What They Build
Zumutor develops monoclonal antibodies that activate natural killer cells by disrupting tumor immune evasion. Its lead programme, ZM008, targets the LLT1 pathway and is in Phase 1 trials for advanced solid tumors.
Why They Matter
NK cell biology is a less-explored immunotherapy route than T-cell checkpoint blockade, especially for solid tumors. Zumutor matters because it has translated India-rooted antibody discovery into FDA-cleared clinical development. The Phase 1 readout will decide whether the LLT1-CD161 mechanism survives human testing.
Founders
Kavitha Iyer Rodrigues
Recent Milestones
- ZM008 is an Indian-discovered monoclonal antibody targeting the LLT1 NK cell checkpoint pathway
- Total capital raised disclosed at about $27M
- $6.2M round led by Siana Capital closed in December 2021
- FDA IND clearance for ZM008 received in August 2023
- First patient dosed in Phase 1 dose-escalation trial at multiple US sites in June 2024
- ZM008 is being evaluated as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab in advanced solid tumors
- Global biologics licensing and manufacturing collaboration with Catalent completed