PURMX Therapeutics is a clinical‑stage drug discovery venture developing unmodified, natural microRNA–based nucleic acid therapeutics. Its lead program, MIRX002 (miR‑3140‑3p formulated with peptide carrier A6K), is in a physician‑led Phase I trial for malignant pleural mesothelioma at Hiroshima University Hospital, Kinki University Hospital, and Hyogo Medical University. MIRX002 was discovered using Hiroshima University’s functional RNA screening platform and the company holds rights to multiple microRNA assets. The company uses A6K under a licensing agreement with Three‑D Matrix to protect and deliver RNA in vivo. PURMX plans to accelerate global clinical development of MIRX002, pursue indication expansion beyond mesothelioma, advance systemic administration programs, and continue generating new RNA seeds via its screening platform. The company was founded in January 2021 and is headquartered in Hiroshima; cumulative funding to date is approximately ¥1.2 billion (~$7.8M). PURMX Therapeutics is a Hiroshima University–founded drug discovery venture focused on developing nucleic acid medicines that use natural microRNA as active ingredients. Its lead program, MIRX002, combines a potent anti-tumor microRNA discovered via Hiroshima University's screening platform with the A6K carrier licensed from Three‑D Matrix. MIRX002 is currently being evaluated in a physician‑led Phase I clinical trial at Hiroshima University for malignant pleural mesothelioma and is the first-in-human microRNA therapeutic trial in Japan. Preclinical data in mesothelioma mouse models showed marked tumor shrinkage and major survival benefits after one to three intrathoracic doses, and data suggest potential eradication of cancer stem cells. The company intends to expand MIRX002 into additional cancer indications, advance other microRNA pipelines, create new RNA seeds using its screening platform, and develop novel formulations applicable to broader indications. The company will use newly raised funds to support these clinical and R&D activities.

Total raised

$8M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

May 2024