Elicera Therapeutics

What Elicera Therapeutics does

Elicera Therapeutics AB (publ) is a Swedish clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing next-generation cell and gene therapies for cancer. The company is built on its proprietary iTANK gene-technology platform, a universal arming technology that incorporates a transgene encoding a neutrophil-activating bacterial protein (NAP) into CAR T-cells. Secreted NAP enhances CAR T-cell function and recruits a parallel bystander CD8+ killer T-cell response against a broad set of tumor antigens, addressing the two core challenges that have limited CAR T-cell efficacy in solid tumors: antigen heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Peer-reviewed proof-of-concept was published in Nature Biomedical Engineering in April 2022 and the ELC-401 construct in Nature Communications in August 2023; the platform is patented or allowed in Europe, China, Japan, and pending in additional jurisdictions.

Elicera's product portfolio consists of four drug candidates: two iTANK-armed CAR T-cell therapies (ELC-301 in Phase I/IIa CARMA study for relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma, and ELC-401, an IL13Rα2-directed candidate for grade IV glioma that has completed preclinical development with positive Swedish MPA scientific advice) and two oncolytic virus candidates (ELC-100/AdVince, with completed Phase I/IIa data in neuroendocrine tumors and U.S. Orphan Drug Designation for pancreatic NETs; and ELC-201, in preclinical development under a collaboration with China Medical University). Clinical studies have been conducted at Uppsala University Hospital and Karolinska University Hospital (Huddinge).

The business model is licensing-driven and pre-revenue. Elicera plans to monetize by offering non-exclusive licenses of the iTANK platform to pharmaceutical and biotech companies developing CAR T-cell therapies, and by out-licensing each of the four internal drug candidates. The company has generated no product revenue; historical funding has come from grants (European Innovation Council, Vinnova, Swedish Cancer Society, Swedish Childhood Cancer Fund, Victory NET Foundation) and post-IPO equity, including a 2024 rights issue of approximately SEK 27.6 million, a 2025 TO2 warrant exercise of approximately SEK 22.0 million, and a 2026 rights issue of approximately SEK 73 million. As of June 2026, no commercial licensing transactions have been announced.

Name

Elicera Therapeutics

Legal name

Elicera Therapeutics AB (publ)

Website

https://elicera.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Elicera Therapeutics AB is a pre-revenue, Sweden-based clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing iTANK-armed CAR T-cell therapies and oncolytic viruses for cancer, with a licensing-driven business model targeting pharmaceutical and biotech partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Immuno-Oncology Therapeutics

NAICS

Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414), Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

akta.pro primary industry

CAR-T & TCR-T Therapies (HLAAABAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cell Therapy Enabling Technologies (gene editing, cell engineering, delivery methods) (HLAAABAL), Dendritic Cell & Other APC-based Therapies (HLAAABAF), Oncology Gene Therapies (incl. oncolytic vectors & gene-modified approaches) (HLAAACAF), Personalized Therapeutic Design (neoantigen vaccines, individualized cell/gene therapies) (HLAAANAK)

Keywords

• CAR T-cell therapy
• Oncolytic virus therapy
• Cell and gene therapy
• Immuno-oncology therapeutics
• Cancer immunotherapy platform

Headquarters

HQ city

Göteborg

HQ country

Sweden

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. iTANK platform licensing: Non-exclusive licensing of the proprietary iTANK platform to other pharmaceutical/biotech companies developing CAR T-cell therapies. Described as the company's offering to address a global multibillion market in cell therapy. Pre-revenue at present — licensing deals not yet announced as of the source material.
2. Out-licensing of internal drug candidates: Company has four internal development projects in immune therapy (ELC-301, ELC-401, ELC-201, ELC-100) each with potential to generate substantial value through out-licensing agreements. CEO has stated the company is engaging potential licensees for ELC-301 and the iTANK platform. Pre-revenue.
3. Grant and public funding income: Company has historically been funded by equity (rights issues, IPO), public/non-dilutive grants (Vinnova, European Innovation Council Accelerator, Swedish Cancer Society, Swedish Childhood Cancer Fund, Victory NET Foundation), and warrant exercises. Currently reporting operating losses (SEK -17.9 million in 2025). No product revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Elicera Therapeutics develops next-generation cell and gene therapies for cancer, anchored by its proprietary iTANK gene-technology platform that arms CAR T-cells with a transgene encoding a neutrophil-activating bacterial protein (NAP) to trigger a parallel bystander CD8+ killer T-cell immune response against solid tumors. Layered on the platform are four internal drug candidates: iTANK-armed CAR T-cell therapies ELC-301 (CD19-positive B-cell lymphoma) and ELC-401 (IL13Rα2-positive grade IV glioma), and the oncolytic viruses ELC-100 (AdVince, neuroendocrine tumors) and ELC-201. The iTANK platform is also offered for non-exclusive licensing to other pharmaceutical companies developing CAR T-cell therapies.

Product overview

Elicera Therapeutics AB offers a platform-plus-portfolio architecture for next-generation cancer immunotherapy. The core offering is the proprietary, patented iTANK gene-technology platform — a universal CAR T-cell enhancement technology that arms CAR T-cells with a transgene encoding a neutrophil activating bacterial protein (NAP) to address tumor antigen diversity and the hostile tumor microenvironment. The iTANK platform is offered for non-exclusive licensing to other pharmaceutical companies. Layered on top of this platform is a portfolio of four internal drug candidates: iTANK-armed CAR T-cell therapies ELC-301 (CD19-positive B-cell lymphoma, Phase I/IIa CARMA study) and ELC-401 (IL13Rα2-positive grade IV glioma/glioblastoma, completed preclinical development), and the oncolytic viruses ELC-201 and ELC-100 (AdVince; Phase I/IIa completed in neuroendocrine tumors). Each candidate can also be out-licensed separately.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• iTANK: Proprietary gene technology platform developed and patented by Elicera that enables arming of new and existing CAR T-cell therapies with a neutrophil activating bacterial protein (NAP) to trigger a bystander immune response against solid tumors. The platform is offered for non-exclusive licensing to other companies in the pharmaceutical industry.

Products and services

• iTANK Platform A patented, universal gene-technology platform that arms CAR T-cell therapies by incorporating a transgene encoding a neutrophil-activating bacterial protein (NAP). NAP secreted from CAR(NAP) T-cells enhances CAR T-cell function and triggers a parallel bystander CD8+ killer T-cell immune response against diverse tumor antigens. Designed for non-exclusive licensing to other pharma/biotech companies developing CAR T-cell therapies.
• ELC-301 iTANK-armed CAR T-cell therapy candidate targeting CD19-positive relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma. In Phase I/IIa CARMA study (up to 18 patients across three dose cohorts) at Uppsala University Hospital and Karolinska University Hospital. Demonstrated interim efficacy with 6/8 CMR, 7/8 ORR and 100% disease control rate.
• ELC-401 iTANK-armed CAR T-cell candidate targeting IL13Rα2 (interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2) for the treatment of grade IV glioma / glioblastoma. Preclinical development completed and clinical trial planning underway; protected by patents in the U.S., China, Japan (Notice of Allowance) and Europe.
• ELC-100 (AdVince) Recombinant oncolytic adenovirus drug candidate studied in a Phase I/IIa clinical trial sponsored by Uppsala University in patients with advanced, end-stage neuroendocrine tumors. Twelve patients enrolled across four escalating dose groups received up to eight repeating doses via hepatic artery infusion or intra-tumoral injection. Receives U.S. Orphan Drug Designation for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
• ELC-201 Oncolytic virus drug candidate being developed under a preclinical collaboration agreement with China Medical University and a Material Transfer Agreement with University Hospital Tübingen for testing of Elicera's oncolytic virus candidates.

Quantifiable outcome

• Complete metabolic response (CMR) in 6 of 8 treated patients with 100% disease control rate and no dose-limiting toxicities across CARMA Phase I/IIa cohorts 1-3 (iTANK-armed ELC-301 in B-cell lymphoma)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, moderate and minor.

• Uppsala University (and Uppsala University Hospital)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUppsala University is currently sponsoring an ongoing clinical Phase I/II study with Elicera's oncolytic virus ELC-100 in neuroendocrine tumors, and serves as a clinical site for the CARMA Phase I/IIa study of ELC-301 in B-cell lymphoma. Professor Magnus Essand (CSO/co-founder of Elicera) is a professor at Uppsala University. Gunilla Enblad serves as advisor and principal investigator of the CARMA trial at Uppsala.
• Karolinska University Hospital (Huddinge)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerClinical site for the CARMA Phase I/IIa study of iTANK-armed ELC-301 in B-cell lymphoma. Adjacent to the Karolinska ATMP Center, where CSO Magnus Essand presented at its inauguration in August 2025.
• University Hospital TübingenmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaterial Transfer Agreement (MTA) entered into in May 2025 for testing of Elicera's oncolytic virus candidates ELC-100 and ELC-201.
• China Medical UniversitymoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreclinical collaboration agreement announced June 11, 2024 for the development of ELC-201 (oncolytic virus candidate).
• Prominent US Cancer CentermoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaterial Transfer Agreement (MTA) entered March 6, 2024 under which the iTANK platform will be used to arm a novel CD4-directed T-cell receptor therapy (TCR-T) for evaluation in preclinical proof-of-concept studies targeting melanoma and lung cancer. The US Cancer Center funds and conducts the studies; Elicera has rights to use the data in its internal project development and licensing activities.
• Spanish research institutionmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst international collaboration involving the iTANK platform, announced October 18, 2022 (institution name not specified in source).
• Advokatfirman Delphi i Stockholm ABminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLegal advisor to Elicera in connection with the 2024 rights issue and warrants of series TO2. Hosts the annual general meetings at their Stockholm offices.
• LifeSci ConsultingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRecruited in February 2023 as transaction advisor to assist the company in evaluating strategic partnering initiatives.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Cellectis: Clinical-stage gene-editing and CAR T-cell biotech developing allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies using its own gene-activation and arming technologies. Comparable to Elicera as a small-cap, platform-licensing-oriented CAR T-cell company pursuing both internal candidates and external collaborations.
• Allogene Therapeutics: Clinical-stage biotech developing allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies for hematologic and solid tumors. Comparable to Elicera as a CAR T-cell-focused company targeting similar indications (lymphoma) and pursuing pipeline-plus-platform economics.
• Celyad Oncology: Clinical-stage cell therapy company developing CAR T-cell therapies with proprietary arming strategies (e.g., TIM-based allogeneic platform). Directly comparable as a small European clinical-stage CAR T-cell biotech competing in similar hematologic and solid tumor indications.
• Precision BioSciences: Clinical-stage biotech developing allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies using its ARCUS gene-editing platform, with internal candidates in lymphoma and solid tumors. Comparable to Elicera in business model (gene-editing/arming platform + internal pipeline) and target indications.
• Adaptimmune Therapeutics: Clinical-stage cell therapy company developing engineered TCR-T therapies for solid tumors. Highly comparable to Elicera: same broad thesis (cell therapy for solid tumors), preclinical/clinical assets, and outreach to pharma partners.
• Mustang Bio: Clinical-stage biotech developing CAR T-cell therapies for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, including glioblastoma. Comparable as a small clinical-stage CAR T-cell company with multi-asset pipeline targeting both liquid and solid tumors.
• Tessa Therapeutics: Clinical-stage cell therapy company developing autologous and allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies for hematologic and solid tumors. Comparable to Elicera as a clinical-stage cell therapy company with a multi-asset pipeline targeting lymphoma and solid tumors.
• Marker Therapeutics: Clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing multi-tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-specific T-cell therapies for lymphoma and solid tumors. Comparable to Elicera's emphasis on multi-targeting strategies to address tumor heterogeneity in solid tumors.

Broad incumbents

• Gilead Sciences (Kite Pharma): Major commercial CAR T-cell player with approved CD19-directed therapies (Yescarta, Tecartus) in lymphoma. Comparable to Elicera as a CAR T-cell company addressing B-cell lymphoma, but as a far larger commercial-stage incumbent against which Elicera's iTANK-armed CD19 candidate (ELC-301) would compete or partner.
• Bristol-Myers Squibb (Celgene): Major pharma with approved CAR T-cell franchises (Breyanzi, Abecma) in lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Comparable as a dominant incumbent in the same target indications (B-cell lymphoma) where Elicera's ELC-301 is being studied, and a likely potential out-licensing/acquisition counterparty.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/elicera-therapeutics-ab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds6 records

Investors2 records

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Elicera Therapeutics