Bicara Therapeutics, a Cambridge-based biotechnology research startup, has raised an impressive $108M in Series B funding from a range of investors including Eight Roads, F-Prime Capital, The Invus Group, Omega Funds, RA Capital Management, Piper Sandler, Janus Henderson Investors, Acorn Bioventures, Bioqube Ventures, and Red Tree Venture Capital. The company, founded by Claire Mazumdar, is dedicated to developing bifunctional antibodies and other biologics for the treatment of solid tumors. Their lead program focuses on inhibiting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and disabling transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), a molecule that promotes tumor growth, directly at the site of the tumor. By targeting both of these mechanisms, they hope to achieve superior anti-tumor efficacy with an improved therapeutic window.

Bicara's strength lies in their platform, which allows them to design bifunctional molecules that precisely target the tumor and deliver the tumor-modulating payload, minimizing side effects. Additionally, by effectively delivering the immune-modulating payload to the tumor, lower doses of drug may be required for anti-tumor effect, resulting in less toxicity to healthy tissues elsewhere in the body. With a deep pipeline of promising bifunctional antibodies, Bicara is set to make significant strides in the treatment of solid tumors. Their innovative approach to cancer treatment has caught the attention of investors, positioning Bicara for future success in the biotechnology industry.