RAGE Biotech, a Monash University spin-off, has secured A$29 million in Series A financing to accelerate the development of its next-generation RNA-based therapeutics for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. The investment represents a significant milestone for the company as it advances its lead program, RB042, toward first-in-human clinical studies targeting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and related inflammatory lung conditions.
The company emerged from the School of Translational Medicine within the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University. Its scientific foundation combines deep expertise in splice-switching oligonucleotide therapeutics with extensive research in RAGE biology, a pathway central to inflammatory responses and tissue injury. With the newly raised capital, RAGE Biotech plans to move its precision therapeutic candidate into early clinical testing and expand development across additional inflammatory indications.
The Series A round was led by IP Group Australia and Hostplus, with participation from Monash Ventures, extending a longstanding collaboration between Monash’s research enterprise and external investment partners. The raise continues Monash’s momentum in shepherding scientific breakthroughs from the lab toward commercial and clinical applications. University leaders highlighted the institution’s strong record in research translation and its expanding portfolio of ventures advancing medically impactful technologies.
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“Monash has an exceptional track record of research translation and commercialisation: we are the number one university in Australia for industry research investment. RAGE Biotech’s achievement demonstrates how collaboration, partnership and a commitment to innovation are central to the quest to turn breakthrough science into outcomes that improve lives.”
Robyn Ward, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) and Senior Vice-President, Monash University
“This milestone reflects the strength of Monash’s innovation ecosystem and our commitment to supporting exceptional researchers and founders. By backing exceptional founders and science with targeted investment, we’re building ventures that advance medicine and deliver tangible impact for patients worldwide.”
Ingmar Wahlqvist, Senior Director, New Ventures and Investments
“Activation of RAGE is a critical driver of human disease. RAGE recognizes damage and stokes inflammation to further increase tissue injury. We have developed a novel way to block RAGE by harnessing a natural RAGE inhibitor made by the lungs. This discovery will enable transformative therapies across a range of potential indications.”
Merlin Thomas, Lead Researcher and Founder, RAGE Biotech
