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Shape Therapeutics has raised $146.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Shape Therapeutics has raised $146.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Shape Therapeutics (ShapeTX) is a biotechnology company developing programmable RNA medicines to repair genetic causes of diseases. It combines AI and RNA technology to create therapies that reprogram cells, targeting conditions like rare genetic disorders, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Rett syndrome[1][2][4][5]. The company serves the pharmaceutical industry by enabling RNA-based treatments that are safe, effective, and manufacturable at scale, with key platforms including RNAfix® for RNA editing, AAV.ai for targeted delivery, and TruStable™ for AAV production[1][2]. Recent growth includes a $112 million Series B financing, a Roche partnership for neuroscience and rare diseases, and preclinical advances like brain-targeting AAV capsids and AI-driven RNA editing models[1][6].
Shape Therapeutics was founded in 2018 in Seattle, Washington, with a vision to repair genetic disease causes using AI and RNA technology[1][5]. Key figures include co-founder Prashant Mali, a Professor of Bioengineering at UC San Diego, alongside board members like Ed Mathers from New Enterprise Associates and Min Cui from Decheng Capital[5]. The idea emerged from merging AI's data analysis power with RNA's therapeutic potential to design programmable medicines, starting with breakthroughs in RNA editing and gene therapy manufacturing[2][4]. Early traction came from internal pipeline development for ABCA4-related diseases and neurological disorders, bolstered by tools like Benchling for scalable R&D data management, leading to partnerships such as Roche in 2023 for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and rare diseases[3][6].
ShapeTX stands out through its integrated AI-RNA platform, focusing on three pillars: RNA editing, targeted delivery, and manufacturing[1][2].
ShapeTX rides the wave of programmable RNA medicines and AI-driven biotech, shifting from permanent DNA edits (e.g., CRISPR) to reversible RNA reprogramming for safer, tunable therapies[1][2][4]. Timing aligns with surging gene therapy demand—global leadership by partners like Roche in neuroscience—and AI's maturation for drug discovery, analyzing billions of possibilities to tackle hard-to-treat diseases[6]. Market forces favoring it include RNA's unlimited potential (correcting mutations, modulating expression) and manufacturing challenges it solves, influencing the ecosystem via pharma collaborations that accelerate clinical translation and expand AAV applications beyond current limits[1][2][6].
ShapeTX is poised to advance its internal pipeline—ABCA4, Rett, and neurological programs—toward clinic with Roche-backed resources for infrastructure, hiring, and CNS delivery optimization[1][6]. Trends like AI-enhanced precision editing and next-gen AAVs will shape its path, potentially disrupting gene therapy by enabling broader disease coverage with improved safety and scalability[2][4]. Its influence may evolve through more big-pharma deals and platform licensing, solidifying leadership in programmable RNA to make genetic repairs accessible, building on its foundational mission to fight diseases at the source[5].
Shape Therapeutics has raised $146.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Shape Therapeutics's investors include Highbury Group, Sofinnova Investments, VZVC, 8VC, Flucas Ventures, Menlo Ventures, New Enterprise Associates, Ravelin Capital.
Shape Therapeutics has raised $146.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $110.0M Series B in July 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2021 | $110.0M Series B | Highbury Group, Sofinnova Investments, VZVC | |
| Nov 1, 2019 | $36.0M Series A | 8VC, Flucas Ventures, Highbury Group, Menlo Ventures, New Enterprise Associates, Ravelin Capital, Sofinnova Investments, VZVC |