Dublin-based biotech startup Aerska has officially launched with a €17.8M ($21M) seed round to develop next-generation RNAi medicines targeting neurological diseases.
The round was co-led by Age1, Backed VC, and Speedinvest, with participation from Blueyard, Lingotto (Exor), Norrsken VC, Kerna, PsyMed, and Ada Ventures.
Breaking through the blood-brain barrier
Genetic medicines like RNA interference (RNAi) have already transformed treatments in the liver, but success in the central nervous system (CNS) has remained elusive due to delivery challenges across the blood-brain barrier.
“GalNAc proved what RNAi can do when delivered to a specific tissue, and we’re now on the cusp of a similar leap forward in CNS medicine,” said Stuart Milstein, Aerska co-founder and head of platform strategy.
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The Aerska approach
Founded by Jack O’Meara, Stuart Milstein, and David Hardwicke, Aerska has developed an antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate (AOC) platform. This approach uses proprietary “brain shuttles” to deliver RNAi medicines directly to neurons, enabling durable gene knockdown and potentially altering the course of devastating brain diseases.
“Neurological diseases remain one of the greatest challenges in medicine, with limited options to alter the course of disease,” said Jack O’Meara, CEO & co-founder. “By combining brain shuttles with RNA therapeutics, we aim to enable precise, durable gene silencing in the CNS, while using data-driven tools to ensure patients receive the right intervention at the right stage of disease.”
Precision medicine for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Aerska’s initial programs focus on genetic forms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, two of the most urgent unmet needs in neurology. The company is also investing in data science to enhance precision medicine, tailoring therapies to patient-specific disease progression.
“Delivery across the blood-brain barrier remains the bottleneck for genetic medicines in neurology,” said Alex Brunicki, Partner at Backed VC. “Aerska’s platform integrates advanced RNAi chemistry with receptor-mediated shuttling and precision medicine, positioning the company at the forefront of CNS therapeutics.”
Looking ahead
With its name inspired by a Gaelic proverb about interdependence, Aerska’s mission is clear: to silence the genes that cause harm, preserve memories, and give patients longer, healthier lives. Backed by top-tier investors and a world-class founding team, the company is setting out to redefine how neurological diseases are treated.
