Switch Therapeutics is a technology company.
Switch Therapeutics has raised $52.0M across 1 funding round.
Switch Therapeutics has raised $52.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Switch Therapeutics is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company developing precision RNAi therapies using its proprietary Conditionally Activated siRNA (CASi) platform to treat central nervous system (CNS) diseases, particularly neurodegenerative conditions with high unmet needs.[1][2][3][5] The CASi technology combines single- and double-stranded RNA properties in a single molecule for efficient self-delivery, potent and durable gene knockdown, and cell-type or cell-state specificity, enabling targeted treatments like APOE*ε4 silencing in the brain for Alzheimer's disease while sparing the liver.[1][5] Founded in 2020 and publicly launched in early 2022 after raising $52 million in Series A funding, the company serves patients with devastating CNS disorders, addressing challenges in RNA delivery, potency, and selectivity that limit existing therapies.[2][3]
Switch Therapeutics was founded in 2020 by Dee Datta (co-founder and CEO) and Si-ping Han (co-founder and Chief Technology Officer), drawing on RNAi research from Caltech, Harvard Medical School, and City of Hope.[2][3][5] The idea emerged from their scientific discovery integrating nucleic acid nanotechnology with RNA interference (RNAi) science, creating the CASi platform for a novel class of conditionally activated drugs.[1][3][5] A pivotal moment came in early 2022 with a $52 million Series A round co-led by Insight Partners and UCB Ventures, plus participation from Eli Lilly, Upfront Ventures, and others, funding a move to a South San Francisco facility, lead program advancement for a CNS disease, and talent recruitment.[2][3]
Switch Therapeutics stands out in RNAi therapeutics through these key features of its CASi platform:
Switch Therapeutics rides the wave of RNA medicine innovation, transforming RNAi from a promising but delivery-challenged tool into precise, self-delivering therapies amid a "transformational era" for genetic medicines.[1][3] Timing aligns with surging demand for CNS treatments, where blood-brain barrier issues and off-target effects plague competitors; CASi's selectivity counters this, potentially unlocking targets like APOE*ε4 in Alzheimer's.[5] Market forces favoring it include biotech funding for high-unmet-need neurodegeneration (e.g., via investors like Eli Lilly) and RNAi advances from siRNA/ASO approvals, positioning Switch to influence ecosystem-wide shifts toward cell-specific genetic therapies and collaborations.[2][3][4]
Switch is poised to nominate development candidates for its lead CNS program soon, advancing to IND-enabling studies while expanding CASi via pharma partnerships for systemic diseases.[3][4][5] Trends like AI-driven target discovery and next-gen delivery will amplify its platform, potentially evolving its role from CNS pioneer to broad RNAi leader as clinical proof-of-concept emerges. This precision neuroscience biotech exemplifies how foundational RNAi breakthroughs can redefine treatments for intractable brain diseases, fulfilling its launch promise of therapeutic revolutions.[1][3]
Switch Therapeutics has raised $52.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Switch Therapeutics's investors include Alta Partners, Astellas Venture Management, Insight Partners, Longwood Fund.
Switch Therapeutics has raised $52.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $52.0M Series A in March 2023.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2023 | $52.0M Series A | Alta Partners, Astellas Venture Management, Insight Partners, Longwood Fund |