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Xenothera develops multispecific glyco-humanized polyclonal antibodies (GH-pAbs) for immunological treatments. Its platform uses genetically modified pigs to produce these antibodies. Proprietary glyco-humanization removes xeno-antigens, ensuring low immunogenicity. These GH-pAbs provide broad-spectrum activity and diverse mechanisms against complex biological targets, including tumor cells and pathogens.
Founded in 2014 by Jean-Paul Soulillou and Odile Duvaux, Xenothera adapted animal-derived antibodies for human therapeutics. Their pioneering effort modified pigs genetically to generate compatible antibody responses, overcoming immunogenicity hurdles. This foundational work launched their quest for innovative immunological solutions from their base in Nantes, France.
Xenothera's therapies target patients with critical conditions like cancers, severe infections, and those needing immune modulation for transplantation. The company continually advances its glyco-humanized polyclonal antibody platform. Their vision is to deliver effective, well-tolerated, next-generation treatments addressing significant unmet medical needs across challenging disease landscapes.
Xenothera has raised $21.0M across 1 funding round.
Xenothera has raised $21.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Xenothera has raised $21.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $21.0M Series C in June 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2021 | $21M Series C | — | Ankaa Ventures | Announced |
Xenothera has raised $21.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Xenothera's investors include Ankaa Ventures.
Xenothera is a French biotechnology company headquartered in Nantes, specializing in innovative glyco-humanized polyclonal antibody (GH-pAb) therapies for immunology, infectious diseases, oncology, transplantation, and onco-hematology.[1][2][3] It develops treatments targeting serious diseases through a platform combining animal genetics and immunological expertise, producing hyperimmune sera with enhanced properties like reduced adverse effects and strong neutralization capabilities, as demonstrated in COVID-19 applications with XAV-19.[1][3][4] The company serves patients with unmet needs in these areas, solving problems like limited efficacy and safety in traditional immunotherapies; it has treated over 400 patients, with four products in clinic—including proof-of-concept for LIS1 in transplantation and XAV-19 in COVID—and ongoing oncology trials like XON7 (phase I/II FIPO for solid tumors) and LIS22 (phase I/II PALT1 for peripheral T-cell lymphoma).[3][6] Growth momentum includes recent 2025 advances in oncology, €4 million non-dilutive France 2030 funding, and its own biomanufacturing site supported by regional and European initiatives.[3][6]
Founded on June 30, 2014, Xenothera emerged from expertise in animal genetics—specifically genetically modified pigs—and immunological processes to pioneer glyco-humanized antibodies.[2][3] The company's backstory ties to addressing gaps in passive immunotherapy, renovating it with a new generation of polyclonal sera engineered for better biological activity.[1] Early traction came during the COVID resurgence, where XAV-19 showed strong neutralization against variants like Omicron in published data (Vanhove et al., 2020-2022), marking a pivotal moment.[1] This built toward oncology and transplantation focus, with LIS1 achieving proof-of-concept in humans and rapid clinic entry for multiple products.[3]
Xenothera rides the wave of next-generation immunotherapy, particularly glyco-engineered antibodies and xenotransplantation, amid rising demand for precise, multi-target treatments in oncology and infectious diseases where monotherapies fall short.[1][4][6] Timing aligns with post-COVID urgency for rapid-response antivirals (e.g., XAV-19) and oncology breakthroughs, fueled by market forces like aging populations, antimicrobial resistance, and €4M+ public funding from France 2030 and EIC.[3][4][6] It influences Europe's biotech ecosystem by validating deeptech platforms—supported by Atlanpole incubation—and advancing xenotransplantation, potentially reshaping organ shortages and solidifying France's biotech hub status in Nantes.[3][6]
Xenothera is poised for oncology acceleration, with 2025 milestones like PALT1 trial progress for LIS22 and reaffirmed xenotransplantation commitment signaling pipeline expansion.[6] Trends like multispecific antibodies and AI-optimized glyco-engineering will shape its path, potentially yielding phase II/III data and partnerships amid €4M funding boosts.[5][6] Its influence may evolve from niche innovator to ecosystem leader, driving responsive care in immunology and beyond—reinforcing its start as a biotech trailblazer tackling immunotherapy's toughest challenges.[1][2]
