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TATUM bioscience: Oncology Startup Chosen For SCbioDrive Accelerator Program

SOUTH CAROLINA – May 1, 2025 – TATUM bioscience is dedicated to solving a significant unmet medical need in cancer treatment. Immuno-oncology and the advent of checkpoint inhibitors have profoundly revolutionized cancer care by making cancer-free outcomes a reality. However, only 20% of patients respond to these blockbuster immunotherapies, leaving 80% without effective therapeutic solutions. TATUM bioscience is addressing this gap with its innovative approach, nanofilament vaccine immunotherapy. The nanofilaments represent a first-in-class modality that unveils cancer cells and activates the immune system to trigger robust, long-lasting antitumor vaccine responses, offering unmatched response rates and therapeutic efficacy.

Solutions

TATUM bioscience’s approach to cancer immunotherapy is radical. Instead of activating immune cells and hoping they find cancer cells, as most conventional immunotherapies do, TATUM has developed nanofilaments that bind to cancer cells and transform them into targets for the immune system. This new strategy helps mount an antitumor vaccine response that provides systemic and long-lasting protection.

The company also leverages its first-in-class dedicated synthetic biology platform, allowing light-speed drug development. TAT003, its lead candidate, achieves stellar efficacy in an anti-PD(L)1 resistant model with a derisked safety profile. After raising a pre-seed and a seed, TATUM is currently gearing up for Series A funding to bring TAT003 to the clinic.

Strengths

  • Worldwide Support:
    • The company is supported by key opinion leaders in oncology from major cancer centers (e.g., MD Anderson Cancer Center), as well as former experienced pharma/biotech board members, who all genuinely believe that TATUM will impact the lives of cancer patients.
  • Extensive Pre-Clinical Data Package
    • Includes stellar efficacy data and early proof of target engagement on human tissues.
  • Proprietary Intellectual Property
    • Includes first mover position.

Meet the Co-Founders

From left to right:

Jean-François Millau, Ph.D. – Co-Founder + Chief Executive Officer

Kevin Neil, Ph.D. – Co-Founder + Chief Scientific Officer

Sébastien Rodrigue, Ph.D. – Co-Founder + Chief Technology Officer

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.