Lifordi Immunotherapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company developing antibody-drug conjugates for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, has secured a strategic investment from Sanofi Ventures alongside additional funding from existing investors ARCH Ventures, 5AM Ventures, and Atlas Venture. The new funding brings the total capital raised to $112 million and supports the ongoing Phase 1 study of LFD-200 in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
The investment represents significant validation for Lifordi's approach to treating autoimmune diseases using targeted antibody-drug conjugate technology. This funding enables the company to continue its Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating LFD-200, an ADC that delivers a potent glucocorticoid directly to immune cells while potentially avoiding the systemic toxicity that has limited glucocorticoid use for decades. The capital also supports Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls preparations to ensure Phase 2 clinical supply availability without unnecessary delays.
Christopher Gagliardi, Ph.D., Principal at Sanofi Ventures, will join as an observer on Lifordi's Board of Directors as part of the investment. Gagliardi stated that Sanofi was intrigued by Lifordi's targeted ADC approach to deliver glucocorticoids without toxicity, noting that due diligence on proof-of-concept data in multiple animal models of autoimmune disease and extensive nonclinical studies influenced their decision to invest. The partnership enables Sanofi to share expertise and experiences to help guide LFD-200 through clinical studies and support pipeline development using this approach to deliver other drug payloads, such as ASOs or siRNAs.
Arthur Tzianabos, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Lifordi, emphasized the importance of this strategic support, stating that enrollment and dosing in the Phase 1 study of LFD-200 in rheumatoid arthritis is progressing as planned, with initial data from healthy participants expected in the coming months. The company recently presented non-clinical data at the American College of Rheumatology 2025 meeting showing that clinically relevant doses of LFD-200 given subcutaneously every 7 days for 13 weeks maintained glucocorticoid exposure in immune cells without evidence of systemic toxicity.
This development matters because autoimmune diseases affect millions worldwide, and current glucocorticoid treatments often cause significant side effects that limit long-term use. Lifordi's approach could potentially solve the toxicity problem that has constrained glucocorticoid therapy for the past 75 years. If successful, LFD-200 could provide a safer, more targeted treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis patients and potentially other immune-mediated conditions. The substantial investment from established pharmaceutical venture groups signals confidence in both the technology and its potential to transform autoimmune disease treatment. For more information about the company, visit https://www.lifordi.com.
