Ribometrix develops small-molecule therapeutics that directly target RNA, leveraging world-leading expertise in 3D structural analysis and RNA functional assays. Its discovery platform identifies ligands that bind to highly structured pockets in therapeutically compelling RNAs to modulate protein expression. The company aims to discover selective, orally bioavailable RNA-binding small molecules with broad tissue distribution and bioavailability. Ribometrix announced $7.8 million in additional funding from existing investors the Dementia Discovery Fund and Illumina Ventures to support continued development of the platform. In November 2018 the company raised a $30 million Series A led by M Ventures and supported by Amgen Ventures, Pappas Capital, Illumina Ventures and a founding investor syndicate. Ribometrix is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, and has appointed Mike Clayman, M.D., as chairman of the board. Ribometrix develops small-molecule drugs that directly bind and modulate RNA structures, leveraging proprietary 3D structural analysis of RNA. Its discovery platform provides comprehensive analysis of small molecule–RNA interactions and draws on technologies invented by scientific co-founder Kevin Weeks, Ph.D., at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The company is advancing a broad internal pipeline of RNA-targeting programs and uses the platform to identify and optimize drug-like compounds with high selectivity. Ribometrix plans to expand its drug discovery team and business development activities to progress multiple programs. Michael Solomon, Ph.D., the founding CEO, leads the company and brings prior operational experience in biotechnology. Financially, the company completed a $30 million Series A financing to advance its platform and pipeline. Ribometrix is a Durham, NC–based biotech focused on discovering and developing small-molecule modulators of RNA. The company’s platform uses SHAPE‑MaP and RING‑MaP to elucidate RNA 3D structure and to screen for small-molecule modulators of RNA biology. Co‑founded by Kevin Weeks, PhD, and Katherine Warner, PhD, the founders serve as advisor and senior director of research, respectively. The company highlights potential advantages over 2D‑based approaches including selectivity, oral bioavailability, tissue distribution and central nervous system penetration. Ribometrix raised $7.5M in seed funding led by SV Health Investors and Hatteras Venture Partners. Following the round, Michael Solomon of SV Health Investors is acting CEO and Joshua Resnick joined the board as chairman; other board members include Michael Dial, John Gustofson and Kevin Weeks.

Total raised

$45M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Sep 2019