Vienna-based biotech VALANX Biotech has secured €3 million in financing to advance its lead antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) programme targeting metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC). The round includes new investors Foundation Fournier-Majoie and FUJIFILM Corporation, alongside existing backers xista science ventures, Tecnet Equity, SOSV, and angel investors Urs Spitz and SkyGene.
As part of the investment, Ana Maricevic from Foundation Fournier-Majoie will join VALANX’s Board of Directors.
Advancing VLX-ADC-001 toward candidate selection
The funding will support the preclinical development of VLX-ADC-001, an ADC designed to target the LIV-1 protein, which is commonly expressed in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. VALANX plans to complete candidate selection by June 2026.
Triple-negative breast cancer lacks hormone receptors typically targeted by existing therapies, leaving fewer treatment options for patients. ADCs address this challenge by combining antibodies that target tumour cells with highly potent drug payloads.
The financing will also support GMP readiness as the company prepares its technology for future clinical development and potential partnerships.
GoldenSite platform for site-specific conjugation
VALANX Biotech is an Austrian biotech company founded in 2017 by Michael Lukesch and Patrik Fladischer. Based in Graz and a spin-off of the Graz University of Technology, the company specialises in site-specific protein conjugation technology for therapeutics and diagnostics.
Its approach is built on its GoldenSite™ conjugation platform, which enables site-selectable and site-specific protein conjugation. The technology allows controlled attachment of therapeutic payloads to antibodies, helping produce more consistent ADC molecules.
In traditional ADC manufacturing, random conjugation can lead to inconsistent drug-to-antibody ratios. GoldenSite is designed to improve reproducibility and potentially expand the therapeutic window of ADC therapies by creating more predictable drug conjugates.
The platform is intended to support the development of additional ADC and protein-conjugate programmes beyond VLX-ADC-001.
Expanding development and partnerships
The investment enables VALANX to progress its lead programme while advancing the broader application of its conjugation platform. Alongside development work, the company plans to pursue partnering activities related to the GoldenSite technology.
With candidate nomination for VLX-ADC-001 expected in June 2026, VALANX is positioning its technology to contribute to new targeted therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers, including metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.
Michael Lukesch, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at VALANX Biotech, commented: “LIV-1 is a compelling target in mTNBC, and GoldenSite gives us a practical way to precisely tune conjugation position to optimise the drug candidate’s therapeutic window. This close enables us to advance VLX-ADC-001 to a solid preclinical data package by June 2026, while progressing GoldenSite toward GMP readiness and partnering with ADC innovators.”
Ana Maricevic, Foundation Fournier-Majoie, said: “As a foundation for innovation in oncology, we back teams with outstanding, scientifically differentiated programs and a clear development path. VALANX’s approach to site-selectable conjugation addresses a central challenge in the ADC field – controlling toxicity to unlock greater efficacy. We are committed to supporting the advancement of VLX-ADC-001 alongside Fujifilm and the existing investor group.”
Toshihisa Iida, Director, Corporate Vice President, General Manager of Life Sciences Strategy Headquarters, FUJIFILM Corporation, commented: “Fujifilm is dedicated to the life sciences, and we invest to stay close to the cutting-edge platform technologies shaping the next generation of biologics. Through strategic investments in advanced technologies, including those addressing key challenges in ADC development, we aim to contribute to a robust ecosystem that supports the creation and delivery of advanced therapeutics.”
