TILT Biotherapeutics has secured $25.6 million in Series B funding to accelerate its work on a new ovarian cancer therapy. The Finnish biotech startup is tackling one of cancer treatment’s biggest hurdles—solid tumors that resist immunotherapy.
While treatments like CAR-T and checkpoint inhibitors work well in blood cancers, they struggle against solid tumors. These tumors create a hostile environment that blocks immune responses. For patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, options are still limited.
Now, with backing from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund, Lifeline Ventures, TESI, and Stephen Industries, TILT is preparing for Phase 2 clinical trials of its lead candidate, TILT-123.
“We’re making progress in ovarian cancer, and this funding helps us move faster,” said CEO Akseli Hemminki. The first U.S. trial site is already active, with more set to open soon.
A New Way to Fire Up the Immune System
Founded in 2013, TILT Biotherapeutics is the brainchild of Professor Akseli Hemminki, a cancer doctor and immunotherapy pioneer. Before TILT, he co-founded Oncos Therapeutics and treated nearly 300 patients using early oncolytic virus therapies.
TILT is developing genetically modified viruses that carry immune-boosting agents, such as TNF alpha and IL-2. These oncolytic adenoviruses are injected directly into tumors—or given intravenously. Once inside, the viruses kill cancer cells and release tumor markers. This alerts the immune system to attack. The added cytokines then attract and activate T cells, turning “cold” tumors into “hot” ones that the immune system can recognize.
TILT-123, the company’s lead candidate, is already in clinical trials. In a Phase 1a study published in Nature Communications, 64% of patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer saw disease control. At the highest dose, the overall response rate was 20%. Median survival reached 190 days.
These results offer new hope. Ovarian cancer currently has no approved oncolytic virus treatments. TILT’s approach could change that.
What’s Next for TILT?
With this new funding, TILT will:
- Advance TILT-123 to Phase 2 trials in the U.S.
- Expand its presence by opening five or more trial sites in 2025
- Support ongoing studies in melanoma
- Deepen its research into combination immunotherapies
TILT is also partnering with Merck & Co. to test TILT-123 alongside KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), a widely used checkpoint inhibitor. This trial (NCT05271318) is already enrolling patients in the U.S.
CEO Hemminki is optimistic: “We’re committed to transforming how ovarian cancer is treated. TILT-123 represents a new class of immunotherapy that could help patients who have run out of options.”
With top-tier science, real-world clinical progress, and strong investor support, TILT Biotherapeutics is building momentum. Its work could unlock a new frontier in ovarian cancer therapy, giving patients a fighting chance against one of the toughest cancers to treat.
