What's Happening?
Addition, a new biotech startup, has launched with $100 million in initial funding to develop one-time therapies for rare and chronic diseases. The company aims to transform treatment approaches using
its proprietary PRINT platform, which utilizes lipid nanoparticles for delivering therapeutic payloads. The technology is still in early stages, with non-human primate studies planned for 2026. Addition is supported by prominent investors, including the Gates Foundation, which has also provided a grant for developing a single-dose therapy against HIV. The startup is led by CEO Ron Park, a former Roche executive, and Chief Scientific Officer Francine Gregoire, previously with Moderna.
Why It's Important?
The launch of Addition represents a significant step in the biotech industry, particularly in the development of therapies for rare diseases, which often lack effective treatments. By focusing on one-time therapies, Addition could potentially reduce the long-term treatment burden on patients and healthcare systems. The involvement of high-profile investors like the Gates Foundation underscores the potential impact and credibility of Addition's approach. If successful, the company's innovations could lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases that currently have limited options, benefiting patients and advancing medical science.
What's Next?
Addition plans to conduct non-human primate studies in 2026 to further develop its PRINT platform. The company is also collaborating with unnamed pharmaceutical companies to advance its programs. As the startup progresses, it may attract further investment and partnerships, potentially accelerating the development of its therapies. The biotech industry and healthcare stakeholders will likely monitor Addition's progress closely, given its ambitious goals and the potential implications for rare disease treatment.
