Rona invests $35M in advancing two metabolic siRNA programs

Shanghai-based Rona Therapeutics has successfully raised $35 million in a series A+ financing round to advance two of its siRNA candidates into global clinical trials. This new injection of funds comes on the heels of a previously closed $33-million A round in 2022. Rona Therapeutics specializes in developing liver-directed knockdown therapies aimed at treating a range of metabolic conditions, including obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), IgA nephropathy, and hypertension.

Two years ago, Rona secured worldwide exclusive rights to Sanofi’s siRNA platform, along with licenses for four liver-targeting preclinical candidates. This acquisition has significantly bolstered Rona's capabilities, allowing them to focus on their primary mission of addressing metabolic diseases through innovative therapies.

The recent funding will be utilized to further the clinical development of Rona’s two leading siRNA programs. The first, RN0191, is designed to target PCSK9 and is expected to move into Phase II clinical trials soon for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. The second program, RN0361, targets APOC3 and aims to treat hypertriglyceridaemia. A Phase I trial for RN0361 is planned, with the study anticipated to commence in September and recruit patients from Australia, as listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.

LongRiver Investments led the A+ financing round and expressed optimism about the potential of Rona’s two leading candidates, highlighting their best-in-class potential and significant clinical differentiation. Additional investors in this financing round included Zhaode Investment, BioTrack Capital, Zhongqi Capital, and Lilly Asia Ventures. These funds will not only support the ongoing development of the two main siRNA programs but also contribute to the advancement of an extrahepatic siRNA delivery technology with the aim of addressing central nervous system disorders.

Overall, Rona Therapeutics is poised to make substantial advancements in the field of metabolic disease treatment with its innovative siRNA therapies, supported by significant investment and strategic partnerships.