City Therapeutics, a pioneering biotech company specializing in the next-generation engineering of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), has officially launched, backed by an impressive $135 million in Series A funding. The company aims to address critical challenges in RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics and expand their potential to treat a wide range of diseases.
RNA interference, a natural cellular process that silences specific genes by degrading their messenger RNA (mRNA), has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach. siRNAs, the key players in this process, are engineered to target and silence disease-causing genes, offering a highly specific treatment option for genetic disorders, cancers, and other conditions.
However, while RNAi has shown tremendous promise, hurdles such as effective delivery, stability in the bloodstream, and minimization of off-target effects have limited its full potential. City Therapeutics aims to overcome these barriers by utilizing advanced engineering techniques to enhance the precision, potency, and safety of siRNA-based drugs.
"City Therapeutics is committed to reimagining what’s possible in RNAi therapeutics," said CEO. "This significant funding milestone allows us to accelerate innovation, expand our pipeline, and bring us closer to delivering life-changing treatments to patients worldwide."
The $135 million Series A round was supported by a strong lineup of leading venture capital firms and strategic investors. These funds will be directed toward scaling the company’s operations, advancing its proprietary siRNA platform, and progressing its pipeline into clinical development. City Therapeutics is also exploring strategic partnerships to further strengthen its technological foundation and commercial potential.
Advancing the RNAi Field
RNAi-based therapies have already gained FDA approval for a small number of conditions, such as certain genetic liver diseases, demonstrating their therapeutic viability. City Therapeutics is working to expand these successes into new therapeutic areas, including complex diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions.
By addressing delivery challenges with next-generation lipid nanoparticles and other novel delivery mechanisms, City Therapeutics is poised to improve the bioavailability of siRNA drugs while reducing side effects. The company is also leveraging cutting-edge bioinformatics and AI-driven design tools to optimize siRNA sequences for maximum efficacy and minimal off-target activity.
As the RNA-based therapeutic market continues its rapid growth, estimated to reach $25 billion by 2030, City Therapeutics’ emergence signals a critical step forward. With its focus on innovation and a patient-centered mission, the company is well-positioned to become a leader in shaping the future of precision medicine.
About City Therapeutics
City Therapeutics is a biotechnology company at the forefront of RNA-based drug development, leveraging cutting-edge advancements in small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology to address unmet medical needs. Founded on the principles of scientific innovation and patient-centric care, City Therapeutics focuses on engineering next-generation siRNAs to enhance the efficacy, safety, and versatility of RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics.
RNAi represents a groundbreaking approach to disease treatment by silencing the expression of specific genes responsible for illness. City Therapeutics is building on the success of RNAi-based therapies to overcome existing limitations such as poor delivery mechanisms, instability in biological systems, and off-target effects.
Reference:
- https://www.statnews.com/2024/10/08/biotech-john-maraganore-rnai-city-therapeutics/
- https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/pharmaceutical-market-sizing
- https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/pharmaceutical-cdmo-market-sizing