Kelonia Therapeutics develops an in vivo gene delivery platform that uses a few potent lentiviral vector-like particles with an adjustable targeting system to deliver genetic payloads precisely to target tissues. The company aims to create manufacturable, "off-the-shelf" genetic medicines including a CAR therapy for hematologic cancer and programs for solid tumors as well as non-oncology indications. Kelonia's technology builds on discoveries from MIT’s Michael Birnbaum lab and research from the CNRS to de-target and redirect lentivirus-like particles for tissue-specific delivery. The company plans to use its platform to unlock delivery to hard-to-reach tissues such as neurological, muscular, and renal tissues and to explore different types of genetic cargo. Kelonia launched with a $50 million Series A and will use the funding to advance its lead product toward clinical studies, expand its platform capabilities, and progress oncology and non-oncology programs. It has strategic collaborations with Adimab for tissue-specific antibody discovery and with ElevateBio for lentiviral vector platform, process development, and cGMP manufacturing support. Leadership and scientific founders include Kevin Friedman (President & CSO), Thomas Galbo (CBO), Molly Perkins (VP Research), and founders Michael Birnbaum (MIT) and Michael Fischbach (Stanford).

Total raised

$50M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Apr 2022