Cartography raises $67M to bring its first T cell engager into the clinic

Cartography Biosciences secured $67 million in Series B funding to launch clinical trials for its lead T cell engager, CBI-1214, targeting colorectal cancer.

Why it matters: Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., and current treatments for the most common type, microsatellite stable tumors, are largely ineffective. Cartography’s approach could offer a more potent, immune-driven alternative.

Backstory: Founded five years ago by ex-Stanford researcher Kevin Parker, Cartography focuses on developing “differentiated” cancer drugs that target tumors more precisely. Its lead candidate, CBI-1214, recruits T cells to attack tumors expressing the LY6G6D protein, which is uniquely found on colorectal cancer cells.

Zoom in: CBI-1214 works by converting “cold” tumors into “hot” ones, thereby enhancing immune response by increasing T cell engagement. CBI-1214 is not the only T-cell engager of its kind. Other successes include Immunocore’s KIMMTRAK for uveal melanoma and Amgen’s Imdelltra for small-cell lung cancer.

Yes, but: Cartography is facing competition from pharma giant Roche, which is also testing a similar drug (linclatamig), but Cartography claims a broader reach and stronger immune activation. Cartography also has early programs in other solid tumors and a partnership with Gilead targeting triple-negative breast cancer and adenocarcinoma.

Big picture: T cell engagers, drugs that guide immune cells to cancer, have seen success in blood cancers and are now being explored in solid tumors. If successful, Cartography’s CBI-1214 could reshape treatment options for a patient population with few effective choices.