Equillium Secures $50M Financing to Advance EQ504 Trial

Equillium has secured up to $50 million in funding through a private placement with leading healthcare investors. The initial upfront financing will provide around $30 million in gross proceeds. The company plans to use the funds to advance its EQ504 program, a potential treatment for severe and rare autoimmune disorders.

Equillium, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQ) has secured up to $50 million in funding through a private placement with leading healthcare investors. The initial upfront financing will provide around $30 million in gross proceeds. The company plans to use the funds to advance its EQ504 program, a potential treatment for severe and rare autoimmune disorders [1].

The financing is led by ADAR1 Capital Management and Janus Henderson Investors, with participation from additional new investors including Adage Capital Partners LP, Coastlands Capital, and Woodline Partners LP. The funds will be used to accelerate the clinical development of EQ504 into a Phase 1 proof-of-mechanism study, with data expected to follow approximately six months thereafter [1].

Equillium expects the net proceeds from the initial closing of the financing to extend its cash runway through 2027. The company has not initiated its recently announced cryptocurrency treasury reserve strategy and is prioritizing the development of EQ504. The company's Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Steel, stated, "This funding marks a significant milestone for Equillium, enabling us to accelerate the clinical development of EQ504 into a Phase 1 proof-of-mechanism study in mid-2026, with data expected to follow approximately six months thereafter" [1].

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulator EQ504 is designed to induce IL-10 and IL-22, powerful cytokines that mitigate excessive inflammation and restore barrier function. The company intends to develop EQ504 as a novel oral, colon-targeted treatment with the potential to treat ulcerative colitis and pouchitis [1].

Equillium is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging a deep understanding of immunobiology to develop novel therapeutics to treat severe autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. The company's pipeline consists of novel immunomodulatory assets and a product platform targeting immuno-inflammatory pathways [1].

References:
[1] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250810570062/en/Equillium-Announces-Up-to-%2450-Million-Financing-to-Advance-EQ504-a-Novel-Aryl-Hydrocarbon-Receptor-Modulator-into-the-Clinic
[2] https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/equillium-secures-up-to-50-million-in-private-placement-financing-93CH-4182940