City Therapeutics has announced its launch, accompanied by a $135m Series A financing to lead advancements in RNA interference (RNAi)-based medicine by employing the next-generation engineering of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).
The siRNAs are crucial molecules that mediate RNAi, which the company plans to utilise to create a sustainable and expansive product engine, broadening the therapeutic applications of RNAi medicines.
ARCH Venture Partners spearheaded the funding round with contributions from a consortium of life sciences investors including Fidelity Management & Research Company, Invus, Slate Path Capital and several undisclosed participants.
City Therapeutics is developing a siRNA-engineering platform to design, enhance and optimise RNAi-based medicines.
The platform's key components include the creation of innovative RNAi triggers, such as cleavage-inducing tiny RNAs. These RNAs are designed to induce target mRNA cleavage via distinct proteins, effectively silencing gene expression.
The company is working on developing specially tailored targeting ligands, intended for precise and improved delivery of engineered siRNAs to a wider array of cells and tissue types.
City Therapeutics is also leveraging cutting-edge advancements and insights in human genetics to address both novel and validated therapeutic targets, thereby optimising clinical development.
City Therapeutics is not only establishing a robust pipeline of RNAi therapeutics but also anticipates that its lead programme will enter clinical development at the end of 2025.
Following this milestone, the company's product engine is expected to generate a consistent flow of impactful RNAi-based medicines.
The company intends to file one to two new investigational new drug applications (INDs) annually starting in 2026.
City Therapeutics co-founder and executive chair John Maraganore stated: “To unlock the full potential of RNAi-based medicines, we will utilize next-generation engineering technologies to advance innovations in siRNA design, delivery and targeting that enable improved potency and specificity, broader access across more tissue types and expanded opportunities in multiple therapeutic areas.
"We are excited to launch City Therapeutics to lead the future of RNAi-based medicines.”
