Cloverleaf Bio raises $33M seed for engineered tRNA cancer therapies
Its lead programs target liver and colorectal cancers using engineered transfer-RNA payloads.
Using cancer cells’ RNA machinery against them
Cloverleaf engineers transfer RNA to carry inhibitory payloads against RNA-modifying enzymes that some cancers rely on as they grow. The company’s approach is designed to inhibit multiple enzymes with a single tRNA-based payload, creating a different route to attacking tumor cells than targeting one pathway at a time.
Its lead program, CLB-001, is advancing toward early clinical testing for hepatocellular carcinoma. A second antibody-tRNA conjugate for colorectal cancer remains in preclinical development; both are investigational therapies.
Use of funds
Advance inhibitory tRNA asset for hepatocellular carcinoma through early clinical testing
Advance antibody-tRNA conjugate for colorectal cancer through preclinical development