Rigontec

The company was established in 2014 as a spin-out from the University of Bonn. Its foundation was built upon the scientific discoveries of its co-founders, Professor Gunther Hartmann and Professor Veit Hornung, both internationally recognized leaders in the field of innate immune recognition of nucleic acids. Their research identified how to activate the Retinoic acid-Inducible Gene I (RIG-I) receptor, a key pathway in the innate immune system that detects viral RNA. Prof. Hartmann, an immunologist and clinical pharmacologist, and Prof. Hornung, whose research focuses on non-self recognition by the innate immune system, provided the deep scientific expertise that formed the company's core technology. In 2015, Dr. Christian Schetter, who had extensive experience in corporate development and immunostimulatory oligonucleotides from his time at Coley Pharmaceutical and Neovii Biotech, was appointed CEO to guide the company's strategy and growth.

Rigontec's business centered on the development of RNA-based therapeutics that act as synthetic ligands for the RIG-I receptor. This approach was designed to mimic a viral infection, triggering a multi-faceted anti-tumor response. The activation of RIG-I was shown to not only cause the direct destruction of cancer cells but also to stimulate the patient's own immune system to create a long-lasting, systemic immune memory against the tumor, essentially turning the tumor into its own vaccine. The company's lead candidate, RGT100, was a first-in-class compound being evaluated for the treatment of various solid tumors and lymphomas. The business model was typical for a clinical-stage biotech, focusing on research and development funded by venture capital with the goal of an eventual acquisition or partnership with a larger pharmaceutical company. The company successfully raised approximately €30 million from a consortium of life sciences investors, including Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, Forbion Capital Partners, and High-Tech Gründerfonds.

A significant milestone was the initiation of a Phase I/II clinical trial for RGT100 in patients with solid tumors and lymphoma. This achievement demonstrated the rapid progress from foundational science to clinical application in just three years. The company's pioneering work culminated in its acquisition by Merck & Co. (MSD) in late 2017. The deal involved an upfront payment of €115 million, with potential for up to €349 million in additional milestone-based payments, reflecting the high value placed on Rigontec's novel immuno-oncology platform.