Bonito Biosciences provides an AI‑driven platform that designs small‑molecule ligands for targeted delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics such as siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides. The modular chemistry system enables covalent attachment of these payloads to ligands that bind receptors on virtually any tissue, delivering preclinical data on biodistribution, efficacy, and safety to help pharma and biotech developers reach non‑hepatic organs.
Funding
$9M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
1OFounders
Product
Problem
Effective delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics such as siRNA and antisense oligonucleotides to specific cell types or tissues remains a major bottleneck, limiting efficacy and increasing off‑target effects. Existing delivery platforms are often limited to liver or require complex formulation, making it difficult to target other organs.
Solution
Bonito Biosciences addresses this gap with a proprietary AI‑driven discovery engine that designs small‑molecule ligands capable of binding to receptors on virtually any tissue type. These ligands can be chemically conjugated to oligonucleotide payloads, enabling selective uptake by the intended cells while minimizing exposure elsewhere. The platform supports rapid iteration of ligand‑payload constructs and provides preclinical data on tissue specificity, pharmacokinetics, and safety. By offering a modular, chemistry‑focused solution, Bonito enables drug developers to expand the therapeutic reach of siRNA and ASO beyond traditional delivery sites.
Target Audience
Primary customers are pharmaceutical and biotech companies developing oligonucleotide therapeutics that require targeted delivery to non‑hepatic tissues, as well as academic research groups seeking custom delivery solutions.
Features
- AI‑powered ligand design workflow that screens millions of small‑molecule candidates for tissue‑specific receptor binding
- Modular chemistry platform allowing covalent attachment of siRNA, ASO, or other payloads to selected ligands
- Broad tissue applicability covering liver, lung, muscle, brain, and other hard‑to‑target organs
- Integrated preclinical validation pipeline delivering biodistribution, efficacy, and safety data
- Scalable synthesis routes optimized for GMP manufacturing and rapid lead optimization