City Therapeutics engineers next-generation RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics using a platform that combines novel trigger molecule design with precision targeting ligands. This approach enhances potency and specificity, enabling the delivery of siRNAs to a broader range of extra-hepatic cell and tissue types beyond the liver. The company is developing a pipeline of best-in-class RNAi medicines aimed at treating serious diseases like thrombosis and Stargardt disease.
Funding
$135M 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.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics are largely confined to hepatic delivery, leaving the majority of cell types and disease indications untapped. This limitation hampers the ability to silence disease‑causing genes in extra‑hepatic tissues such as the eye, central nervous system, and vascular endothelium.
Solution
City Therapeutics operates an end‑to‑end siRNA engineering platform that couples highly potent trigger molecules with custom‑designed targeting ligands. By optimizing trigger chemistry, sequence, and length, the platform generates siRNAs with superior potency, specificity, and cellular uptake. Precision ligands enable robust delivery of these siRNAs to a broad spectrum of cell and tissue types beyond the liver, expanding RNAi applicability to ocular, CNS, and vascular targets. The resulting therapeutics are designed for durable gene silencing with simplified dosing regimens, exemplified by the preclinical candidate CITY‑FXI, which aims to prevent thrombosis by reducing Factor XI levels while minimizing bleeding risk. This approach creates a pipeline of best‑in‑class RNAi medicines for diseases that are currently underserved by existing modalities.
Target Audience
The primary customers are pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies seeking to develop RNAi therapeutics for extra‑hepatic indications, as well as clinical programs targeting diseases such as coagulation disorders, ocular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Features
- Proprietary trigger molecule design that enhances potency, specificity, and durability through optimized chemistry, sequence, and length.
- Cleavage‑inducing tiny (city) RNAs that efficiently cleave target mRNA to achieve sustained gene silencing.
- Tailored targeting ligands engineered for extra‑hepatic delivery, enabling efficient uptake in ocular, central nervous system, and vascular tissues.
- Integrated platform that supports both hepatic and extra‑hepatic delivery pathways, allowing rapid progression of multiple therapeutic programs.
- Preclinical data demonstrating long‑acting knockdown and simplified dosing schedules for candidates such as CITY‑FXI.
- Robust intellectual property portfolio covering trigger designs and ligand technologies.
- Scalable manufacturing process compatible with GMP production of siRNA‑ligand conjugates.