Talus Bioscience

Talus Bio, a Seattle-based biotechnology company, has announced the successful completion of a recent funding round, raising $9.3 million in a Series A extension. The round was led by Madrona Venture Group, with participation from investors including Data Collective (DCVC), Digitalis Ventures, and a new strategic investor, Bristol Myers Squibb.

Founded in 2020 by Dr. Chris Kemper and Dr. Andrew Emili, Talus Bio focuses on advancing drug discovery by developing novel approaches to target the human epigenome. The company's proprietary technology enables the identification and characterization of drug candidates that can modulate epigenetic mechanisms, which play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. This approach aims to address diseases with unmet clinical needs, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders, by targeting previously unexplored areas of the human genome.

The $9.3 million raised in this latest round will be directed towards expanding Talus Bio's research and development efforts, including the enhancement of its platform technology and the acceleration of its drug discovery programs. Specifically, the company plans to scale its operations, hire additional scientific talent, and further develop its pipeline of therapeutic candidates.

CEO and co-founder Dr. Chris Kemper emphasized the importance of this funding in advancing the company's mission. "This investment will allow us to accelerate the development of our unique technology platform and bring us closer to delivering breakthrough therapies to patients in need," said Kemper. "We are excited to have the continued support of our investors and to welcome Bristol Myers Squibb as a strategic partner as we embark on the next phase of our journey."

Talus Bio's technology has garnered attention within the biotech industry for its potential to address challenging drug targets that have historically been difficult to modulate. By focusing on the epigenome, the company is pioneering a new frontier in drug discovery, which could lead to the development of more effective therapies for complex diseases. The company's approach aligns with the broader industry trend of exploring epigenetic targets as a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention.

The participation of Bristol Myers Squibb as a new investor underscores the strategic significance of Talus Bio's work. As a global pharmaceutical leader with a strong focus on oncology and immunology, Bristol Myers Squibb's involvement could provide Talus Bio with valuable insights and resources to further its research efforts. The collaboration between the two companies may also pave the way for potential partnerships in the future, as Talus Bio continues to advance its drug candidates through preclinical and clinical development.

In addition to its technological advancements, Talus Bio has assembled a strong leadership team with deep expertise in both academia and industry. Dr. Andrew Emili, the company's co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, is a renowned expert in the field of proteomics and epigenetics, with a distinguished academic career that includes positions at the University of Toronto and the University of Washington. His scientific contributions have laid the foundation for Talus Bio's innovative approach to drug discovery.

The Series A extension brings Talus Bio's total funding to date to approximately $22 million, following an earlier $12.7 million Series A round in 2021. With this new infusion of capital, the company is well-positioned to continue its growth and make significant strides in the development of novel therapeutics targeting the human epigenome.

As the biotech industry continues to evolve, Talus Bio's focus on epigenetic drug discovery positions it as a key player in the field. The company's innovative approach and strong investor backing suggest that it could play a significant role in shaping the future of precision medicine.