Soufflé Therapeutics has closed an oversubscribed $135 million Series B financing to advance its lead programs into clinical development and expand its pipeline of cell-specific oligonucleotide therapies. The round was led by Juvia Group and included TCG Crossover Management, BB Biotech, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Balyasny Asset Management, and a leading sovereign wealth fund. Existing investors including Amgen Ventures, ARCH Venture Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, Breyer Capital, The Invus Group, Janus Henderson, Leaps by Bayer, Polaris Partners, Safar Partners, TAS Partners, Temasek, and Vida Ventures also participated.
Soufflé is developing an RNA therapeutics platform based on its proprietary REMEDY (Receptor Mediated Delivery) product engine. The technology enables cell-specific delivery of oligonucleotide therapies outside the liver by identifying internalizing receptors and generating proprietary binders, such as monoclonal antibodies and other ligands.
The proceeds will support the company’s first clinical studies in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, heart failure, and muscle and metabolic disorders while advancing additional programs in preclinical development.
Soufflé’s most advanced program targets striated muscle for FSHD, a disease for which the company notes there are currently no approved disease-modifying therapies. A second program targets the phospholamban, or PLN, gene in cardiomyocytes for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Its third lead program is directed at an undisclosed target involving muscle and metabolic disorders.
The company believes its receptor-mediated approach can enable delivery into specific cell types and potentially support potent and durable therapies across multiple diseases.
Boston-based Soufflé was founded by leaders in genetic medicine and targeted delivery and is led by CEO Amir Nashat.
KEY QUOTES:
“The confidence this exceptional group of investors has placed in Soufflé supports our belief that the REMEDY cell-specific product engine can make an impact in patients’ lives. We are honored and grateful for their support and partnership as we advance our first program into the clinic.”
Amir Nashat, Chief Executive Officer Of Soufflé Therapeutics
“Cell-selective delivery could change what medicines can achieve for patients across countless diseases. We believe Soufflé has the platform, the pipeline and the people to make it happen.”
Stefan Vitorovic, Co-Founder And Managing Director Of Juvia Group
“We were compelled by Soufflé’s lead programs that are already making meaningful progress in FSHD and heart failure, two diseases with very limited treatment options.”
Chen Yu, Managing Partner At TCGX
