Aptadir Therapeutics has raised €40 million in seed funding to advance its RNA inhibitor-based therapeutics platform, with CE-Ventures participating in the financing. The financing represents Italy’s largest biotech seed round and one of the largest biotech seed rounds in Europe.
The proceeds will advance Aptadir’s investigational RNA therapies toward clinical development while supporting additional programs in genetic disorders and oncology.
Its lead candidate, CAP1-FMR1, is being developed for Fragile X Syndrome.
Aptadir’s platform uses a new class of RNA inhibitors called DNMTs Interacting RNAs, or DiRs, which are designed to block abnormal DNA methylation at specific genes. The approach could potentially reactivate genes that have been improperly silenced and restore normal biological functions.
KEY QUOTES:
“At Aptadir, we are pioneering a fundamentally new therapeutic approach aimed at reversing disease-causing epigenetic silencing and restoring the expression of genes that have been switched off. This has the potential to transform the way we treat genetic diseases that, until now, have been considered irreversible, moving beyond managing symptoms toward addressing the underlying cause of disease. We are proud to have CE-Ventures join us on this journey and share our ambition to turn this groundbreaking science into transformative therapies for patients.”
Dr. Giovanni Amabile, CEO and Founder of Aptadir Therapeutics
“CE-Ventures continues to expand its biotech portfolio by backing leading technologies with the potential to deliver therapies for areas of greatest unmet medical need. Aptadir is another compelling example of the innovative companies we support to help bring meaningful new treatment options to patients.”
Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO and Head of Investments at Crescent Enterprises
“Aptadir’s technology has the potential to transform the treatment of diseases that have previously been beyond the reach of existing therapeutic approaches. This strong financing round, backed by top-tier partners and coupled with the expertise of world-leading scientists, provides the company with an exceptional foundation to advance and develop this promising technology.”
Dr. Damir Illich, VP of Life Sciences at CE-Ventures
