Our Take
Standard biotech funding for mid-stage cancer drug with established mechanism but no breakthrough efficacy data yet.
Why it matters
Multiple myeloma remains largely incurable with high relapse rates, creating sustained demand for additive therapies that can combine with newer bispecifics and cell therapies.
Do this week
Oncology teams: track inobrodib Phase 2 data releases over next 12 months to assess combination potential with your current bispecific protocols.
Venrock leads $220M Series D for oral myeloma drug
CellCentric closed a $220 million Series D round led by Venrock to advance inobrodib, an oral drug targeting multiple myeloma patients whose disease persists after multiple treatments (company announcement). The Cambridge and Boston-based biotech raised $120 million in Series C funding last year.
Inobrodib blocks p300 and CBP proteins, preventing expression of cancer-driving genes. CellCentric is testing the drug in combination with Bristol Myers Squibb's Pomalyst, bispecifics like Pfizer's Elrexfio and J&J's Tecvayli, and as maintenance therapy to prevent cancer recurrence.
The company already produced mid-stage data showing improved response rates when combined with older myeloma drugs in heavily pretreated patients, though specific numbers were not disclosed.
Oral option targets gap in bispecific era
Multiple myeloma treatment has advanced significantly with bispecifics and cell therapies extending remissions and moving into earlier treatment lines. But the disease remains incurable for most patients, with eventual relapse common.
CellCentric CEO Will West positions inobrodib as serving patients who cannot access complex cellular or infusion therapies. The oral format allows home administration or treatment at standard clinics where most myeloma patients receive care.
The company believes combining inobrodib with bispecifics could strengthen immune response without additional toxicity, potentially extending response depth and duration beyond single-agent bispecific therapy.
Watch for Phase 2 combination data
The funding supports ongoing Phase 2 studies and planned Phase 3 trials testing inobrodib combinations across different treatment settings. Key data points will be response rates and safety profiles when paired with current standard-of-care bispecifics.
For oncology teams managing heavily pretreated myeloma patients, inobrodib represents another potential combination partner, particularly for patients unsuitable for cell therapy or complex infusion protocols. The oral administration could simplify treatment logistics in community oncology settings.
Timeline depends on Phase 2 readouts, which will determine whether the drug advances to registration-enabling Phase 3 studies.