CellCentric Raises $220M Series D Led by Venrock
CellCentric, a UK-based clinical-stage biotech with US headquarters in Burlington, Massachusetts, has raised $220M in an oversubscribed Series D funding round led by Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners. The company develops inobrodib, a first-in-class oral small molecule inhibitor targeting p300/CBP proteins to reduce expression of cancer-driving genes like MYC and IRF4 in multiple myeloma and other cancers. The capital will fund two registration-enabling trials, DOMMINO-1 (Phase 2) and DOMMINO-2 (Phase 3), for inobrodib combined with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (InoPd) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).
Myeloma Epigenetics Gains Investor Focus
The raise follows positive Phase 2 data presented at ASH 2024, showing promising efficacy and safety in heavily pretreated RRMM patients per company announcements. It builds on a $120M Series C in May 2025 led by RA Capital Management, bringing total funding over $400M with cash runway into 2029 according to Axios Pro. Competitors like Pathos AI and Foghorn Therapeutics target similar p300/CBP mechanisms but focus on solid tumors, leaving CellCentric ahead in myeloma combinations. This timing aligns with a surge in UK biotech funding, signaling renewed appetite for oncology innovation.
RRMM Relapse Drives Unmet Need
Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma affects patients progressing after bispecific antibodies and CAR-T therapies, where current options often require hospitalization. Over 70% of RRMM patients receive care in community settings, highlighting demand for oral regimens. Inobrodib addresses resistance in pomalidomide-refractory tumors through its novel mechanism.
Displacing Proteins at Super-Enhancers
Inobrodib selectively displaces p300/CBP from super-enhancer sites on chromatin, reducing oncogene expression without broad toxicity. Unlike degraders from Foghorn or Eisai's stalled PRI-724, it enables oral combos like InoPd, showing 60-75% overall response rates in Phase 2 with pomalidomide/dexamethasone per FirstWord Pharma. It demonstrates synergy with bispecifics like teclistamab and elranatamab, with first patients dosed.
As Kris Frese, Director of Cancer Biology, explained:
“One reason inobrodib and pomalidomide may work synergistically is that they’re both targeting the same cell signaling pathway, but from different angles of attack.”
Venrock Leads Elite Oncology Syndicate
Venrock, with exits like Constellation Pharmaceuticals in epigenetics, led alongside new investors Sofinnova Partners, HBM Healthcare Investments, and Fidelity, plus existing backers RA Capital, Forbion, and Pfizer per FierceBiotech. This syndicate signals validation for inobrodib's path to registration and potential IPO, nearing $1B valuation. CEO Will West noted turning down smaller term sheets, prioritizing strategic fit.
$21B Market Eyes Oral Shift
The multiple myeloma therapeutics market stood at $20.87B in 2023 and projects to reach $30.30B by 2030 at 5.5% CAGR per Grand View Research. Analysts forecast up to $33B by 2030 amid bispecific and CAR-T adoption according to FiercePharma. CellCentric positions inobrodib for post-TCE relapse, differentiating from injectables like J&J's Darzalex and BMS's Revlimid.
Pivotal Trials Reshape RRMM Care
CellCentric completed enrollment in Phase 2 dose-optimization cohorts and initiated DOMMINO-1, dosing first patients in the US and UK. Upcoming combos with bispecifics and expansion to other p300/CBP-dependent cancers like AML follow FDA Fast Track designation. US operations from Burlington support scaling ahead of 2029 cash runway.