Executive Perspective: Harnessing Potent Molecules to Fight Cancer
Linda Liang, Senior Director of Antibody Discovery at Bonum Therapeutics in Seattle, Washington breaks down her work on developing potent molecules to fight cancer and the future of protein therapy innovation. Plus, advice for aspiring life sciences professionals.
Q: Tell us a little about Bonum and your current role within the team.
Liang: Bonum is a biotech company developing regulated protein therapeutics designed to deliver potent molecules, such as cytokines, directly to target cells while minimizing unwanted activity. I lead the company’s antibody discovery team. Our team is involved from the early stages in the drug discovery process. We use in vitro antibody display platforms to select candidate molecules with optimal binding and functional activity. These can then be further optimized to enhance their activity or biophysical properties. Our current pipeline features cytokines with context-dependent activity to treat cancer, though our technology has broader potential for additional disease indications.
Q: How does Bonum’s technology and approach differ from other life science companies?
Liang: The key differentiator of Bonum’s platform is our ability to develop conditionally active therapeutics that deliver highly potent molecules without the toxicity typically associated with these treatments. Cytokines are powerful activators of the immune system that have tremendous potential to treat cancer, but their potency also leads to significant toxicity, limiting their use. Unlike other approaches that attenuate the molecules to reduce their toxicity, our technology keeps them inactive until they bind to a specific target. This targeted activation provides precise control over the therapeutic effect, reducing unintended side effects and ensuring the molecules’ activity is directed only at the desired cells.
Q: Are there any upcoming projects or innovations at Bonum that you can share with us?
Liang: Our lead program recently entered preclinical development and has the potential to deliver the highly potent cytokine IL-2 to T-cells in a tumor, while remaining inactive in the periphery. Using a targeted approach, our lead molecule has the potential to stimulate an anti-tumor T-cell response while minimizing systemic toxicity. We are excited to move this program forward in development and explore its potential as part of our expanding pipeline.
Q: What makes you hopeful for the future of these treatments and innovation?
Liang: The pace of innovation in the field is remarkable. We are seeing significant advancements not only in our understanding of the biology of disease, but also in the emergence of new therapeutic modalities. And the growing collaboration between academia and industry is accelerating the pace in which discoveries are being translated to new, potentially life-saving therapies. It’s an exciting time to be working in the field and witnessing the impact of our work on patients.
Q: As a recent newcomer to Washington state, what stands out to you about its life sciences industry?
Liang: This a great hub for innovative science, within both the industry and the strong academic centers in the area. Since relocating to Washington from the Bay Area last year, I’ve been impressed by the sense of community in the Puget Sound life sciences sector. There are many resources and opportunities available for science professionals, both within and outside of one’s own company. The tight-knit community has made it easier to find support including in areas beyond your immediate field. The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place to work and live, and I’ve enjoyed being part of such a vibrant community.
Q: Do you have any advice for early-career professionals getting started in the biotech space?
Liang: My advice would be to remain open-minded and embrace diverse opportunities. When I started my career, I had a certain idea of what working in biotech was like, but I quickly realized that the field is much broader than I anticipated—and there are many ways to contribute. It’s crucial to explore the different facets of the industry to identify where your skills and passions best align. Engage with your colleagues about areas outside of your own expertise, attend scientific meetings, participate in webinars, and stay up-to-date on the latest research. Being open to learning new things is key; the more you learn about this industry, the better equipped you’ll be to make a meaningful impact.
Interested in joining Linda in discovering new cancer-fighting molecules at Bonum Therapeutics? Visit Bonum’s careers page to learn more about current openings.
Sponsored by Life Science Washington and Bonum Therapeutics