Judo Bio Launches with $100M to Pioneer Kidney-Targeted siRNA Therapies

Funding:
Judo Bio has launched with $100 million in combined seed and Series A financing to develop kidney-targeted siRNA therapies.

Platform:
The company uses its proprietary STRIKE (Selectively Targeting RNA Into KidnEy) platform to create ligand-siRNA conjugates that selectively deliver siRNA therapeutics to specific kidney cells.

Focus:
Judo Bio initially focuses on systemic diseases, including kidney diseases, aiming to overcome the direct excretion of oligonucleotides in the kidney.

Technology:
The company leverages the megalin receptor family to deliver siRNA therapeutics to the proximal tubule of the kidney, targeting solute carrier proteins (SLCs) linked to systemic diseases.

Leadership:
Judo Bio is led by CEO Rajiv Patni, MD, and CSO Alfica Sehgal, PhD, with a board of directors that includes industry veterans from Atlas Venture, The Column Group, and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.

Preclinical Data:
The company has successfully demonstrated receptor-mediated delivery of oligonucleotides to the kidney with proprietary ligand-siRNA conjugates in preclinical studies.

Growth Plans:
Judo Bio plans to use the funding to advance its lead ligand-siRNA conjugate into clinical trials and further develop the STRIKE platform, with plans to expand its workforce.