Particella, Inc. Company Profile

Background

Overview:
Particella, Inc., formerly known as DNAlite Therapeutics, is a biotechnology company founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company specializes in developing proprietary lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technologies designed for the oral delivery of mRNA and other nucleic acids.

Mission and Vision:
Particella aims to revolutionize the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases by enabling the oral administration of gene therapies, thereby overcoming the limitations associated with current biological medicines.

Industry Significance:
By focusing on oral delivery mechanisms for nucleic acids, Particella addresses a critical challenge in gene therapy, potentially enhancing patient compliance and expanding the therapeutic applications of mRNA-based treatments.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives:

• Oral Delivery of Nucleic Acids: Develop and optimize LNP formulations that facilitate the oral administration of mRNA and other nucleic acids.

• Gastrointestinal Disease Treatment: Target therapies for various gastrointestinal conditions, leveraging the company's proprietary delivery platform.

Areas of Specialization:

• Lipid Nanoparticle Technology: Engineering LNPs tailored for stability and efficacy in the gastrointestinal tract.

• Gene Therapy: Focusing on mRNA-based treatments delivered orally to address unmet medical needs in gastrointestinal health.

Key Technologies Utilized:

• Proprietary LNP Platform: A novel LNP system designed to protect and deliver nucleic acids through oral administration.

Primary Markets Targeted:

• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other intestinal diseases where oral gene therapy could offer significant benefits.

Financials and Funding

Funding History:

• Seed Round (December 2017): Raised an undisclosed amount to initiate research and development activities.

• Series A (April 2022): Secured funding to advance preclinical trials and expand operational capabilities.

• Later Stage VC (March 2023): Obtained additional capital to support ongoing development and prepare for clinical trials.

Notable Investors:

• Berkeley Catalyst Fund: Provided early-stage funding and strategic support.

• Blue Bear Ventures: Invested in the company's innovative approach to gene therapy.

• BrightGene Bio-Medical Technology Company: Contributed to funding rounds, supporting technological advancements.

Utilization of Capital:

• Research and Development: Focused on optimizing LNP formulations and conducting preclinical studies.

• Operational Expansion: Scaling laboratory facilities and hiring key personnel to advance product development.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates:

• mRNA Therapy for Intestinal Diseases: Utilizing the proprietary LNP platform to deliver therapeutic mRNA orally, targeting various gastrointestinal conditions.

Stages of Development:

• Preclinical Phase: Current focus on validating the efficacy and safety of the oral mRNA therapy in animal models.

Target Conditions:

• Intestinal Diseases: Including but not limited to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Anticipated Milestones:

• Clinical Trial Initiation: Planning to commence Phase 1 clinical trials upon successful completion of preclinical studies.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies:

• Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Platform: A novel system engineered to protect and deliver nucleic acids orally, ensuring stability and bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract.

Significant Scientific Methods:

• LNP Formulation and Characterization: Employing advanced techniques to optimize particle size, charge, and composition for effective delivery.

• Preclinical Models: Utilizing in vivo studies to assess the therapeutic potential and safety profile of the oral mRNA therapies.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles:

• Mubhij Ahmad, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer:

Brings extensive experience in biotechnology and business development, leading the company's strategic direction and operations.

• Timothy Day, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer:

Oversees the scientific research and development efforts, leveraging his expertise in molecular biology and gene therapy.

Key Contributions:

• Strategic Leadership: Guiding the company's focus on oral gene therapy solutions.

• Scientific Innovation: Driving the development and optimization of the proprietary LNP platform.

Leadership Changes

Recent Appointments:

• Vice President of Business Development and Operations:

Appointment of X. Z. to oversee business development strategies and operational management.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics:

• Market Size and Growth Potential:

The gene therapy market is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in delivery technologies and increasing demand for innovative treatments.

• Industry Trends:

A shift towards non-invasive delivery methods, such as oral administration, is gaining traction to improve patient compliance and expand therapeutic applications.

Competitor Analysis:

• Key Competitors:

• OrphoMed, Inc.: Focuses on developing therapies for gastrointestinal disorders.

• Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Specializes in RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics.

• Genentech: A leader in biotechnology with a diverse portfolio, including treatments for various diseases.

• Competitive Landscape:

While several companies are exploring gene therapies, Particella's emphasis on oral delivery via LNPs positions it uniquely in the market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Significant Collaborations:

• Academic Partnerships:

Collaborating with leading research institutions to advance the understanding and application of oral gene therapies.

• Industry Alliances:

Engaging with pharmaceutical companies to co-develop and potentially commercialize oral mRNA therapies.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations:

• Market Position:

Particella's focus on oral delivery systems differentiates it from competitors relying on traditional injection-based methods.

• Competitive Advantages:

• Innovative Delivery Platform: Proprietary LNP technology tailored for oral administration.

• Targeted Therapeutic Area: Concentration on gastrointestinal diseases where oral therapies can offer significant benefits.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap:

• Clinical Development:

Progressing from preclinical studies to Phase 1 clinical trials to evaluate safety and efficacy in humans.

• Regulatory Engagement:

Preparing for interactions with regulatory agencies to facilitate clinical trial approvals.

Opportunities for Expansion:

• Pipeline Diversification:

Exploring applications of the oral LNP platform for other therapeutic areas beyond gastrointestinal diseases.

• Global Market Penetration:

Assessing opportunities to introduce oral mRNA therapies in international markets with unmet medical needs.

Positioning for Future Objectives:

• Strengthening Intellectual Property:

Securing patents related to the LNP platform and oral delivery methods to protect technological innovations.

• Building Strategic Partnerships:

Establishing collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and research institutions to accelerate development and commercialization efforts.

Contact Information

Official Website:
particella.bio

Social Media Profiles:

• LinkedIn:

Particella, Inc. on LinkedIn

• Crunchbase:

Particella, Inc. on Crunchbase

Headquarters Location:
San Francisco, California, United States