Soufflé Therapeutics Rises with $200M Series A and Big Pharma Partnerships
A new player in the RNA therapeutics space has emerged with substantial financial backing and pharmaceutical industry support. Soufflé Therapeutics, co-founded by Moderna pioneer Robert Langer, has announced a $200 million series A funding round and partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies, positioning itself as a significant force in the development of targeted siRNA medicines.
Founding and Funding
Soufflé Therapeutics, a Langer family venture, has secured more than $3.5 billion in total funding and partnerships. The company's impressive $200 million series A round was confirmed by Michael Langer, son of Robert Langer and recent founder of a biotech venture capital firm. Investors include Bessemer Venture Partners, Arch Venture Partners, Vida Ventures, and Polaris Partners, among others.
The biotech's leadership team boasts seasoned industry veterans, with Amir Nashat, Ph.D., serving as CEO. Nashat, an alumnus of Langer's MIT lab, expressed pride in the company's vision to design and develop "potent, precise and safe medicines" for all diseases. Susan Langer, daughter of Robert Langer, takes on the role of founding president and chief business officer.
Strategic Partnerships and Technology Focus
Soufflé has established partnerships with several Big Pharma companies, including AbbVie, Amgen, Bayer, and Novo Nordisk. These collaborations, along with the substantial funding, position the company to accelerate its research and development efforts in siRNA therapeutics.
The company's technology focuses on creating cell-specific siRNA medicines, aiming to enhance the precision and efficacy of RNA-based treatments. Vadim Dudkin, Ph.D., formerly with Merck and Johnson & Johnson, leads the technological development as Chief Technology Officer, bringing extensive experience in RNA medicine development to the team.
Pipeline and Clinical Timeline
Soufflé Therapeutics has outlined an ambitious pipeline, with plans to enter clinical trials by 2026. The company's lead programs target three main areas:
- Metabolism disorders
- Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
- Cardiomyopathies caused by mutations in the phospholamban gene
Additionally, the company is advancing a suite of preclinical programs, though specific details on these initiatives have not been disclosed.
The founding team's pedigree, which includes scientists and backers involved in the creation of Alnylam Therapeutics and CRISPR Therapeutics, suggests a strong foundation in RNA therapeutics and gene editing technologies. Victor Kotelianski, M.D., Ph.D., a former founding SVP of research at Alnylam, is among the co-founders, bringing valuable expertise in the siRNA field to Soufflé.
References
- Langer family RNA biotech Soufflé rises with $200M and Big Pharma partners
A new RNA biotech has risen with a $200 million series A in the tank and a team of seasoned biotech chefs ready to light the burners. Soufflé Therapeutics will cook up siRNA medicines that are targeted and cell-specific, the newly hatched company said in an Oct. 7 LinkedIn post.
Explore Further
What are the highlights and unique advantages of Soufflé Therapeutics' siRNA therapeutics compared to existing RNA-based treatments?
What is the detailed funding history of Soufflé Therapeutics beyond the $200 million Series A round?
Who are the main competitors of Soufflé Therapeutics in the siRNA therapeutics space, and how does the company differentiate itself from them?
What are the specific terms and models of the partnerships between Soufflé Therapeutics and Big Pharma companies such as AbbVie, Amgen, Bayer, and Novo Nordisk?
What is the target market size for Soufflé Therapeutics' core pipeline, particularly the lead programs focusing on metabolism disorders, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, and cardiomyopathies?