Aptadir Therapeutics, a Milan-based biotechnology company developing RNA therapeutics for genetic disorders and cancer, has raised €40 million in a Seed financing led by 4BIO Capital.
The round included follow-on participation from EXTEND, Aptadir’s original pre-seed investor. Other participants included CDP Venture Capital through the Digital Transition Fund, Indaco Venture Partners, XGEN Venture, CE-Ventures, Angelini Ventures, Kerna Ventures, Italian Angels for Biotech and Club degli Investitori.
Aptadir is a preclinical biotech company developing a class of RNA-based therapeutics built around DNMTs Interacting RNAs, or DiRs. The molecules are designed to interfere with abnormal DNA methylation at specific genes, with the aim of reactivating gene expression that has been silenced in genetic disorders and cancers.
The company plans to use the financing to advance its pipeline of investigational RNA therapeutics. This includes CAP1-FMR1, its lead candidate for Fragile X Syndrome.
Aptadir’s development programmes focus on genetic conditions and oncology indications where abnormal gene silencing plays a role. The company is currently at the preclinical stage.
