Genocea Biosciences
Immunotherapy company that developed personalized cancer vaccines targeting neoantigens using its proprietary ATLAS platform. Ceased operations in 2022 after clinical and financial challenges.
Notes
Genocea Biosciences was an immunotherapy company developing personalized cancer vaccines and T cell therapies targeting neoantigens. The company's proprietary ATLAS (Antigen Lead Acquisition System) platform identified immunogenic neoantigens that could elicit CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses against tumors.
Founded in 2006, Genocea initially focused on infectious disease vaccines before pivoting to oncology. The company went public on NASDAQ (ticker: GNCA) in 2014 and raised significant capital to advance its neoantigen-based programs.
Ceased operations in 2022 after facing clinical setbacks and financial difficulties. The company's lead program GEN-009, a personalized neoantigen vaccine for solid tumors, showed mixed results in clinical trials. Unable to secure additional funding or a strategic partner, Genocea announced it would wind down operations and seek asset sales.
Team (Pre-Shutdown)
- Chip Clark - Former CEO
- Jessica Baker Flechtner, Ph.D. - Former Chief Scientific Officer
- Darren Higgins, Ph.D. - Co-founder
Additional Research Findings
- Founded in 2006 in Cambridge, Massachusetts
- IPO on NASDAQ in 2014 (ticker: GNCA)
- ATLAS platform identified immunogenic neoantigens
- Lead program GEN-009 personalized cancer vaccine
- Earlier herpes vaccine program (GEN-003) failed in Phase 3
- Portfolio company of Polaris Partners and other investors
- Ceased operations in 2022
- Attempted asset sales but ultimately dissolved
- Peak market cap over $500 million
Sources
Investors
| Name | Location | Type | Stages | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris Partners | US | biotech-focused | - | 33 |