Cell Therapeutics: Specializes in cell-based therapies for various conditions, including oncology.

• SAGE Therapeutics: Develops novel therapies for central nervous system disorders.

• Merck & Co.: A global pharmaceutical company with a strong oncology portfolio.

These companies represent key players in the biopharmaceutical landscape, each contributing to advancements in oncology and immunotherapy.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Kupando has established significant partnerships with leading venture capital firms and investors, including Remiges Ventures, LifeCare Partners, Brandenburg Kapital, High-Tech Gründerfonds, and Ventura Biomed Investors. These collaborations provide not only financial support but also strategic guidance to advance Kupando's pipeline.

Operational Insights

Competitive Advantages:

• Unique Therapeutic Approach: Kupando's development of the only TLR 4/7 agonist in a co-encapsulated liposomal formulation positions the company uniquely in the immunotherapy landscape.

• Experienced Leadership: The management team's extensive experience in drug development and strategic partnerships enhances the company's operational effectiveness.

Strategic Opportunities and Future