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§ Private Profile · South San Francisco, CA, USA
Trace Neuroscience is a technology company.
Trace Neuroscience is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative conditions, specifically Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Its core approach centers on scientific breakthroughs to restore UNC13A function, aiming to expand genomic medicine through targeted treatments for severe neurological disorders.
The company officially launched in November 2024, founded on groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Dr. Michael Ward, a Scientific Founder and Senior Investigator at the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), provided critical insights into UNC13A's role. His foundational research established guiding principles for the company's development efforts.
Trace Neuroscience serves individuals affected by devastating neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, offering hope through precision medicine. The company’s long-term vision is to broaden the application of genomic medicine, transforming the treatment landscape for neurological disorders and improving patient outcomes through deep biological understanding.
Trace Neuroscience has raised $100.0M across 1 funding round.
Trace Neuroscience has raised $100.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Trace Neuroscience has raised $100.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Trace Neuroscience's investors include Third Rock Ventures, ARCH Venture Partners, Atlas Venture, Deerfield Management, GV, Scott Gottlieb, Perceptive Advisors, Sofinnova Investments, venBio.
Trace Neuroscience has raised $100.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $100.0M Series A in November 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2024 | $100M Series A | Third Rock Ventures | ARCH Venture Partners, Atlas Venture, Deerfield Management, GV, Scott Gottlieb, Perceptive Advisors, Sofinnova Investments, VenBio Partners | Announced |
Trace Neuroscience is a biopharmaceutical company launched in 2024, focused on developing genomic therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, starting with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).[1][2][3] It builds antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies targeting UNC13A protein restoration to repair nerve-muscle communication, addressing a gap where 97% of ALS patients lack sufficient UNC13A, leading to mobility loss, breathing difficulties, and paralysis.[2][3] The company serves ALS patients and plans expansion to similar neurodegenerative conditions, solving unmet needs in disease-modifying treatments amid limited effective therapies.[2][3] Backed by a $101 million Series A led by Third Rock Ventures, with participation from Atlas Venture, GV, and RA Capital Management, Trace has strong early momentum, including recognition as a "Fierce 15" biotech of 2025 and plans to enter clinical trials in 2026.[2][3]
Trace Neuroscience emerged from convergent discoveries by its co-founders linking TDP-43 protein dysfunction to UNC13A loss in ALS pathology.[3][4] Co-founder and CEO Eric Green, M.D., Ph.D., brings expertise in neuroscience therapeutics, while co-founder Pietro Fratta, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience at University College London and the Francis Crick Institute, identified UNC13A's role in synaptic function critical for neuron-muscle communication.[2][3] The idea crystallized around restoring UNC13A to counteract ALS progression, with the company formally launching in 2024 alongside its oversubscribed $101 million Series A financing from top life sciences investors.[1][3] Early traction includes preclinical promise in slowing disease, preserving function, and extending survival, positioning it for rapid clinical translation.[2][3]
Trace Neuroscience rides the wave of genomic medicine expansion into neurodegeneration, where ALS lacks robust therapies despite TDP-43/UNC13A insights emerging recently.[2][3] Timing is ideal amid surging investment in precision neurology—post-2024 launch aligns with advances in ASOs (e.g., successes in spinal muscular atrophy and Huntington's), plus growing recognition of shared pathologies in ALS, FTD, and beyond.[2][3] Market forces like aging populations, rising ALS incidence (~30,000 U.S. cases), and biotech funding recovery favor it, while Third Rock's track record amplifies ecosystem influence through talent networks and partnerships.[3] By targeting a ubiquitous ALS defect, Trace could redefine standards, inspiring similar protein-restoration approaches in a $50B+ neuro market.
Trace Neuroscience is poised to disrupt ALS treatment with its UNC13A ASO entering clinic in 2026, potentially validating a new therapeutic class amid sparse options.[2] Key trends like AI-accelerated drug discovery, expanded ASO platforms, and multi-disease synaptic targets will propel it, with Series A runway supporting Phase 1 data readouts and pipeline growth.[3] Influence may evolve from ALS pioneer to neuro platform leader, drawing partnerships or buyouts from big pharma eyeing genomics. This fierce urgency to restore neuronal communication echoes its mission, positioning Trace as a high-conviction bet in biotech's next frontier.[2]