Dublin-based Aerska, a biotechnology firm specialising within the therapy of neurological illnesses, introduced its launch together with $21M (roughly €17.8M) in seed funding.
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The funding spherical was co-led by Age1, Backed VC and Speedinvest, with participation from Blueyard, Lingotto (Exor), Norrsken VC, Kerna, PsyMed and Ada Ventures.
The corporate is creating systemically administered RNA interference (RNAi) medicines designed to silence genes that drive mind illnesses.
Aerska, named after a Gaelic proverb about “interdependence.”
What does Aerska clear up?
Delivering genetic medicines to the mind has been troublesome due to the blood-brain barrier.
Whereas RNA interference (RNAi) works properly within the liver, it hasn’t been very efficient within the central nervous system (CNS) as a result of supply challenges.
“GalNAc proved what RNAi can do when delivered to a particular tissue, and we’re now on the cusp of an identical leap ahead in CNS drugs,” mentioned Stu Milstein, who leads platform technique at Aerska. “The speed and ambition of this staff is electrical.”
Right here’s the place Aerska is available in and addresses the issue!
Aerska: Redefining neurological illness therapy
Based by Jack O’Meara, Stuart Milstein and David Hardwicke, Aerska has developed an antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate (AOC) platform that makes use of “mind shuttles” to assist ship RNAi on to the mind, permitting for higher uptake by neurons and lasting gene knockdown.
“Neurological illnesses stay one of many best challenges in drugs, with restricted choices to change the course of illness,” mentioned Jack O’Meara, CEO & Co-Founder, Aerska. “By integrating mind shuttles with RNA therapeutics, we purpose to allow exact, sturdy gene silencing within the CNS; supported by know-how to make sure sufferers get the proper intervention for his or her stage of illness.”
By silencing the genes that trigger hurt, Aerska goals to protect the minds, defend the recollections, and allow our family members to dwell longer, more healthy lives.
The corporate can also be investing in information science to boost its precision drugs method in neurology, beginning with packages aimed toward genetic types of Alzheimer’s illness and Parkinson’s illness.
“Supply throughout the blood-brain barrier stays the bottleneck for genetic medicines in neurology,” says Alex Brunicki, Companion at Backed VC and Aerska board member. “Aerska’s platform integrates superior RNAi chemistry with receptor-mediated shuttling and precision drugs, positioning the corporate on the forefront of CNS therapeutics.”
