$14m invested in world-leading RNA therapy: University of Otago spinout targeting new cancer treatments
Summary
Amaroq Therapeutics, a new biotech start-up spun out of the University of Otago, with one of the worlds most advanced programs in next-generation RNA therapy to target cancer has secured NZ$14m investment to accelerate development.The study of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), often referred to as "dark matter" of the genome, are molecules naturally present in cells. The emergence of new sequencing technologies has provided the opportunity to research these molecules further with significant investments being made globally into companies focusing on this area.The Amaroq Therapeutics team, led by Chief Scientific Officer and founder, Dr Sarah Diermeier, are pioneers in exploring the use of lncRNA molecules as therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers in the treatment of cancer. "We have a world-class team working at the very cutting edge of an emerging therapeutic area, and thats why we are excited to lead this investment," says Duncan Mackintosh, Brandon Capitals New Zealand Head. "Knowing that there are very few companies exploring lncRNA for oncology purposes makes this an exciting opportunity and the fact that it could prove helpful in the fight against cancer, a disease area affecting so many, is compelling," Mackintosh adds. These naturally occurring molecules do not code for proteins but fulfill important regulatory functions in the cell that could be exploited as a new therapeutic approach for multiple indications.