Launch of Aptadir Therapeutics with a novel class of RNA inhibitors

Nota stampa

04/10/2024

Aptadir Therapeutics (Aptadir), a biotech company developing RNA inhibitor-based therapeutics for treating intractable cancers and genetic conditions, announces its launch and the appointment of Giovanni Amabile as Executive Chairman and acting CEO.

Aptadir was founded by Dr Annalisa Di Ruscio and Dr Vittorio De Franciscis, both leaders in the field of RNA biology and DNA methylation, alongside Prof. Daniel Tenen, an expert in MDS and leukaemia, and Prof. Marcin Kortylewski, an expert in oligonucleotide immunotherapeutics. They are based at world class institutions: the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center of the Harvard Medical School, the National Research Council of Italy, the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and City of Hope National Medical Center.

The basis for the Company was the landmark discovery of a new class of RNA inhibitors called DNMTs Interacting RNAs (DiRs), which are capable of blocking aberrant DNA methylation at a single gene level reactivating previously hypermethylated genes - a key feature in cancer and genetic disorders. By reactivating specific genes, there is the opportunity to target the underlying cause of and potentially reverse specific intractable cancers and genetic conditions in adults, such as Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and, in children, such as Fragile X Syndrome.

Aptadir's proprietary platform can generate multiple DiRs for specific genes suppressed in cancer and genetic conditions, re-establishing the pathway functionality. The first programme, Aptadir Ce-49 is being developed in MDS and the aim is to enter the clinic by the end of 2025. Leading the management team is Giovanni Amabile who has been appointed Executive Chairman and acting CEO: "Today represents the launch of Aptadir Therapeutics and is an exciting day for the founders and team. Aptadir's business is based on real innovation - a landmark discovery of a new class of molecules which have the potential to be best-in class therapeutics for intractable conditions. From data already generated, DiRs are highly selective, stable and non-toxic, and have the potential to be used across multiple indications. This is a really exciting new field and we are looking forward to pushing our first candidate forward into the clinic", Amabile said.

Aptadir has received $1.6m in pre-seed funding from the EXTEND initiative to optimize its lead asset, Aptadir Ce-49. The Company is the first to receive funding from EXTEND, which is the Italian National Technology Transfer Hub wholly dedicated to the biopharmaceutical sector for the development of new therapeutic approaches. The Hub was initiated by CDP Venture Capital SGR, and joint funded with co investors, Angelini Ventures and Evotec SE. Its purpose is to develop translational drug discovery partnerships with highly renowned universities and research centers in Italy to accelerate their promising therapeutics for commercialization.

Claudia Pingue, senior partner and head of the Technology Transfer Fund of CDP Venture Capital SGR, added: "Aptadir is the first biotech company born from EXTEND, National Technology Transfer hub established on the initiative of CDP Venture Capital and funded with co-investment partners, Angelini Ventures and Evotec. EXTEND aims to develop high quality science coming from top Italian universities and to help build new start-ups that can develop that science for the benefit of future patients. Aptadir represents one of the best examples of where science innovation can create a new potential therapeutic for underserved conditions in adults and children, such as MDS and Fragile X Syndrome. We'll be watching its progress with great interest".

Per informazioni:
Vittorio De Franciscis
Cnr-Irgb
Giovanni Amabile, Aptadir CEO, email: [email protected]
Alessia Naso, Cnr-Uvr, email: [email protected]
Irene Gennai, Cnr-Uvr, email: [email protected]

Ufficio stampa:
Francesca Gorini
Cnr Press Office
[email protected]

Responsabile Unità Ufficio stampa:
Emanuele Guerrini
[email protected]
[email protected]
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