Kanvas Biosciences has raised $48 million in Series A funding, co-led by DCVC and Lions Capital LLC, bringing its total capital raised to $78 million. The company is focused on advancing its spatial biology platform and translating its capabilities into clinical applications, particularly within immuno-oncology.
The newly secured funding will primarily support clinical trials for KAN-001, a live biotherapeutic product designed for cancer patients who do not respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). While ICIs have transformed cancer care, only a small proportion of patients with solid tumors achieve complete responses. Kanvas is addressing this gap by targeting the microbiome as a modifiable factor influencing treatment outcomes.
KAN-001 aims to provide a standardized and scalable alternative to fecal microbiota transplants, which have demonstrated the ability to convert non-responders into responders but present limitations in safety and manufacturing consistency. The company’s approach centers on restoring microbiome balance to enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies.
A key component of Kanvas’ strategy is its spatial mapping platform, which enables visualization of microbial and host cell interactions within tissue environments. This approach extends beyond traditional metagenomic sequencing by incorporating spatial context, offering insights into microbial location and function that are often missed by conventional methods.
Core technological elements include:
Spatial mapping capabilities to monitor live biotherapeutic activity within host tissues
The Kanvas Spectral Lightsheet microscope, designed to generate high-resolution spatial datasets for AI-driven analysis
Manufacturing of synthetic microbiome consortia composed of complex microbial communities
Beyond oncology, Kanvas is expanding into global health initiatives. In collaboration with the Gates Foundation, the company is developing a fully synthetic microbiome therapy targeting maternal environmental enteric dysfunction, a condition associated with adverse neonatal outcomes.
Additional pipeline developments include preparations for a Phase 1 trial of KAN-004, aimed at treating ICI-induced colitis and enabling patients to continue immunotherapy. The company has also established a GMP manufacturing facility in Princeton, New Jersey, and appointed Stephen Quake to its Board of Directors to support ongoing scientific and operational growth.
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