Undecimal Bio Secures $18M Seed Round to Revolutionize RNA Medicine Delivery

Undecimal Bio, a biotechnology company spun out from Eleven Therapeutics, has raised $18 million in a Seed round to tackle a significant challenge in RNA-based medicine delivery. The company is developing an AI-enabled platform designed to improve the targeting of gene-silencing therapies to specific cells throughout the body, which has been a major hurdle in the effectiveness of RNA medicines.

The financing was co-led by 4BIO Capital and IQ Capital, with additional participation from Verve Ventures, Harel Tech, Entrée Capital, Kerna Ventures, and Saras Capital. Although the specifics of use for the funds were not detailed, the investment aims to advance Undecimal's delivery platform and develop initial programs targeting renovascular diseases.

The core issue Undecimal seeks to address is the delivery of RNA interference (RNAi) medicines, which have shown promise primarily in treating liver-related diseases. The company’s platform, called DELiveri, aims to identify effective delivery molecules that can transport small interfering RNA (siRNA) to specific cell types beyond the liver. This is crucial because, while the design of the siRNA may be effective, its therapeutic impact hinges on its ability to reach the relevant cells.

Undecimal's innovative approach involves screening large combinatorial libraries of molecules to find those that can effectively deliver RNA. The platform utilizes advanced AI systems to analyze delivery data at a single-molecule resolution, allowing for a more systematic and efficient search for viable candidates. This method not only accelerates the discovery process but also enhances the precision of targeting specific tissues, which is essential for expanding the application of RNA medicines.

The company’s initial focus will be on renovascular diseases, where genetic drivers have been clearly identified, yet delivery remains a challenge. By overcoming these delivery obstacles, Undecimal aims to unlock the full potential of siRNA therapeutics, potentially transforming treatment options for chronic conditions that have previously been difficult to address.

Undecimal Bio's formation and funding reflect a growing trend in biotechnology, where the intersection of AI and molecular delivery systems is seen as a game-changer for the future of personalized medicine. The company’s founders, Dr. Yaniv Erlich and Shaul Ilan, are poised to lead this initiative, leveraging their expertise to push the boundaries of what RNA medicines can achieve in the treatment of various diseases.

With this funding, Undecimal Bio is well-positioned to advance its mission of making RNA medicines more accessible and effective, potentially addressing a wide range of chronic illnesses that have long eluded successful treatment.