The Milan-based biotech startup Aptadir Therapeutics has secured $45 million in a seed funding round. The company claims this investment is among the largest early-stage rounds in Europe and a record for an Italian health startup.
The round was led by the London-based venture capital firm 4BIO Capital. Additional participants included Extend, which previously backed the company at the pre-seed stage, as well as CDP Venture Capital, XGEN Venture, and CE-Ventures.
Aptadir Therapeutics focuses on preclinical research and the development of RNA inhibitors designed to silence defective genes. The technology aims to address underserved cancers and complex genetic conditions that were previously considered irreversible.
The company plans to use the new capital to advance its therapeutic pipeline. The primary focus is the development of a treatment for Fragile X Syndrome, a condition associated with developmental delays and learning difficulties.
The startup's technology originates from research conducted by an international group of scientists specializing in RNA and DNA biology, leukemia, and immunotherapeutics. CEO Giovanni Amabile stated that the funding will support the development of drug candidates.
