Bicara Therapeutics, a Phase 1 biotech developing a bifunctional antibody to target solid tumors, filed on Thursday with the SEC to raise up to $200 million in an initial public offering.
Bicara Therapeutics' lead candidate, ficerafusp alfa, is a bifunctional antibody that combines two clinically validated targets, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-directed monoclonal antibody with a domain that binds to human transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b). Through this dual-targeting mechanism, ficerafusp alfa has the potential to exert potent anti-tumor activity by simultaneously blocking both cancer cell-intrinsic EGFR survival and proliferation, as well as the immunosuppressive TGF-b signaling within the tumor microenvironment. Ficerafusp alfa is initially being developed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The company is conducting an ongoing Phase 1/1b trial in the US in combination with pembrolizumab, which has resulted in encouraging overall response rates. It plans to initiate a pivotal Phase 2/3 trial late in the 4Q24 or early in the 1Q25.
The Boston, MA-based company was founded in 2020 and plans to list on the Nasdaq under the symbol BCAX. Morgan Stanley, TD Cowen, Cantor Fitzgerald, and Stifel are the joint bookrunners on the deal. No pricing terms were disclosed.
