Rnatics has received €2.7 million from the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). The spin-off from the Technical University of Munich will use the funding for the clinical development of the RNA drug RCS-21. Pursue This will advance the preparation of clinical trials.
RCS-21 RCS-21 is an RNA-based drug that patients inhale via an inhaler. In the lungs, the drug specifically targets certain immune cells in the alveoli, called macrophages. RCS-21 inhibits the molecule microRNA-21 there. This molecule is considered a key trigger for pathological inflammation and scarring of lung tissue.
"Further progress towards clinical trials is an important milestone in translating our research into a potential therapy,"
explain Stefan Engelhardt, CSO and co-founder of Rnatics, and Christina Beck, Project Manager.
New approach to combat lung damage
"Rnatics' approach to macrophage-directed RNA therapy is extremely innovative, and I look forward to strategically supporting this program,"
thinks Thomas Thum, board member.
Klaus Rabe, CMO and co-founder, emphasizes that by addressing the root cause of inflammatory and fibrotic lung diseases, RCS-21 has the potential to offer new hope to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and related conditions, for whom there are currently only limited effective treatment options. According to CEO and co-founder Thomas Frischmuth, the company expects initial clinical data in the coming months, which will provide initial insights into the therapy's potential.
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