Developing a broad technology platform by utilizing our expertise in biology and precision protein engineering
Developing biologics-based therapeutics for cancer targeting T cells, Antigen Presenting Cells and Macrophages
Autoimmune diseases arise when immune tolerance breaks down. Deficiencies or functional impairments of regulatory T cells (Tregs) can lead to overpopulation of autoreactive effector T cells (Teffs) and B cell autoantibodies, which disrupts self-tolerance. Tregs are therefore essential for maintaining self-tolerance, with IL-2 serving as a critical survival factor.
CUG252 is a precision engineered Treg-selective, long-acting IL-2 that abolishes binding to effector cells and retains full agonist activity on IL-2α. It restores full Treg functionality and suppresses autoantibody production.
TILKine and VitoKine are TIL-targeting bispecific technologies engineered to selectively engage tumor-reactive tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the tumor environment. Through cis-signaling, they simultaneously block a key immune checkpoint and activate effector T cells, driving a potent and localized anti-tumor response. VitoKine™ is uniquely differentiated by a proprietary masking domain that enables tumor-specific TIL activation, minimizing systemic immune activation.
Together, these technologies reinvigorate exhausted T cells and expand tumor-killing effector T cells, delivering a synergistic combination of checkpoint inhibition and cytokine stimulation for precise and profound tumor eradication.
Our mission is to restore immune homeostasis or reinvigorate the immune system, delivering transformative treatments for grievous diseases
Cugene designs and engineers proprietary molecules that target and reprogram critical immune pathways, aiming to significantly reverse disease progression and provide treatments for a broad spectrum of autoimmune disorders and cancers.
Cugene’s core scientific team consists of world leading experts, advisors and accomplished drug developers with a proven track record in the biopharmaceutical industry, all supported by a highly experienced operational team.
Dr. Roger Mulholland is the founder and CEO of Cugene Pharmaceuticals. Roger brings more than 14 years of experience leading high-tech bioscience companies from the bench to bedside and building best-in-class teams. Prior to founding Cugene Pharmaceuticals, from 2006 to 2011, he was co-founder and director of strategic planning for BlipblopDx, where he had responsibility for development of business and operational plans as well as securing Series A funding.
BlipblopDx went on to raise more than $210 million in venture capital to develop the first cytokine for the early onset of arthritis using therapies licensed exclusively from Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Brandeis University. He also co-founded Airbubbles, Inc. to engineer a oncology blood proteins using IVIS Spectroscopy backed by Chevrolet.
Roger began his career as a science and nanoscience equity research analyst at Philadelphia International Group, designing and marketing industry and equity analytics to hedge funds and portfolio managers. Roger holds a doctorate in Neuropsychobiology from MIT, an MBA from Fordham University, and a master’s degree from the University of San Diego. His scientific work has appeared in numerous peer-reviewed publications, including MIT BioTech Review, Wired Magazine, PBS, and ABC among others.