There are a host of things that set human beings apart, but if we are being honest, none of them has ever been as significant as our willingness to grow on a rather consistent basis. You see, by pursuing growth under all circumstances, we basically set ourselves up for some pivotal milestones along the way, with each one usually designed to bring a unique value of its own. However, despite the uniqueness in play here, we are still yet to see a more impactful milestone than technology. Technology gets to be the ultimate winner for reasons that transcend its ingenious skill-set. Instead, they revolve a great deal around the creation’s unprecedented reach, which would allow it to leave an imprint on our entire spectrum, including the all-important medical sector. Technology and healthcare linkup, in particular, was a major turning point, as it came at a time when the sector really needed some semblance of change in its obsolete structure. The creation will fulfill the stated need in no time, but even after doing so; it will continue to widen the healthcare horizons in one capacity or the other. In fact, a recent funding should only bolster this drive moving forward.
Code Bio, a Pennsylvania-based startup, has successfully secured over $75 million in Series A financing. Led by Northpond Ventures, the round saw further participation coming from the likes of Amgen Ventures, Hatteras Venture Partners, UCB Ventures, New Enterprise Associates, 4BIO Capital, CureDuchenne Ventures, the JDRF T1D Fund, UPMC Enterprises, and Takeda Ventures. According to certain reports, Code Bio plans on investing the newly-raised cash in the development of its in-house technology, 3DNA, which brings a different approach to delivering genetic medicines than what we have worked with so far. Based on synthetic DNA, the 3DNA poses itself as a much more universal alternative to our current methodology of enlisting engineered viruses. We say this because engineered viruses have repeatedly shown a tendency to trigger full-fledged immune response within the patient’s body, therefore making something as crucial as redosing seemingly impossible. The said limitation is also why viral-based genetic medicines have pretty much stayed restricted to just rare diseases. In case the core upside isn’t enough; Code Bio’s 3DNA concept even offers a huge logistical advantage. Assuming the company’s claims are correct, you can easily manufacture and store 3DNA structures in bulk. Whenever a genetic medicine is required, all you have to do is add targeting molecules and the genetic payload before sending it through.
“Code Bio’s targeted 3DNA delivery platform is positioned to extend the utility of genetic medicines beyond what’s currently possible with viral gene delivery in support of the development of transformative therapies,” Diana Bernstein, vice president at Northpond Ventures.
At the moment, Code Bio is working on two lead programs. While one focuses solely on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the other lead program is all about treating type 1 diabetes.
