Over 300,000 Canadians, 1.5 million Americans, and nearly 9 million people worldwide live with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) [1,2]. Despite advancements in treatment, T1D remains a life-altering autoimmune disease requiring lifelong management. However, recent breakthroughs in immunotherapy and regenerative medicine are opening new frontiers, drawing heightened interest from pharmaceutical companies, investors, and the broader scientific community.
At Lumira Ventures, we recognize T1D as a field primed for transformative innovation. Our investment focus spans critical areas, including:
- Enhancing insulin regimens to optimize glycemic control.
- Developing strategies to delay or prevent beta cell destruction.
- Investigating beta cell replacement strategies
- Exploring approaches for beta cell regeneration or restoration
For over two and a half years, we have been actively evaluating opportunities in the T1D space, seeking disruptive technologies capable of reshaping the standard of care.
About COUR Pharmaceuticals
As part of this strategic focus, COUR Pharmaceuticals emerged from our therapeutic area search as a standout innovator. COUR is developing an antigen-specific tolerization platform—a groundbreaking approach aimed at reprogramming the immune system to prevent and potentially reverse autoimmune diseases at their root cause. Unlike traditional therapies that rely on broad immune suppression, COUR’s immune-modifying nanoparticles (IMPs) are designed to induce antigen-specific tolerance, directly addressing the underlying pathology of immune-mediated diseases [4].
COUR’s lead product for celiac disease, partnered with Takeda, represents the first demonstration of antigen-specific immune tolerance induction in any autoimmune disease. Data from both clinical and preclinical studies highlight the broad potential of COUR’s nanoparticle platform to treat a wide range of immune and inflammatory conditions [3].
In November 2022, the FDA approval of TZIELD (teplizumab) by Provention Bio established a regulatory pathway for T1D-modifying therapies. While a significant milestone, TZIELD’s eligibility criteria and administration protocols may limit accessibility for many patients. COUR’s approach offers a more precise, scalable, and accessible solution to immune modulation in T1D and other autoimmune conditions, positioning it as a transformative force in the field of immune tolerance.
Why Lumira Invested
Lumira’s conviction in COUR stems from its innovative antigen-specific tolerization platform, which has demonstrated the ability to retrain the immune system without broad immunosuppression [4]. By selectively targeting disease-driving antigens, COUR’s nanoparticle-based therapy represents a novel and differentiated approach to autoimmune treatment.
Benjamin “Beni” Rovinski, Ph.D., Managing Director of Lumira Ventures, commented: “There is a need for innovative strategies aimed at modulating immune responses in autoimmune disorders. COUR’s proprietary platform represents a novel approach to address this medical need. We look forward to supporting COUR and its partners in advancing these investigational treatments for immune-related diseases.”
In January 2024, COUR Pharmaceuticals secured a $105 million Series A financing, co-led by Lumira Ventures and Alpha Wave Ventures. The round included investment participation from Roche Venture Fund, Pfizer (via the Pfizer Breakthrough Growth Initiative), Bristol Myers Squibb, Angelini Ventures, and the JDRF T1D Fund—a coalition of world-class investors aligned in driving meaningful change in autoimmune care.
According to publicly available Pitchbook records as of April 2024, this transaction represents:
- The largest private healthcare deal led by a Canadian-headquartered VC firm.
- The second-largest private deal led by a Canadian-headquartered VC firm in 2023 across all sectors
- The largest private healthcare deal in the US Midwest in 2023.
- Lumira Ventures’ largest investment to date as a lead investor.
Looking Ahead: A Paradigm Shift in Autoimmune Therapy
We believe the next frontier in autoimmune therapy lies in precision immune modulation—moving beyond symptom management to address the root cause of disease. COUR Pharmaceuticals is leading this shift with its antigen-specific tolerization platform, which has the potential to transform treatment approaches not only for T1D and celiac disease but also for a broader range of immune-driven conditions.
With strong clinical validation, a well-capitalized foundation, and a world-class syndicate of investors, COUR is well-positioned to accelerate development and expand the reach of its platform. As research continues to unlock new possibilities in immune tolerance, Lumira Ventures remains committed to supporting breakthroughs that improve patient outcomes, enhance accessibility, and redefine the standard of care in autoimmune disease.
Learn more about COUR Pharmaceuticals
Sources:
[1] Source: “New Type 1 Diabetes Statistics Report”, T1D Strong, 2024
[2] Source: “Statistics About Disease”, American Diabetes Association, 2024
[3] Source: “Takeda and Cour Partner.”, Takeda, 2015
[4] Source: COUR Pharmaceuticals, www.courpharma.com, 2024