What's Happening?
Rampart Bioscience, a biotech startup focused on developing DNA-based therapies without viral vectors, has ceased operations less than two years after its launch. The closure was reported by Endpoints News, citing former employees, although no official announcement was made. Rampart had previously downsized twice in the past year. The company, which emerged from stealth in October 2023 with $85 million in series A funding, aimed to revolutionize gene therapy delivery through its proprietary HALO platform. This platform was designed to avoid the severe side effects associated with viral vector delivery, a method currently dominant in the field. Despite its promising start and inclusion in BioSpace’s NextGen Class of 2025, Rampart's technology
and operations remained largely undisclosed, and its programs never reached clinical trials.
Why It's Important?
Rampart's closure highlights the challenges faced by biotech startups in developing innovative therapies, particularly in the competitive and high-risk field of gene therapy. The company's failure to advance its technology to clinical trials underscores the difficulties in overcoming the established methods of gene delivery, which, despite their drawbacks, remain the industry standard. This development may impact investor confidence in similar biotech ventures, potentially affecting funding and innovation in the sector. Additionally, the closure leaves a gap in the pursuit of safer gene therapy delivery methods, which are crucial for treating genetic disorders without severe side effects.
