Accelerating development of

kinder and gentler next-generation ADCs

About Kivu Bioscience

As a company focused on rapidly advancing next generation transformative assets, we leverage our expertise to efficiently progress programs to clinical proof of concept.

Guided by rigorous science and a commitment to addressing unmet medical needs, our experienced team collaborates with global partners and key opinion leaders to accelerate the delivery of life changing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that aim to conquer cancer.

Mission

We are inspired by patients and fueled by data to accelerate the development of novel cancer medicines.

Vision

To conquer cancer and deliver transformative ADCs that allow our patients to live longer and thrive.

Science

floating antibody, no background
floating antibody, no background

At Kivu Bioscience, we leverage advanced, next-generation proprietary ADC technologies to deliver more precise and effective cancer treatments. Utilizing Synaffix‘s site-specific conjugation platform, including the cutting-edge GlycoConnect™ technology, Kivu’s proprietary approach creates highly stable ADCs with optimized linker and payload combinations, designed to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-tumor toxicity. By targeting aspargine-297, GlycoConnect™ produces a clean, highly homogenous product, offering a clear manufacturing advantage over other conjugation technologies. With state-of-the-art innovations in conjugation and payload delivery, we are shaping the future of targeted oncology therapies with a commitment to improving patient outcomes and treatment tolerability.

Kivu programs employ three technology pillars to deliver best-in-class ADCs by enhancing homogeneity, stability and potency.

Technology Pillars

Homogeneity

Site-specific conjugation at asparagine-297 targets a unique antibody pocket to create ADCs with defined drug-antibody ratios (DAR) and silenced Fc binding, potentially reducing off-target toxicity associated with immune cell uptake in non-tumor tissues.

Stability

A hydrophilic linker increases polarity which reduces payload hydrophobicity and aggregation, resulting in improved payload retention. This enhancement positively impacts both manufacturability and efficacy by increasing ADC stability. Enhanced plasma stability further reduces off-target side effects, improving the safety profile for patients.

Potency

We utilize proprietary, clinically validated payloads with higher potency compared to previous payloads in the same class. These payloads demonstrate high permeability, bystander killing capability, and resistance to drug efflux transporters, maximizing therapeutic impact within tumor cells.

Pipeline

Indication

Development Candidate

IND-Enabling

Phase 1

KIVU-107

Indication:

Solid tumors

Candidate

IND-Enabling

Phase 1

IND-Enabling

KIVU-305

Indication:

Solid tumors

Candidate

IND-Enabling

Phase 1

IND-Enabling

KIVU-202

Indication:

Solid tumors

Candidate

IND-Enabling

Phase 1

Dev Candidate

Who we are

Our team is driven by a passion for innovation and collaboration, working together to bring life-changing cancer treatments to the world.

Team

Headshot of Mohit Trikha, PHD

Mohit Trikha, PhD

Board Member

President & COO

Headshot of Ann McLaren, PhD

Ann MacLaren, PhD

Senior VP & Head of Translational Medicine

Headshot of Liangyi Zhang, PhD

Liangyi Zhang, PhD

VP & Head of CMC

Headshot of Natasja Viller, PhD

Natasja Viller, PhD

Director, Translational Medicine

Board of Directors

Headshot of Daniel O'Connell, MD, PhD

Daniel O’Connell, MD, PhD

Board Chair

Partner, Venture Investments | Novo Holdings

Headshot of Max Klement, PhD

Max Klement, PhD

Board Member

Principal | Novo Holdings

Headshot of Michaël Vlemmix

Michaël Vlemmix

Board Member

Partner, Life Sciences | Gimv

Headshot of Jennifer Cochran, PhD

Jennifer Cochran, PhD

Board Member

Chief Scientific Advisor | Red Tree Venture Capital

Headshot of Mårten Steen, MD, PhD

Mårten Steen, MD, PhD

Board Member

Managing Partner | HealthCap

Headshot of Edward van Wezel

Edward van Wezel

Board Member

Managing Partner | BGV

Headshot of Mohit Trikha, PHD

Mohit Trikha, PhD

Board Member

President & COO

Headshot of Bauke Anninga, PhD

Bauke Anninga, PhD

Board Observer

Investment Director | M Ventures

Careers

A Culture of Belonging

Kivu Bioscience: A Culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. At Kivu Bioscience, we are driven by our mission to develop groundbreaking therapies that advance oncology treatment and improve patients’ lives. Our success stems from the strength and diversity of our team, and we are deeply committed to creating an environment where every individual can thrive.

We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture built on intellectual curiosity, innovation, and a shared passion for making a difference. Our fast-paced environment encourages continuous learning, and we are fully invested in the recruitment, training, and professional growth of each team member.

Join Us

Kivu Bioscience is seeking motivated, dynamic individuals who are inspired to join our mission of advancing next-generation ADCs for oncology. If you are passionate about transforming cancer treatment and making a meaningful impact, we’d love to connect with you.

To be considered for a position at Kivu Bioscience, please send us a message using the button below. 

Media

Biopharma Dive |
October 28, 2024

With $92M, Kivu sets out to make ‘kinder, gentler’ ADCs

“The startup, which is backed by Novo Holdings and a handful of other venture firms, is the latest to capitalize on interest in the targeted cancer drugs.” Gwendolyn Wu, Biopharma Dive

FirstWord Pharma |
October 28, 2024

Backed by Novo, Kivu debuts with $92M to build ‘kinder, gentler’ medicines

“Kivu’s two-part goal is simple: achieve the highest ADC concentration possible within the tumour microenvironment, while minimising dose reductions and treatment interruptions.” Elizabeth S. Eaton, FirstWord Pharma

Endpoints News |
October 28, 2024

Synaffix, industry’s ADC partner of choice, spins out a startup pipeline

“The Dutch biotech Synaf­fix has long been one of the top part­ners for bio­phar­ma com­pa­nies work­ing in an­ti­body-drug con­ju­gates. Now the com­pa­ny is spin­ning out …” Kyle LaHucik, Endpoints News

Press Release |
October 28, 2024

Kivu Bioscience Raises $92 Million Series A Led by Novo Holdings to Advance Next-Generation Antibody-Drug Conjugates

San Francisco, CA – October 28, 2024 – Kivu Bioscience, a biotech company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates to deliver best-in-class therapeutics, announced today the close of a $92 million Series A financing round led by Novo Holdings, with participation from Gimv, Red Tree Venture Capital, HealthCap as well as existing investors BioGeneration Ventures, M Ventures, […]

Investors

floating antibody, no background

Shaping the future of targeted oncology ADCs

We are commited to improving patient outcomes and treatment tolerability