Averna Therapeutics

Phew, yesterday was an exciting day of announcements!? Pausing briefly, we wanted to share a little more about Tom Barnes, our new CEO. Swipe below to dive into Tom’s extensive experience in biotech leadership and proven record in advancing early-stage therapies. Welcome Tom! #RNA #BioPharma #Biotech #Bio #BioLeadership

Today, we are excited to unveil our new company name. The new name "Averna" is a blend of two concepts. First, "Ave" comes from the Latin word avēre, which means “to be well” and reflects our commitment to positive outcomes in healthcare. Second, "RNA" stands for ribonucleic acid, a crucial component in biological processes and a key focus of our company. Together, Averna Therapeutics embodies our mission to develop RNA/lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based genomic medicines that deliver meaningful solutions for patients. Visit our website to learn more: www.avernatx.com #RNA #BioPharma #Biotech

Today, we’ve announced the appointment of Tom Barnes, Ph.D., as our new CEO. He succeeds interim CEO Tal Zaks, M.D., Ph.D., who remains executive chairman. Tom has more than 25 years of experience in biotech leadership and a proven record in advancing early-stage therapies. He previously served as CEO of Orna Therapeutics, an RNA/lipid nanoparticle (LNP) company, where he raised more than $450 million and secured a major collaboration with Merck. Commenting on Tom’s experience, Tal said: “Tom has an extraordinary talent for transforming groundbreaking science into scalable biotechnology companies focused on developing entirely new ways of treating disease.” Additionally, we’ve also changed our name! We are now Averna Therapeutics, reflecting our focus on developing RNA/LNP-based genomic medicines to safely integrate therapeutic genes into the genome. You can read about Tom’s appointment in full in our press release today: www.avernatx.com And stay tuned later today as we explain our new name! #BioPharma #Biotech #BioNews #RNA #News #Biotechnology #Bio

As industry friends and peers gather for the 43rd JP Morgan Healthcare Conference, we want to highlight an insight from Tal Zaks, shared in a recent episode of the #BusinessofBiotech podcast with Matthew Pillar and Anna Rose Welch. The conversation around funding innovation is evolving. We’re moving beyond a narrow focus on ‘unmet needs’ to embrace curiosity-driven science that has the potential to yield transformative therapies. Dr. Zaks makes a compelling case for this shift, particularly within the mRNA landscape. He explains how the success of mRNA vaccines has validated the technology, fostering an environment where investors are increasingly willing to support next-generation applications, including mRNA-enabled gene therapies. His perspective encourages investors to embrace early-stage science when there is a credible path to value creation. This shift opens doors for companies like Exsilio Therapeutics, where we are harnessing mRNA and lipid nanoparticle technology to develop redosable gene therapies, moving beyond the traditional 'one and done' strategies. We believe this is where the next wave of innovation will emerge. For those seeking the next big break through, Dr Zaks’ insights perspective underscore the importance of looking beyond incremental solutions and supporting companies that are bold enough to explore groundbreaking science. Click below to watch the full two-part interview... Part 1: https://lnkd.in/gVkyDekE Part 2: https://lnkd.in/gTe_QMKg #JPM2025 #JPM25 #Biotech

Excited to share insights from Tal Zaks, our Chairman and CEO, on the groundbreaking science at Exsilio Therapeutics. In part 2 of the #BusinessofBiotech podcast, with Matthew Pillar and Anna Rose Welch, Dr. Zaks explores Exilio's innovative approach that combines mRNA and gene therapy to develop novel treatments. At the heart of Exilio's unique strategy is the harnessing of "jumping genes" (transposable elements) found in nature. By utilizing protein engineering to enhance these elements and delivering them through mRNA and lipid nanoparticles, we aim to overcome the limitations of traditional gene therapy – particularly with the potential for safe redosing. Dr. Zaks emphasizes that Exsilio's mission goes beyond curiosity; it’s about translating scientific breakthroughs into tangible value for patients. By leveraging the proven safety and scalability of mRNA and LNP technology, Exsilio is redefining the boundaries of gene therapy. Our commitment to safety and efficacy aligns with the same FDA framework that guided the development of the COVID vaccine. Watch the second part of the interview at: https://lnkd.in/eEDAB6ii Stay tuned as Exsilio continues to advance its technology, focusing on demonstrating its utility in preclinical disease models. The future of medicine is looking incredibly bright! #GeneTherapy #mRNA?#Biotech #Innovation #Science #DrugDevelopment?

We are “gene-uinely” excited to be “inserted” into BioSpace’s NextGen Bio Class of 2025! Our focus is on developing redosable gene-based therapies using mRNA technology to deliver gene-sized constructs into cells safely via lipid nanoparticles. We thank BioSpace for this recognition and look forward to advancing the field of genomic medicines while aiming to improve patient outcomes. Discover more about this year’s NextGen companies here: https://lnkd.in/e838FJrV #Biopharma #Biotech

Don't miss our Chairman and CEO Tal Zaks candid discussion with Matthew Pillar and Anna Rose Welch on the #BusinessofBiotech. Reflecting on his work with Moderna, Dr. Zaks emphasizes the importance of public trust and transparency in the biotech industry. He talks about his approach to sharing data and his focus on diverse trial enrollment during the Covid vaccine development. Dr. Zaks also discusses the future of mRNA technology and its potential to advance gene therapy through companies like Exsilio and emphasizes how a curiosity about basic science, such as the structure of RNA, has opened opportunities for new therapeutics. A must-listen for anyone interested in biotech innovation and leadership!? https://lnkd.in/gZU7CRpg #mRNA #GeneTherapy #PublicTrust #Transparency #BiotechInnovation?

In Part 1 of his #BusinessofBiotech interview, with Matthew Pillar and Anna Rose Welch, Tal Zaks, chairman and CEO of Exsilio Therapeutics, discusses the critical role of innovation and intellectual property in the biotech ecosystem. He highlights that while unmet medical needs guide the focus of therapeutic development, the source of true innovation comes from scientific curiosity and technological breakthroughs. He uses the development of lipid nanoparticles as an example of how a foundational scientific discovery can lead to impactful therapies. Dr. Zaks also discusses how return on investment is vital for supporting high-risk innovation, as well as the value of generic medicines and their role in making therapeutics widely available. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on the drivers of the biotech industry. Watch on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gZU7CRpg Or watch online: https://lnkd.in/gZaPgP7N #Biotech?#BioPharma #Innovation #IntellectualProperty #ScientificDiscovery?

Excited to share the first part of our Chairman and CEO Dr. Tal Zaks engaging interview with Matthew Pillar and Anna Rose Welch on the #BusinessofBiotech podcast! In this episode, Dr. Zaks shares his fascinating career journey, from his early days as a physician and researcher at the National Cancer Institute to his pivotal role at Moderna and now leading Exsilio Therapeutics. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork, the courage to embrace risk, and the need to translate science into tangible medical benefits. Dr. Zaks also discusses his time at Teva, highlighting the critical role of generic medicines in making healthcare accessible. Don't miss this insightful look into the experiences that have shaped a true biotech leader! https://lnkd.in/gZaPgP7N #Biotech #Leadership #Innovation #DrugDevelopment?

We are delighted to be officially launching Exsilio Therapeutics today! ? https://lnkd.in/eGKG8re4 #biotech #venturecapital #genetherapy? ? ?