UK Biotech Startup Neobe Therapeutics Raises €6.1Mn to Develop Bacteria-Based Cancer Treatments

Neobe Therapeutics is working on a new approach to cancer treatment. Its technology uses specially engineered bacteria to break down the physical barriers that stop cancer drugs from reaching tumour cells.

The funding round was led by ARC Ventures. Other investors included Faber, Macmillan Ventures, the investment arm of Macmillan Cancer Support, Proven Connect and Empirical Ventures.

Existing pre-Seed investor 2048 Ventures also took part in the round. The new funding will help Neobe Therapeutics speed up the development of its technology and move its cancer treatment research forward.

Dr. Pedro Correa de Sampaio, co-founder and CEO, Neobe Therapeutics, said, “Several treatments that can cure cancer already exist, but in far too many patients they simply cannot get to where they are needed. I’m delighted to be working with investors that share our vision of making untreatable cancers curable, and excited to move our platform towards clinical trials.”

Joseph Korff, Founder of Arc Ventures, said, “We are excited to back Neobe Therapeutics’ differentiated approach to overcoming the physical barriers created by dense tumour matrices. Assets derived from Neobe’s platform will improve the efficacy of cancer therapies and extend their benefits to more patients.”

Founded in 2021 by Dr. Correa de Sampaio and Dr. Annelise Soulier, Neobe Therapeutics is based at the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst in the UK. The company aims to develop new treatments that could help make difficult-to-treat cancers curable.

According to the company, new cancer treatments such as immunotherapy have improved care for many patients. However, these treatments do not work for everyone.

One major reason is the thick layer of tissue surrounding some tumours. This creates a physical barrier that prevents cancer drugs and immune cells from reaching the tumour and attacking cancer cells.