exteRNA secures seed funding to develop first in class therapeutics

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Melbourne-based exteRNA has completed an $11 million seed funding round to support the company's development of therapies targeting a unique aspect of RNA processing.

Founded in 2024, exteRNA is focused on developing novel small-molecule therapeutics that target RNA processing pathways.

IP Group Australia led the funding round, which included participation from Tin Alley Ventures, WEHI Ventures, and HostPlus.

The company leverages the world-leading expertise of Professor Vihandha Wickramasinghe, Head of the RNA Biology and Cancer Lab at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and Professor Guillaume Lessene at WEHI and their respective teams.

“We are thrilled to have the support of experienced local and international investors who share our vision of harnessing the vulnerability of cancers to modulation of RNA processing,” said Professor Vi Wickramasinghe, chief scientific officer and founder of exteRNA.

“This funding will allow us to rapidly expand our research efforts and bring innovative solutions to patients suffering from diseases currently lacking effective treatments.”

“Small molecules have shown immense potential in treating a variety of conditions including cancer, yet targeting RNA processing remains largely untapped,” said Professor Guillaume Lessene, co-founder of exteRNA.

“We are excited to leverage our unique approach to create breakthrough therapies that can make a real difference in patients’ lives."

Dr Siro Perez, a partner at IP Group Australia and director at exteRNA, said IP Group was delighted to work with exteRNA. “We are looking forward to sharing exteRNA’s progress as we advance towards the clinic.”

Dr Sharon Shacham, the non-executive chair of exteRNA and co-founder of Karyopharm Therapeutics, said, “exteRNA is poised to make a significant impact in the lives of patients, and I’m excited to be involved in its journey as we push towards the clinic.

“We are eager to further explore the potential of a unique aspect of RNA processing for the development of new therapies for patients with advanced cancers."