Bio Start - Up Oncolab said on the 11th that it secured a pre-Series A investment of 1 billion won from investor FuturePlay with its self-developed immuno-oncology technology "ANGel (ANtibody-conjugated microGel)." The company plans to use the funds to conduct preclinical studies and expand manufacturing facilities, and to prepare for entry into global clinical trials.
Oncolab's technology loads anticancer drugs and immune-activating antibodies into body-safe microgels and delivers them precisely to the tumor microenvironment. This way, the drug does not spread throughout the body, reducing side effects while enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
The core ANGel platform is a next-generation immunotherapy that can simultaneously perform ▲ tumor targeting ▲ immune activation ▲ anticancer drug release. Antibodies on the particle surface precisely attack cancer cells, and the drug inside is slowly released around the tumor to eliminate them. As a result, the treatment effect lasts longer and can complement the limits of existing anticancer therapies.
Oncolab is first developing the therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and is planning a strategy that can be applied to various solid tumors, including prostate cancer and lung cancer, by changing the antibody combinations. It is currently confirming safety and efficacy in animal studies and plans to file for clinical trials in 2026.
Kim Jong-seong, head of Oncolab, said, "The ANGel platform is a technology that encapsulates antibodies and anticancer drugs in a single particle to directly attack cancer cells and activate immune responses," adding, "By going beyond a simple combination of existing drugs, it will present a new combination therapy approach and offer new treatment opportunities to more patients."