BreakBio — Creating Personalized Cancer Treatments

Developing an immunotherapy platform that generates patient- specific cancer treatments.

The Problem

Metastatic colorectal cancer is the second highest cause of cancer death, killing 50,000 people in the US alone each year. The disease is often hallmarked by unique cancer proteins that are different in every patient. This biological complexity has stifled breakthroughs for over 20 years. Current treatment options like chemotherapy and drug combinations are non-specific and highly genotoxic.

What The Company Does

BreakBio is working to cure colon cancer using a personalized vaccine design platform that harnesses the natural power of a patient’s immune system. The process starts off by comparing mutated DNA found only in a patient’s cancer cells to DNA in their normal cells. The software platform then crunches massive data files and spots key differences between the DNA samples. The platform then chooses the exact “mutated proteins” that it predicts will be able to be recognized and destroyed by the patient’s immune system. This individualized therapy is then manufactured and injected directly into the patient’s arm. The goal is to generate T-cells that are specific to the unique cancer proteins that are present inside the patient and utilize them to eradicate the cancer. Breakbio’s therapy also adds a specific combination of drugs to increase the activity of these newly generated T-cells while simultaneously inhibiting cancer cell growth. This combination of specificity, increased T-cell activity and decreased cancer cell growth is extremely effective.

The Market

In 2019, the global oncology market was estimated to be over $200B. In this market, there has been a clear shift in spending from chemotherapies to immunotherapies and personalized medicine, which falls into BreakBio’s wheelhouse. Down the line, BreakBio plans to explore ways to create preventative cancer vaccines, opening up a huge new market.

Business Model

BreakBio will charge roughly $250k per patient treatment with over 60% gross margins. Health insurance companies and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will be the payers.

Traction

BreakBio has built a top scientific team and acquired a software platform. The team recently tested the feasibility of this treatment in Germany and are now gearing up to start their first clinical trial and request a Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA.

Founding Team Background

BreakBio came into existence when CEO, Roy de Souza’s wife was unfortunately diagnosed with the disease over three years ago. Being a successful technology entrepreneur, he started on this personal mission to cure colorectal cancer. In addition to Roy, the founding team includes world-renowned research scientists and doctors who have defined the personalized immunotherapy space, owning roughly 50 patents and multiple high-impact publications between them.

What They Need Help With

The team is in growth mode and are looking for intros to investors as they look to conduct a breakthrough clinical trial. Connect with the BreakBio Team.

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