Israeli biotech Starget secures $18 million Series A to accelerate precision cancer treatments
The Israeli startup is set to launch advanced trials for first-of-its-kind sarcoma treatment in collaboration with MD Anderson.
Starget Pharma has raised $18 million in a Series A funding round to advance the development of its Smart Targeted Radioligands (STRs) for precision oncology therapies. The round was led by Ilex Medical and U.S.-based investors, including Louisiana Growth Fund and Cancer Focus Fund BRF, alongside additional backers.
In parallel with the financing, the company announced a strategic collaboration with the Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT) in Louisiana to advance the development and manufacturing processes of a new generation of targeted radiopharmaceuticals.
Founded in 2019, Starget Pharma has raised a total of $38 million to date, including the current round. The company employs 20 people at its headquarters in Ness Ziona. It was founded by CEO Sigal Kalmanson Cusnir and her brother, Ronen Kalmanson.
Starget operates in the field of radiopharmaceuticals, which combine therapeutic drugs with radioactive isotopes for the diagnosis and targeted treatment of cancer while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. One of the key advantages of this approach is the use of the same molecular platform for both diagnosis and treatment: the molecule is first administered with a diagnostic isotope to assess tumor uptake through imaging. If imaging confirms strong uptake in the tumor, the same molecule is paired with a more potent therapeutic isotope to deliver targeted treatment.
The company expects to begin advanced clinical trials this year, in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center, for what it describes as a first-of-its-kind treatment for sarcoma, skin cancer, and neuroendocrine tumors. In addition, another drug candidate targeting breast and prostate cancer is expected to enter clinical trials in Australia next year.
“We are combining Israel’s strength in artificial intelligence with medical breakthroughs,” said Kalmanson Cusnir. “The AI platform we have developed enables us to discover and develop precision radiopharmaceuticals faster than industry standards, bringing the promise of this field to multiple cancer types. The current funding will allow us to accelerate our transition to human trials and expand our operations in the United States.”
