Calluna: targeting upstream innate immune amplifiers

Calluna brings together two companies that were both targeting innate immune amplifiers to treat autoimmune and fibrotic diseases. The shared idea behind the potential first in class programs is that blocking the molecules will halt both inflammatory and fibrotic processes.

Calluna Pharma Inc. is the result of a January merger between Dutch biotech Oxitope Pharma B.V. and Norway’s Arxx Therapeutics A/S that featured existing investors from both companies putting €75 million ($81.7 million) into the newco via a series A round. The new capital will get a clinical readout for multiple programs, including lead asset CAL101...