AIRNA Secures $155M in Series B to Propel RNA Editing Advances
Deal News | Apr 03, 2025 | Fast Track Initiative Inc
AIRNA, a biotechnology startup specializing in RNA editing therapeutics, has secured $155 million in a Series B funding round, surpassing its initial goal. The financing aims to support Phase 1/2 clinical trials for AIRNA's RNA editing therapies, notably targeting Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD). Fast Track Initiative, Inc. (FTI), a life sciences venture capital firm, extended its investment in AIRNA, alongside other existing and new investors like ARCH Venture Partners, RTW Investments, and Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners. The funding underscores AIRNA's innovative RESTORE+ RNA editing platform designed to address diseases untreatable by conventional methods, offering facile re-administration and manufacturing. The funds will advance AIRNA's therapeutic candidates' clinical trials and development for cardiometabolic and other unspecified diseases. FTI, marking its fifth anniversary in the US, reaffirms its dedication to nurturing the biotechnological and healthtech startup sphere, emphasizing a holistic approach to improving life quality through strategic investments and collaborations.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Venture Capital
Geography
- United States – AIRNA is headquartered in Cambridge, and significant investment activity is occurring in the US.
- Germany – AIRNA has research operations based in Tübingen, Germany.
- Japan – FTI offers access to professional networks in Japan, indicating geographical investment interest.
Industry
- Biotechnology – Involved in developing RNA editing therapeutics, focusing on genetic medicine.
- Pharmaceuticals – Engaged in the research and development of RNA editing therapies for rare and common diseases.
- Venture Capital – Fast Track Initiative Inc. and other investors are providing significant funding to biotech startups like AIRNA.
Financials
- 155M USD – Total capital raised in the Series B funding round.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIRNA | Target Company | Company | Biotech startup focused on RNA editing therapeutics. |
| Fast Track Initiative Inc. | Investor | Company | Life science venture capital firm, continued investor in AIRNA. |
| ARCH Venture Partners | Investor | Company | Participant in Series B funding round for AIRNA. |
| Forbion Ventures | Investor | Company | Existing investor in AIRNA's Series B round. |
| ND Capital | Investor | Company | Participant in Series B funding round for AIRNA. |
| Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners | Investor | Company | New investor in AIRNA's Series B round. |
| Forbion Growth | Investor | Company | New investor in AIRNA's Series B round. |
| RTW Investments | Lead Investor | Company | Lead investor in AIRNA's Series B funding round. |
| Nextech Invest | Lead Investor | Company | Lead investor in AIRNA's Series B funding round. |
| Kris Elverum | President and CEO | Person | Leader of AIRNA. |
| Thorsten Stafforst | Founder | Person | Co-founder involved in developing RNA therapeutic approaches. |
| Jin Billy Li | Founder | Person | Co-founder involved in developing RNA therapeutic approaches. |