UAE-based CE-Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Crescent Enterprises, has invested in Italian biotech Aptadir Therapeutics as it raises $45.4M in a seed round.
The company said it will use the financing to advance RNA-based treatments for genetic disorders, including its lead program for Fragile X Syndrome, and move its preclinical programs toward clinical development.
Aptadir is developing RNA inhibitors known as DNMTs Interacting RNAs, or DiRs. The technology is designed to address abnormal DNA methylation, which can silence genes and prevent them from producing proteins.
Its lead candidate, CAP1-FMR1, targets the FMR1 gene, whose silencing is associated with Fragile X Syndrome. According to the announcement, Aptadir has tested the approach in patient-derived disease models and plans to expand the platform into additional genetic disorders and oncology programs.
The investment gives CE-Ventures exposure to a therapeutic platform across multiple disease areas, rather than a single drug candidate. For Aptadir, the funding will support further evidence generation and development ahead of potential human trials.
Source: WAYA
