ARKGEN BioScions Raises $6.67M Series A to Advance Multi-Antibody Cancer Immunotherapy Platform

ARKGEN BioScions, a Korean immuno-oncology startup, has closed a $6.67M (KRW 10 billion) Series A round built around its proprietary multi-antibody platform, AMB. The raise brings the company’s total funding to $9.34M (KRW 14 billion), following an earlier $2.67M (KRW 4 billion) pre-Series A round.

The Series A drew participation from existing backer Mirae Holdings, along with new investors IBK, IBK Venture Investment, The Irowoon Partners,  ScaleUp Partners, Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, IMM Investment, Woori Venture Partners, KIMCo(Korea Innovative Medicines Consortium)–Yuanta Investment, and Huons. The Iroun Partners was founded earlier this year by LigaChem Biosciences founder Yongju Kim.

At the core of ArkGenBio’s technology is AMB (ArkGen Multi-Body), a multi-antibody platform that links antigen-binding domains through proprietary linkers, allowing a single molecule to target up to five antigens simultaneously. The company is using this architecture to build next-generation T-cell engagers (TCEs) — multi-antibody cancer drugs that recruit T-cells to attack tumor cells through the immune system. Its lead candidate, ARK102, is designed to simultaneously target TROP2 (trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2), HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), and CD3.

ARK102 was previously selected for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ DeepTech TIPS program, while a follow-on candidate, ARK103, was selected for support under the Korea Drug Development Fund (KDDF).

ArkGenBio plans to use the new capital to further develop the AMB platform and advance its pipeline through R&D and business development.

Founded in July 2021, ArkGenBio is now in its sixth year of operation, developing immuno-oncology treatments across two pillars: multi-antibody therapeutics and cancer vaccines. Its seven co-founders, including CEO Seungwon Lee, previously worked together at LG Chem.

“This Series A reflects recognition of both the technical strength and commercial potential of our AMB platform,” said Seungwon Lee, CEO of ArkGen BioSciences. “We plan to further advance the AMB platform and actively expand opportunities for joint research and licensing deals with global pharmaceutical companies.”