The company’s first candidate is a BCMA-targeting CAR-T, but Arcellx also is developing ARC T-cells controlled by a synthetic protein. Both have a binding domain that may confer better safety and efficacy than competitors.

BMS/bluebird and Janssen/Legend have the leading BCMA-targeting CAR-T therapies for multiple myeloma but Poseida, Allogene, CARsgen, Gracell and CBMG are emerging with novel approaches. 

Former Medivation CEO David Hung launched stealthy oncology start-up Nuvation with $275m in series A venture capital, while Tenaya's series B brought in $92m for small molecules as well as cell and gene therapies to treat cardiovascular diseases.

VC deals totaled $8.3bn in the first half of 2019, but the year's total rose to just $11.5bn at the end of September, reflecting only a $3.2bn third quarter gain. Among recent financings, Cygnal emerged from stealth mode with $65m invested to date.