Zumutor Biologics, a Bengaluru-headquartered immuno-oncology company with US operations in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has raised $7.3 million in pre-Series B funding from Accel, Bharat Innovation Fund, Premji Invest, and angel investors. The company develops first-in-class NK cell therapeutics targeting innate immune checkpoints. The capital will complete the ongoing US Phase 1 study of lead asset ZM008 and initiate Phase 1B expansion cohorts plus global Phase 2 trials including in India.
NK Therapies Draw Fresh Capital
The round arrives as interest grows in NK cell approaches for solid tumors resistant to PD-1 inhibitors. Nkarta Therapeutics has raised $114 million total with substantial cash reserves. Artiva Biotherapeutics secured $198 million in venture funding plus a $300 million offering. Dragonfly Therapeutics has attracted over $300 million in equity and partnership capital. Zumutor's antibody-based blockade of the LLT1-CD161 axis differs from cell therapy or engager platforms.
Solid Tumors Resist Existing Checkpoints
Many patients with advanced solid tumors such as prostate cancer and glioblastoma show no response to current T-cell checkpoint inhibitors. ZM008, a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody, disrupts the LLT1-CD161 interaction to release NK cell cytotoxicity and trigger broader immune responses in cold tumor microenvironments. The Phase 1 trial (NCT06451497) is enrolling at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Next Oncology sites.
Antibody Approach Targets Novel Checkpoint
ZM008 is the first monoclonal antibody directed at LLT1, offering a simpler manufacturing path than engineered cell therapies. It is being tested both as monotherapy and with pembrolizumab. Early ex vivo data presented at SITC 2025 showed significant tumor reduction in lung and bladder cancer biopsies. Maloy Ghosh, Chief Scientific Officer stated:
"Early clinical data from the ongoing phase 1 study of ZM008 highlight the differentiated potential of novel NK checkpoint therapy for solid tumors."
The company's INABLR platform supports additional pipeline candidates ZM012 and ZM014.
Existing Investors Double Down
Accel and Bharat Innovation Fund led the round, joined by Premji Invest and angels Ashish Kacholia and Raj Dandu. The participation signals continued conviction in Zumutor's dual Cambridge-Bangalore model and its progress from IND clearance in 2023 to active US clinical sites. Total funding now exceeds $26 million.
NK Market Expands Beyond CAR-T
The global NK cell therapeutics market reached approximately $3.93 billion in 2025 and is projected near $4.4 billion in 2026 per The Business Research Company. Broader NK cell therapy estimates show growth from $0.86 billion in 2026 to $2.88 billion by 2035 according to Business Research Insights. Natural Killer Cell Therapeutics are forecast to reach $9.2 billion by 2034 at 10.89% CAGR per IMARC data cited in research. Rising PD-1 resistance and the safety advantages of NK modalities over CAR-T are driving capital into the space.
Serial Founder Builds Clinical Momentum
Founder and CEO Kavitha Iyer Rodrigues previously led a biotech exit and has guided Zumutor from seed stage to a clinical-stage company with a world-class Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Vijay Kuchroo, discoverer of the TIM-3 checkpoint, joined the board in 2025.
Phase 2 Expansion Planned
With the new funds, Zumutor will complete Phase 1, launch dose-expansion cohorts, and begin global Phase 2 studies including sites in India. The company is also exploring rheumatoid arthritis applications for its platform.