What's Happening?
Onchilles Pharma, a private biotech company, has announced the completion of a $25 million Series A1 financing round to advance its lead drug candidate, N17350. This funding brings the total Series A financing to $40
million. The company has published foundational preclinical data in Cell Reports Medicine, validating the ELANE pathway as a cancer-selective, immune-activating mechanism. N17350 is designed to selectively kill cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue and activating a systemic immune response. The drug has shown efficacy across 30 cancer cell lines and 15 in vivo models, including chemotherapy-resistant cells. Onchilles plans to initiate a first-in-human trial in Australia early next year, with U.S. expansion expected in mid-2026.
Why It's Important?
The development of N17350 represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering a new therapeutic approach that combines cytotoxic activity with immune-preserving effects. This could potentially address a broad range of solid tumors, providing new hope for patients with chemotherapy-resistant and immunologically 'cold' tumors. The successful funding round and upcoming clinical trials indicate strong investor confidence and the potential for N17350 to become a breakthrough therapeutic class. If successful, this could lead to improved treatment outcomes and expand the options available to oncologists and patients.
What's Next?
Onchilles Pharma is preparing to initiate clinical trials for N17350, with the first-in-human trial set to begin in Australia early next year. The company expects IND clearance in the United States and U.S. patient enrollment by mid-2026. The trials will evaluate the drug's safety, monotherapy activity, and biomarkers of immune activation across multiple solid tumor types. The company has completed a GMP manufacturing campaign, ensuring over 5,000 doses are available for clinical use. These steps are crucial for demonstrating clinical activity and potentially achieving regulatory approval.
