Aura Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The company is focused on developing precision therapies for solid tumors with the aim of preserving organ function. Aura’s proprietary platform utilizes Virus-Like Drug Conjugates (VDCs), which are engineered to deliver targeted treatments to cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Aura’s lead candidate, belzupacap sarotalocan (bel-sar, also known as AU-011), is a first-in-class, light-activated VDC therapy currently in clinical development for multiple indications. Specifically in ocular oncology, Bel-sar is being evaluated as a first-line treatment for early-stage choroidal melanoma, a rare and aggressive eye cancer. The ongoing Phase 3 CoMpass trial has received Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement from the FDA and is actively enrolling patients globally. Positive Phase 2 results demonstrated an 80% tumor control rate and 90% visual acuity preservation at 12 months, with a favorable safety profile.