'Molecular Glue' from San Diego Startup Neomorph Makes Cancer Self-Destruct: Clinical Trial Begins
- Startup: Neomorph
- Location: San Diego
- Candidate: NEO-811
- Target: Kidney Cancer
- AbbVie Deal: $1.6 Billion
- Novo Nordisk Deal: $1.46 Billion
- Biogen Deal: $1.45 Billion
This local San Diego biotech says it has found a way to trick cancer cells into destroying themselves with its molecular glue. Now it's putting that claim to the test. After attracting global attention from researchers and billions of dollars from Big Pharma, Neomorph announced that it has begun its first clinical trial.
The molecular glue aims to treat a form of kidney cancer. The first trial will dose one patient with the molecular glue, NEO-811, to treat clear cell renal cell carcinoma, the most common kind of kidney cancer.
The Science: Making Cancer Self-Destruct
While other oncology treatments, such as chemotherapy, indiscriminately damage cells, Neomorph's glue redirects the body to dispose of harmful proteins by labeling them as "trash," so enzymes will throw them away.
In the human body, proteins are the "workers" that carry out essential tasks. Neomorph's approach aims to control these interactions to treat solid tumors.
— Dr. Phil Chamberlain, CEO and Founder, Neomorph
Local Impact: San Diego Statistics
In San Diego County, roughly 500 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year—that's more than one new case every day, according to the California Cancer Registry. Among residents 65 and older, the rate jumps to more than four times higher than the overall population: 2,000 San Diegan's over 65 are diagnosed with a form of kidney cancer each year.
Chamberlain chose to focus on clear cell renal cell carcinoma because it exemplifies the glue's potential. It represents a large population but is also a precision medicine.
The Billion-Dollar Glue Club
Even before Neomorph started clinical trials, Big Pharma bought in. Since its founding in 2020, Neomorph has inked nearly $5 billion worth of deals.
- AbbVie: Signed a $1.6 billion deal last year for an option to license its glue.
- Novo Nordisk: Signed a $1.46 billion deal in 2024.
- Biogen: Signed a $1.45 billion deal in 2024.
Neomorph's strategy has been to partner with pharmaceutical companies to advance distinct disease areas while building its "wholly owned pipeline," financed through its sole investor, Deerfield Management Co.
Growing Locally
Chamberlain said he expects results from the first trial within the next year. In the meantime, he is focusing on growing his team, which currently has 80 employees.
— Dr. Phil Chamberlain
