What's Happening?
SanegeneBio, a biotech company with operations in Boston, Shanghai, and Suzhou, has raised $110 million in a Series B financing round. The funding is backed by Eli Lilly and other investors, including
an unnamed industrial investor, an international sovereign wealth fund, and several venture capital firms. SanegeneBio focuses on RNA interference (RNAi) drug candidates targeting autoimmune and cardiometabolic diseases. The company has a pipeline that includes SGB-9768, which is in midstage testing for diseases like IgA nephropathy and C3 glomerulopathy, and an INHBE-targeted drug for obesity in early human testing. This financing follows a significant alliance with Lilly, valued at up to $1.2 billion, to develop RNAi drugs targeting tissues outside the liver.
Why It's Important?
The substantial investment in SanegeneBio underscores the growing interest and potential in RNAi technology, which offers a novel approach to treating complex diseases by silencing specific genes. This funding will enable SanegeneBio to advance its drug candidates through clinical trials, potentially leading to new treatments for conditions with limited options. The partnership with Eli Lilly highlights the strategic importance of RNAi in addressing metabolic diseases, which are a significant public health concern. Successful development of these therapies could lead to breakthroughs in treating obesity and related disorders, offering new hope to patients and potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with chronic diseases.
What's Next?
SanegeneBio is expected to use the new funds to further its clinical trials and expand its research capabilities. The company will likely focus on advancing its lead candidates through the regulatory process, aiming for eventual market approval. The collaboration with Eli Lilly may also lead to the development of additional RNAi-based therapies targeting other metabolic conditions. As the company progresses, it may attract further investment and partnerships, potentially accelerating the commercialization of its innovative treatments.
