Granite Bio debuts with $100 million to tackle autoimmune diseases

Granite Bio is a biotechnology company developing first-in-class antibodies that target the root causes of a variety of inflammatory, autoimmune and fibrotic conditions. Its pipeline comprises two lead candidates. GRT-001 depletes pro-inflammatory monocytes, key drivers of autoimmunity and inflammation. In non-human primate studies, GRT-001 efficiently and dose-dependently depleted pro-inflammatory monocytes. Treatment was well tolerated and spared tissue-resident macrophages, which are important for tissue homeostasis. GRT-001 is currently in Phase 1a testing in healthy volunteers and is expected to enter a Phase 1b trial in patients with inflammatory bowel disease later this year.
GRT-002 blocks interleukin-3, a key player in autoimmune inflammation and type II inflammation, offering a new approach to treating itch and allergy. The molecule is in preclinical development and is expected to enter clinical trials in 2026.

These lead molecules were developed in collaboration with Versant’s Ridgeline Discovery Engine in Basel and originated from the laboratories of Professor and Scientific Co-Founder Matthias Mack at University of Regensburg.

“Despite multiple immunology-based therapeutic approaches currently commercialized, patients with inflammatory disorders continue to experience a lack of symptom control and relapse,” said Nigel Sheail, partner at Versant and Granite board member. “Granite has the potential to enable a real step-change for patients with its innovative programs that target key fundamental disease pathways.”

Granite Bio has now officially launched, with $100 million in capital. This includes a $30 million Series A led by founding investors Versant Ventures and Novartis Venture Fund, and a $70 million Series B led by Forbion and Sanofi Ventures.

Granite’s leadership team comprises

• Patrick Loustau, president and CEO, brings broad and successful experience in building and developing organizations in biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Prior to joining Granite Bio, he was the CBO of Amolyt Pharma until its acquisition by Alexion (AstraZeneca Rare Disease) for up to $1.05B in July 2024. Before Amolyt, he was CEO of Zumbro Discovery Inc. and president of Zafgen Inc. Earlier in his career, he led global organizations at Bristol Myers-Squibb and Novo Nordisk.
• Dominik Hartl, CMO, has extensive background in immunology and fibrosis drug development. He previously served as CMO for Quell Therapeutics, a company specialized in immune-mediated diseases. Before that, he held leadership positions in Immunology Drug Development/Translational Medicine at Novartis (NIBR/Immunology), Roche (pRED/I2O) and Galapagos Pharma. Dominik is a board-certified M.D. and holds an adjunct professorship in Pediatric Immunology at University of Tübingen.
• Gijs van den Brink, CSO, possesses deep academic and industry experience in immunology and IBD. Currently, also an Operating Partner at Forbion, he previously served as SVP and Global Head of Immunology, CVM, ID, and Ophthalmology Discovery and Early Development at Roche. Before that, Dr. van den Brink was head of Immunology discovery and early and late-stage clinical development at GlaxoSmithKline plc. Gijs previously was a gastroenterologist and professor of experimental gastroenterology and co-authored over 150 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Eliot Forster, chairperson of the board, has more than 30 years of extensive biotech experience from both executive and non-executive roles. He was CEO of F-star Therapeutics until its acquisition by inovX Pharma LTD in March 2023, and formerly CEO of Immunocore. Eliot is currently CEO of Levicept LTD, non-executive chair of Tessellate BIO and a director at Immatics.