Diabetes startup AnTolRx secures funding from Pfizer, JDRF and Orion Equity

The funding parties will provide $4 million over two years to fund research and development of AnTolRx's antigen-specific Targeted Nanoparticle Tolerance Therapeutics (TNTT) to treat immune disorders including T1D. 

The company's technology is based on the work of Dr. Francisco Quintana, Associate Scientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School.

AnTolRx CEO Mark Carthy said: "AnTolRx's nanoparticles aim to co-deliver targeted antigens and a tolerogenic factor to suppress pathogenic antigen-specific immune responses and thereby restore more normal immunoregulation in a variety of autoimmune disorders.

"We are grateful for the funding and support we have received from Pfizer, JDRF and Orion, as we continue to focus on developing disease-modifying therapies for patients with immune disorders, including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease."

Pfizer led the investment round, and also has an exclusive option to in-license the company's T1D candidate upon achievement of certain milestones.

Pfizer senior vice president and chief scientific officer of inflammation & immunology Michael Vincent said: "Pfizer is committed to exploring novel approaches for inducing tolerance in autoimmune disorders, and we believe that AnTolRx's technology may have the potential to benefit patients in need.

JDRF president and CEO Derek Rapp said: "JDRF is excited to participate in this syndicated equity investment with Orion and Pfizer. We understand the significance of capitalizing on early stage opportunities to cure, prevent and treat type 1 diabetes, and we believe this partnership will greatly benefit the T1D community.

"JDRF has funded the development of the novel, innovative science on which AnTolRx is built since the academic research stage, and we are proud to continue our support as it advances to a commercial setting."