US-based biotechnology company Abcuro has closed a $66m Series D funding round to support its new clinical trial of ulviprubart for inclusion body myositis (IBM).
The company’s potential registrational study will evaluate the monoclonal antibody in patients with less severe IBM, with trial initiation targeted for the final quarter of 2026.
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Ulviprubart targets killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1) on cytotoxic T cells.
Abcuro expects top line results in the second half of 2028.
The investment round was led by New Leaf Venture Partners and joined by participants that include Bain Capital Life Sciences,Eurofarma Ventures, Foresite Capital, Kaitai Capital, Mass General Brigham Ventures, Pontifax, RA Capital Management, and Redmile Group.
In addition, Samsara BioCapital, Sanofi Ventures, Shang Bay, Soleus Capital, and new investor Rock Springs Capital participated in the round.
The company has already started discussions with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
If data from the new clinical trial prove favourable, Abcuro plans to submit a biologics licence application.
Recent data from the Phase II/III MUSCLE study of ulviprubart in IBM were presented at the 6th Global Conference on Myositis (GCOM) in March 2026.
Although the clinical data was not statistically significant, it indicated a tendency to slow disease progression compared to placebo, as assessed by IBM Functional Rating Scale (IBMFRS) across the entire patient group.
Notably, there was a 50% reduction in disease progression among patients with milder IBM (IBMFRS >29) in a specific analysis. Ulviprubart also demonstrated favourable safety and tolerability compared to placebo.
Abcuro CEO Alex Martin said: “We are pleased to have this opportunity to further evaluate ulviprubart in patients with IBM, a devastating progressive disease.
“We have begun preparations to initiate a clinical trial in the fourth quarter of 2026 as we continue our work to develop an effective treatment option in an indication where there is no approved therapy.
“We remain dedicated to the IBM community and thank our investors who share our conviction in ulviprubart’s potential.”
IBM is a rare autoimmune muscle disease, and there are currently no approved pharmacologic therapies for this condition.
