Seattle-based startup Outpace Bio has recently secured $144 million in funding from investors. The company specializes in using artificial intelligence to design proteins incorporated into cancer therapies for solid tumors. This new funding will allow Outpace researchers to test their treatments in a clinical setting, with the goal of benefiting patients and validating the company’s approach to combatting cancer.
The approach taken by Outpace involves modifying T cells to improve their performance in targeting and destroying cancerous cells, particularly in solid tumors which have proven to be more resistant to existing therapies. CEO Marc Lajoie compares battling cancer to a game of Whack-a-Mole, highlighting the need for multiple technologies to effectively target different mechanisms the cancer can use to evade treatment. By developing innovative approaches to modify T cells, Outpace hopes to provide more resilient and effective treatments for cancer patients.
Outpace was founded by Lajoie and Chief Technology Officer Scott Boyken, who met while working as postdoctoral fellows in the Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington. Following their time at the IPD, the founders collaborated with renowned immunotherapy researcher Dr. Stan Riddell to launch Lyell Immunopharma in 2019. Outpace was spun off in 2021 to focus on developing protein design-based drugs for cancer treatment, with a particular focus on CAR T cell therapy for patients with advanced platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancers.
The Series B funding round for Outpace was led by RA Capital Management and included participation from a variety of new and existing investors, including Qatar Investment Authority, Surveyor Capital, Sheatree Capital, Black Opal Ventures, and Alexandria Venture Investments. With this latest funding round, Outpace has raised a total of $200 million to support their research and development efforts in advancing cancer treatments using protein design and artificial intelligence technology.
Outpace’s focus on developing innovative therapies for solid tumors using modified T cells represents a promising approach to improving cancer treatment outcomes. By leveraging artificial intelligence and protein design techniques, the company aims to address the challenges presented by solid tumors and enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies. The funding secured by Outpace will support further research and clinical testing of these novel treatment approaches, with the ultimate goal of delivering more effective and resilient treatments for cancer patients.
The successful fundraising efforts of Outpace highlight the growing interest and investment in the development of innovative cancer treatments utilizing cutting-edge technologies. With the support of investors and a strong team of researchers and clinicians, Outpace is well-positioned to advance its mission of revolutionizing cancer treatment through the use of artificial intelligence, protein design, and modified T cell therapies. As the company prepares to begin treating patients next year, the potential impact of their work on improving outcomes for cancer patients is significant, and the future looks promising for Outpace Bio and its innovative approach to cancer therapy.
