Absolute

Revitalizing immuno-oncology’s promise with next-generation T cell engagers

Precision

We are dedicated to helping people with cancer live longer, healthier lives.

Immuno-oncology has produced tremendous results for some cancer patients – even cures. But it still has vast untapped potential to help those whose cancers do not respond to current treatments.

At Clasp Therapeutics, we are expanding the reach of immuno-oncology with novel precision medicines that enable the immune system to identify and specifically destroy hard-to-treat tumors bearing common driver mutations, regardless of tumor type. This approach enables a highly selective paradigm where every patient has the opportunity to respond to treatment.

Using cancer-specific markers to precisely and selectively target tumor cells for destruction

Clasp targets mutated protein fragments, or peptides, that are displayed by specialized HLA molecules on the surfaces of cancer cells. This approach opens up the possibility of targeting the vast majority of cancer-driving proteins that are expressed exclusively inside the cell, and thus invisible to traditional antibody-like drugs.

Oncogenic drivers enable exquisite tumor specificity

Achieving high-precision anti-tumor activity with antibody-like T cell engagers

We target these cancer-specific protein fragments with T cell engagers (TCEs), which are designed to draw T cells into close contact with tumor cells. The resulting immune synapse is highly similar to a natural HLA molecule-T cell receptor interface, triggering T cells to destroy tumor cells, while sparing non-malignant cells.

Modular patient- and tumor-specific TCEs

Creating precision treatment at-scale across a spectrum of driver mutations

Each of our TCEs is tailored to a specific combination of driver mutation and patient immune (HLA) type. This engineering enables a highly selective patient profile, while at the same time allowing us to develop a suite of TCEs with potential to treat large numbers of patients across many different driver mutations in many different cancer types. Our pipeline will continue to grow as more driver mutations are discovered.

Achieving precision by targeting cancer's drivers

At Clasp we are motivated by a deep commitment to translating cutting-edge research into meaningful medicines for patients. We merge a deep understanding of cancer genetics with extensive experience growing successful clinical-stage immuno-oncology companies to develop meaningful innovations for people suffering from cancer. We foster an environment of passion, inclusion and true teamwork.

  • Clasp’s patient focus inspires me in my work every day. I chose a career in clinical operations to help bring new therapies to patients in need, and I believe we can have a direct impact on improving patient lives.

    Julia Shepherd
    Senior Director, Clinical Operations

  • As Clasp’s first employee, it has been incredibly rewarding for me to see our science progress from in vitro assays to planning for clinical trials. I really believe in our scientific approach, and I can’t wait to see the difference that we can make.

    Justina Caushi, PhD
    Senior Scientist

  • At Clasp, everyone is willing to jump in, to learn, to help and to work hard to further our goal of making good medicines that can be delivered to people in need.

    Ron Copeland, PhD
    Director, Analytical & Formulation Development

  • Every person at Clasp has a voice, and I feel wholeheartedly welcomed to be myself while contributing scientific work that I can be proud of. This is one of the most rewarding environments I’ve ever worked in.

    Brena Williams
    Principal Scientist of Upstream Process Development

Leadership

Featured
Robert Ross, MD
Robert Ross, MD

Chief Executive Officer

Andrea van Elsas, PhD
Andrea van Elsas, PhD

Interim Chief Scientific Officer

James B. Bingham, PhD
James B. Bingham, PhD

Chief Technology Officer

Caren Block
Caren Block

Chief People Officer

Shannon Devens, MS
Shannon Devens, MS

Chief Development Officer

Julie DeSander, MBA, MS
Julie DeSander, MBA, MS

Chief Business Officer

Gillian Kingsbury, PhD
Gillian Kingsbury, PhD

SVP Biology

Founders

Featured
Bert Vogelstein, MD

Director of Ludwig Center, Clayton Prof. of Oncology and Pathology Johns Hopkins University; HHMI Investigator

Drew Pardoll, MD, PhD

Director of Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Abeloff Prof. of Oncology, Medicine and Pathology, Johns Hopkins University

Shibin Zhou, MD, PhD

Director Experimental Therapeutics Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Prof. of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University

Kellie Smith, PhD

Associate Prof. of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University

Kenneth Kinzler, PhD

Co-Director of Ludwig Center at Kimmel Cancer Center, Barry Family Prof. in Oncology, Johns Hopkins University

Nick Papadopoulos, PhD

Prof. of Oncology and Pathology and Director of Translational Genetics at the Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University

Board of Directors

Investors

Join the Clasp Team

We are an ambitious team that is committed to innovating and expanding the clinical potential of the latest discoveries in oncology. Join us in our drive to advance new therapies.

If you see yourself as a part of our team, send your resume and cover letter to careers@clasptx.com.

Press Releases
& Media

Collaborate with Clasp

Clasp welcomes discussions with potential partners around developing TCEs that are highly tumor-specific. To explore collaboration opportunities,
 email partner@clasptx.com.

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OUR LOCATIONS

Rockville, MD
1450 Research Blvd., Suite 120

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Cambridge, MA
One Kendall Square

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