Twentyeight-Seven Therapeutics launches with $65m to develop RNA-modulating cancer therapies

In an ambitious move within the biotechnology sector, a new U.S. biotech company, Twentyeight-Seven Therapeutics (28-7), has been established in Cambridge with a primary focus on developing therapies for cancer and other diseases by modulating non-coding RNA (ncRNA). Coinciding with its launch, Twentyeight-Seven Therapeutics announced a successful $65 million Series A financing round led by MPM Capital and Novartis Venture Fund.

The funding will primarily support the advancement of Twentyeight-Seven’s lead program, which aims to enhance the levels of tumor suppressor microRNA (miRNA), specifically Let-7, a well-known player in serious cancer indications. This innovative approach involves small molecule therapies that could potentially transform cancer treatment by targeting the underlying genetic mechanisms of the disease.

Kazumi Shiosaki, founding President and CEO of Twentyeight-Seven Therapeutics, highlighted the scientific foundation underpinning the company: “This strong financing round was achieved thanks to the new biological understanding and impressive scientific data around non-coding RNA produced by our four scientific founders and the progress the 28-7 team has made since it was founded two years ago.”

The investment round saw participation from several notable entities including Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Vertex Ventures HC, Astellas Venture Management, and Longwood Fund, underscoring the broad interest and confidence in the company’s potential to lead in ncRNA therapeutics.

The company’s strategic focus is on modulating miRNAs, short ncRNAs that inhibit gene expression by either suppressing mRNA translation or fostering mRNA decay. Specifically, Twentyeight-Seven is targeting Lin28, an RNA-binding protein (RBP) that reduces Let-7 levels and is known to contribute to cellular transformation and tumorigenesis, marking it as an oncogene.

George Daley, co-founder and chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board at Twentyeight-Seven Therapeutics, provided context on the scientific breakthroughs fueling the company’s strategy: “Our founders have made important scientific contributions to the field of ncRNA biology, including the discovery of the Lin28/Let-7 pathway and its role in normal development, metabolism, and malignancy. Overall, our studies have established Lin28/Let-7 as a major regulatory pathway in stem cells and cancer.”

With the fresh infusion of capital and robust scientific backing, Twentyeight-Seven Therapeutics is poised to transition significant laboratory insights into viable pharmaceutical applications, potentially ushering in a new era of cancer therapy that leverages the power of genetic regulation for better clinical outcomes.

The launch of Twentyeight-Seven Therapeutics represents a critical step forward in the quest to harness ncRNA biology for therapeutic purposes. The company’s focus on miRNA modulation and its implications for cancer treatment is particularly promising, offering a novel approach that could complement or even replace more traditional therapies depending on the outcomes of ongoing research and clinical trials.