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Orna Acquires ReNAgade, Bringing Their Shared RNA Interests Under One Roof

Start-Ups Have Raised More Than $700m Already

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Orna emerged in 2021 with its circular RNA platform and ReNAgade launched in 2023 to deliver RNA to new tissues, both backed by MPM BioImpact, but they have been partners for years.

Cloud computing concept. Futuristic business network concept. Hi-tech cloud connection technology background.
Orna already uses ReNAgade's technology to deliver its circular RNA • Source: Shutterstock

Two RNA technology specialists created by venture capital investor MPM BioImpact and launched with large amounts of money to pursue their ambitious ideas will bring their shared economic interests under one roof. Orna Therapeutics, Inc. will acquire ReNAgade Therapeutics, just one year after the latter firm emerged with $300m in series A cash, the companies announced on 23 May.

Key Takeaways

  • Orna Therapeutics will acquire its RNA delivery partner ReNAgade Therapeutics; financial terms of the deal are undisclosed.

  • The young, well-funded start-ups have been partners since their early days, with Orna using ReNAgade’s delivery technology for its circular RNA (oRNA) therapeutics

None of the deal’s financial terms were disclosed, but Orna and ReNAgade have been working together for a few years and have been bound together financially during that time. When ReNAgade announced its series A venture capital round in May 2023, CEO Amit Munshi explained that since Orna uses the firm’s delivery technology, ReNAgade was set to earn a portion of milestone fees under Orna’s 2022 collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc

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