In February 2024, RocRock Bio, a company specializing in macrophage - based solid tumor therapy, successfully closed a Pre - A funding round of tens of millions of RMB. The round was led by Guozhu Capital under Ronghui Group, with additional investment from Desheng Capital. Leman Conjecture acted as the exclusive financial advisor for this round.
This recent funding round of RocRock Bio, following the 2022 angel round, is aimed at advancing the IND application of its RR-M01 pipeline and establishing a delivery vehicle production base in Qingdao. Having commenced IIT clinical research in 2023, RocRock Bio remains dedicated to enhancing CAR-M cell therapy development, offering enhanced treatment options for solid tumor patients, and improving their quality of life and survival rates.
World Health Organization data from 2021 reveals 19.758 million new global cancer cases, with blood cancers accounting for under 10% (1.305 million cases). Solid tumors make up the remaining 90%. Projections indicate China's anti-tumor drug market will reach 224.2-294.5 billion yuan by 2025, reflecting the substantial market potential of solid tumor drugs.
RocRock Bio is a biotech firm focused on developing macrophage-based therapies for solid tumors. Its lead product, RR-M01, is a third-generation CAR-M drug targeting HER2-positive solid tumors. This innovative therapy has shown promise in early clinical trials, demonstrating good safety and efficacy.
The company's third-generation CAR-M technology, developed since 2010, enhances the original CAR with cytokines for macrophage proliferation and activation. This advancement improves CAR-M persistence and modifies the tumor microenvironment. In 2023, RocRock Bio initiated an IIT clinical trial with Xuzhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CAR-M cell therapy for recurrent ovarian cancer with high HER2 expression.
RR-M01 entered the IIT phase in 2023 as the world's first third-generation CAR-M drug. The trial showed promising safety and efficacy, with participants experiencing symptom improvement and controlled tumor markers. RocRock Bio remains committed to advancing CAR-M therapy and providing effective treatment options for solid tumor patients.
Dr. Xiushan Yin, RocRock Bio's chairman, expressed gratitude to investors for their trust and support. This funding will accelerate the clinical development of key pipelines and CAR-M cell therapy R&D. RocRock Bio is dedicated to increasing R&D investment and improving treatment options for solid tumor patients.
Dong Xijie, General Manager of Qingdao Guozhu Capital, highlighted RocRock Bio's innovation in cell therapy and its potential to revolutionize solid tumor treatment. The company's breakthroughs in macrophage research position it as a promising player in the global solid tumor market.
Dr. Chaohsing Lee, Chairman of Leman Conjecture, noted that RocRock Bio's CAR-M drugs combine mature CAR technology with macrophage advantages, offering precise treatment for solid tumors. The company's strong R&D foundation in macrophage development and differentiation supports the creation of versatile CAR-M drugs. Leman Conjecture will continue to support RocRock Bio's growth and clinical application of CAR-M therapy
Qingdao Guozhu Asset Management Co.， Ltd. (Guozhu Capital) was set up in December 2019. It engages in equity investment, asset management, and industry - finance services, operating under state - owned guidance with a market - oriented approach. The company focuses on technological and medical innovation, utilizing its fund cluster to enhance industrial investment and build a broad partner network to drive joint development in Shinan District.
Guozhu Capital has forged strong ties with top private equity firms and leading industrial groups, launching multiple industrial investment funds to support industrial growth.
Aligned with Qingdao's Shinan District strategic plan, Guozhu Capital focuses on the "two belts, three zones" layout and "2+6" special industrial system. It leverages capital to promote industrial upgrading and recruitment, providing robust financing and investment support for the district's transformation into a modern, international, prosperous, beautiful, and happy urban area.
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