CRISPR Pioneers Jennifer Doudna and Fyodor Urnov Launch Aurora Therapeutics for Custom CRISPR Therapies

Aurora Therapeutics launched on January 9, 2026, with $16 million in seed funding from Menlo Ventures.1 2 3 5

Founded by CRISPR co-inventor and Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna and gene editing researcher Fyodor Urnov, inspired by the successful 'Baby KJ' custom CRISPR therapy for a rare genetic disorder.1 2 3 5

The startup focuses on developing scalable, personalized CRISPR therapies for ultra-rare diseases, starting with phenylketonuria (PKU) by targeting multiple mutations.2 3 5

Led by CEO Edward Kaye, former CEO of Sarepta and Stoke Therapeutics, with an 11-person team using AI for CRISPR editor design and leveraging FDA's plausible mechanism pathway.1 2 5

Aims to treat the 'long tail' of over 7,000 rare diseases affecting 350 million people by creating a platform for rapid, parallel development of mutation-specific therapies.2 3 5

Sources:

1. https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/09/baby-kj-scientist-new-crispr-startup-aurora-therapeutics/

2. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/baby-kj-scientist-launches-personalized-crispr-therapy-startup

3. https://www.biospace.com/business/startup-aurora-seeks-to-replicate-baby-kj-success-with-16m-in-seed-money

5. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260109250069/en/Aurora-Therapeutics-Launches-to-Realize-Potential-of-Personalized-Gene-Editing-for-Millions-of-Patients-with-Rare-Diseases

Sources:

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