Kenai Therapeutics leverages induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to develop off-the-shelf, allogeneic neuron replacement therapeutics targeting central nervous system disorders. Its lead candidate, RNDP-001, is an iPSC-derived dopamine progenitor cell therapy for idiopathic and inherited Parkinson’s disease that has shown robust survival, innervation, and behavioral rescue in preclinical models. The company plans to submit an IND for RNDP-001 and complete Phase 1 clinical trials, which the article states will initiate within the year. Kenai is building a broader pipeline of advanced dopamine neuron replacement therapeutics for neurological diseases. The company works with FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics as its contract manufacturing and development partner. Kenai previously raised seed funding under the name Ryne Bio. Ryne Biotechnology leverages induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to develop off-the-shelf neuron replacement therapeutics targeting neurological disorders. Its lead candidate, RNDP-001, is an iPSC-derived dopamine neuron progenitor aimed at treating inherited and idiopathic forms of Parkinson’s disease. RNDP-001 has completed preclinical efficacy and safety studies and Ryne plans to finalize its IND package and submit an IND within the next 12 months. The company will produce GMP-grade materials to enable evaluation of RNDP-001 in Phase 1 clinical trials. Beyond RNDP-001, Ryne is building a platform of drug candidates, including next-generation, gene-modified programs intended to modify and reverse disease progression. Ryne Bio was launched and seeded in 2022 by Saisei Ventures and is based in San Diego.

Total raised

$86M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Feb 2024