German Biotech Kupando Raises €10M to Advance Its Innate Immunity Drug to Clinical Trials

Kupando has secured an additional €10 million for its Series A funding, totaling €23 million, to support the first human trial of KUP101, a dual TLR agonist targeting solid tumors and drug-resistant infections. Unlike most oncology immunotherapy research focusing on the adaptive immune system, Kupando emphasizes the innate immune system, a swift primary defense mechanism. The Schönefeld company announced the new investment, led by Remiges Ventures and co-led by LifeCare Partners, with existing investors Brandenburg Kapital, High-Tech Gründerfonds, and Ventura Biomed Investors, alongside newcomer Carma Fund. The funds will facilitate a Phase 1b clinical trial of KUP101 in patients with advanced solid tumors and boost preclinical research on infectious diseases, such as antimicrobial-resistant infections. The latter is backed by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. KUP101, a TLR 4 and TLR 7 agonist, operates via a liposomal delivery system, enhancing immune responses and maintaining innate immunity readiness. This non-specific tissue approach increases its potential patient reach. Founded in 2018 by Johanna Holldack, Kupando was inspired by her observations of innate immunity in animals, supported by research at Prof. Dennis Carson’s UC San Diego lab. The initial €13 million funding closed in September 2022, facilitating IND-enabling work. The additional investment indicates readiness for clinical trials, and Jörn Aldag was appointed board chair in February 2026. Holldack emphasized the funding’s role in advancing KUP101 and Kupando’s mission of leveraging innate immunity for transformative therapies. The antimicrobial resistance component is especially relevant as AMR threatens global health; Kupando’s innate immunity strategy offers a novel mechanism compared to traditional antibiotics. Martin Raditsch of Carma Fund expressed investor confidence in Kupando’s potential amid challenging financial conditions, marking a pivotal shift from preclinical achievements to patient-based scientific validation.