Lifordi Immunotherapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech focused on developing antibody-drug conjugates for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, has received a strategic investment from Sanofi Ventures along with additional support from existing investors including ARCH Ventures, 5AM Ventures, and Atlas Venture. The new funding increases Lifordi’s total capital raised to $112 million and supports the ongoing Phase 1 trial of LFD-200 in rheumatoid arthritis, which is designed to deliver a potent glucocorticoid directly to immune cells. The funds also cover Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls preparations to ensure timely availability of Phase 2 clinical supply. As part of the investment, Christopher Gagliardi, Ph.D., Principal at Sanofi Ventures, will join Lifordi’s Board of Directors as an observer.
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Christopher Gagliardi said the targeted ADC approach captured Sanofi Ventures’ interest due to its potential to deliver glucocorticoids without the systemic toxicity that has limited their broader use. He highlighted that after reviewing Lifordi’s proof-of-concept data in multiple animal models and extensive nonclinical studies, the decision to invest aligned with Sanofi’s strategy to support innovative therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
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Arthur Tzianabos, Ph.D., President and CEO of Lifordi, expressed gratitude for the continued backing from both Sanofi Ventures and existing investors. He emphasized that the Phase 1 study in rheumatoid arthritis is progressing as planned and that initial data from healthy participants, including safety and pharmacodynamic outcomes, will be shared in the coming months. Tzianabos also noted that the investment strengthens the company’s ability to advance LFD-200 and expand the ADC platform for immune-mediated diseases.
Lifordi’s Phase 1 trial is actively enrolling and dosing healthy volunteers to assess both safety and efficacy of LFD-200. The study uses single and multiple ascending doses and will later extend to patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Recent nonclinical data presented at the American College of Rheumatology 2025 meeting showed that weekly subcutaneous dosing of LFD-200 for 13 weeks achieved targeted glucocorticoid exposure in immune cells without systemic toxicity.
By combining the potent anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids with a targeted delivery system, LFD-200 aims to overcome the limitations that have restricted long-term glucocorticoid use for decades. This approach could offer a safer, more effective treatment option for patients with autoimmune and inflammatory disorders while paving the way for additional applications using ADC technology to deliver other therapeutic payloads such as antisense oligonucleotides or siRNAs.
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Source- businesswire
