Transforming the Fight Against Cancer with Next-Generation Immunotherapy

Precision biologics targeting hard-to-treat cancers through plasmacytoid dendritic cell activation.

Driven by Science.
Inspired by Hope.

Our Mission

Develop and Launch Targeted Novel Biologic Therapies for patients with Systemic, Common & Rare Cancers.

Our Vision

Make a transformative difference in the lives of patients battling hard-to-cure Cancers.

Our Approach

Harnessing the Power of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells to Fight Cancer.

SlingstoneBio is pioneering a novel approach to cancer immunotherapy by targeting plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs)—the key coordinators of immune response.

Our proprietary monoclonal antibody reactivates these cells, boosting interferon production and triggering a potent anti-tumor immune attack, even in cancers resistant to current treatments.

Our Technology

Powering a New Era of Cancer Immunotherapy

SlingstoneBio’s approach centers on reprogramming the immune system’s “command center”—the plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC)—to mount a more effective attack on cancer.

pDCs are specialized immune cells responsible for detecting viral or bacterial threats and releasing type I interferons (IFNs) to activate natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T cells, and other critical immune effectors. However, in many cancer patients—particularly those unresponsive to current checkpoint inhibitors—pDC function is impaired or suppressed.

At SlingstoneBio, we’ve identified a pDC-specific surface marker (Target X) and developed a first-in-class monoclonal antibody (MabX) that selectively binds to this marker and re-activates pDCs. In doing so, MabX induces the secretion of potent type I IFNs and restores immune system signaling, resulting in:

This novel strategy provides a unique way to overcome resistance to traditional therapies and unlock new therapeutic options for hard-to-treat cancers, including solid tumors.
This novel strategy provides a unique way to overcome resistance to traditional therapies and unlock new therapeutic options for hard-to-treat cancers, including solid tumors.

Our Focus

Why We Fight

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but for patients diagnosed with hard-to-treat forms—such as those resistant to surgery, chemotherapy, or checkpoint inhibitors—the burden is especially devastating. These cancers progress relentlessly, often with limited treatment options, severe side effects, and little hope for long-term remission.

The impact extends far beyond the patient. Families and caregivers face emotional, physical, and financial stress as they navigate uncertain and often heartbreaking journeys.

Despite advances in oncology, the most challenging cancers continue to elude durable cures.

At SlingstoneBio, we are committed to changing that. Our mission is to develop precision immunotherapies that train the body’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer—starting with a dendritic cell immunotherapy platform and expanding into new immune-based approaches. By focusing on the cancers where current treatments fall short, we aim to offer a new path forward: one grounded in science, driven by resilience, and inspired by the people who need us most.

Restoring Hope Where It's Needed Most

We believe every patient—no matter how advanced their diagnosis—deserves more than just time. They deserve real hope. Hope for better outcomes, fewer side effects, and the chance to live fully.

At SlingstoneBio, we are channeling science into solutions that bring that hope to life—not just for patients, but for the families and caregivers who walk this path alongside them. Together, we’re working toward a future where even the hardest cancers can be met with confidence, compassion, and a fighting chance.

Our Pipeline

Pipeline Overview

Our Team

Meet the Team

Shu Photo for SSB Website - cropped

Shu-ichi Matsuzawa, PhD

Founder, Head of SlingstoneBio & Board Member
Dushyant

Dushyant Varshney, PhD

Chairman of the Board & Co-Founder
Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Tachikawa, PhD

Board Member & Co-Founder
KC Kummerfeld Picture for Website_Business Materials - cropped - v2

Keith (K.C.) Kummerfeld, CPA

Board Member & Co-Founder
Professional Photo - Wendy 4 - v2

Wendy D. Taylor, MS

Board Member & Co-Founder

Investors

Supporters

News and Updates

Recent News

SlingstoneBio Launched to Advance a Novel Immunotherapy Products and Platform Targeting Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells

Kyoto, Japan – SlingstoneBio, a preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing immuno-oncology platform and therapeutic products , today announced its launch from Kyoto City, Japan. The company was founded to advance breakthrough science aimed at activating plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs)—a promising and underexplored pathway in cancer immunotherapy.

SlingstoneBio’s proprietary technology and pre-clinical asset was exclusively in-licensed from Kyoto University and JSR Corporation, based on pioneering research into the immunological role of pDCs and their potential to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. By precisely activating these rare but powerful immune cells, SlingstoneBio aims to unlock new treatment options for cancer patients who do not benefit from current immuno-oncology therapies.

“We are incredibly proud to launch SlingstoneBio and begin translating this innovative science into development, with our Founder, Head of SlingstoneBio and Board member, Dr. Shu Matsuzawa.”, said Dushyant Varshney, PhD, Chairman of the Board and Co-founder. “Our Japan team is focused on harnessing the power of the pDCs based immune system to transform cancer treatment in Japan.”

SlingstoneBio is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, and operates within the Ever, Inc. life science incubator space. The company has received pre-seed funding from Lifetime Ventures, a leading early-stage venture capital firm based in Japan.

“Launching of SlingstoneBio is an important milestone for us as we begin to expand our internal capabilities, engage with the scientific and clinical communities, and initiate formal development activities,” said Shu Matsuzawa, PhD. “We are honored to advance the technology and asset born in Japan, and excited by the potential immediate impact it can on the patients locally in Japan and later globally.”

SlingstoneBio is actively progressing its preclinical development plan and welcomes interest from collaborators, scientific advisors, and future partners who share its vision of advancing differentiated immuno-oncology products.

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Contact Us

Partnering

SlingstoneBio is advancing precision immunotherapies to address the toughest challenges in cancer. By leveraging cutting-edge science and our foundational dendritic cell vaccine platform, we are developing transformative treatments for patients with limited options. For business development and partnering inquiries, please email partner@slingstonebio.com.

Advocacy

Advocacy

We believe collaboration fuels innovation. SlingstoneBio partners with researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates to advance new solutions for hard-to-treat cancers. If you share our mission to transform outcomes in oncology, let’s connect at advocacy@slingstonebio.com.

Careers

Careers

Join us in shaping the future of cancer treatment. Slingstone Bio is seeking bold thinkers and passionate innovators to help drive the next generation of immunotherapies for patients facing the most difficult cancers. Explore opportunities with us by contacting careers@slingstonebio.com.

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