BIMINI Biotech

Jan 13, 2025

Leiden-based BIMINI Biotech , a drug development company focused on therapeutics for haematological cancers, closed a €3M seed investment round. The round was led by Torrey Pines Investment (TPI) from San Diego, with participation from InnovationQuarter Capital (IQC), Libertatis Ergo Holding (LEH), and a business angel. The funds will support the preclinical development of modulators targeting the Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome Protein (WASp). WASp is a protein involved in regulating the actin cytoskeleton, which supports cell shape and movement. It is primarily found in immune cells and plays a key role in immune system function. Targeting the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein Several lymphoma and leukaemia subtypes are associated with poor outcomes and high relapse rates, often considered incurable for many patients. Elderly patients with comorbidities are frequently ineligible for intensive therapies, and treatment options become limited if initial therapies fail. There is a need for new targeted agents with new mechanisms of action to improve treatment. BIMINI Biotech’s technology targets WASp to inhibit cancer cell growth. WASp, an actin nucleation-related protein found in hematopoietic cells, plays a role in the aggressiveness of haematological tumours. Founded in 2019, the company has a portfolio of WASp modulators applicable to various haematological cancers and autoimmune disorders. BIMINI Biotech has demonstrated promising anti-cancer effects in both in vitro and in vivo models of lymphoma and leukaemia. Capital utilisation BIMINI Biotech will use the funds to boost the preclinical development of its WASp modulators and validate their safety and efficacy. BIMINI’s activities will be supported by Expert Systems, an advanced platform using computer-aided drug design and a hybrid AI-based system to assist with preclinical drug discovery and early development phases. Dr. Maurits van den Nieuwboer, COO of BIMINI Biotech, says, “We have been talking to many clinicians and oncologists over these past years, and they all say the same: for aggressive leukaemia and lymphoma subtypes, it is not a matter “if” patients relapse, but “when” patients relapse.” “As such there is still a dire need for novel therapeutic strategies. BIMINI Biotech can fill this gap. With this new investment round, we can really progress the development of our portfolio.” Topics: