Company Overview
RheumaGen is a private biotechnology firm headquartered in Aurora, Colorado, with a specialization in developing cutting-edge cell and gene therapies to cure autoimmune diseases. Their revolutionary approach involves editing the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) to create one-time, potentially curative treatments. RheumaGen targets major autoimmune conditions with the aim of offering cures rather than mere incremental improvements, positioning itself at the forefront of the biotechnology landscape.
Recent Financial Activity
On January 9, 2025, RheumaGen secured $15 million in Series A funding, spearheaded by SPRIM Global Investments and William Taylor Nominees. This financing will drive the progress of RheumaGen's HLA-gene editing therapies, with a particular focus on major autoimmune diseases. The funds indicate significant investor confidence in RheumaGen's innovative therapeutic potential and strategic direction.
Leadership Team
- Richard Freed - CEO & Co-Founder
- LinkedIn: [Richard Freed LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-freed-663b2a6)
- Based in Denver, Richard Freed leads RheumaGen as CEO. Under his stewardship, the firm was named Colorado's most innovative emerging company in 2023. He actively engages in top scientific conventions, like BIO International, advocating for RheumaGen's objectives.
- Brian Hart - COO & Co-Founder
- LinkedIn: [Brian Hart LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-hart-46419895)
- Brian Hart, the COO, ensures RheumaGen’s seamless internal and financial operations, spanning finances, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. His prior legal expertise in commercial, IP, and pharmaceutical domains enhances his role.
- Dr. Brian Freed - Chief Science Officer & Co-Founder
- LinkedIn: [Brian Freed LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-freed-074b2381)
- Leading figure in HLA gene-editing, Dr. Brian Freed is the linchpin for RheumaGen's scientific endeavors. Besides his role at RheumaGen, he serves as Executive Director at ClinImmune Cell and Gene Therapy, at the University of Colorado.
- Ryan Hart - Chief Legal Officer
- Ryan Hart, situated in Denver, is in charge of legal guidance and compliance, leveraging his education from Georgetown University Law Center to navigate the complex legal frameworks essential for biotechnological advancements.
- B. Robert Mozayeni, M.D. - Chief Medical Officer
- He provides critical leadership for RheumaGen’s clinical development programs, especially in advancing autoimmune therapy trials.
- Tate Hermanson - Vice President of Finance
- With over 20 years of experience, Tate Hermanson directs RheumaGen's financial and accounting operations, ensuring the company's fiscal strategies align with its wider objectives and investor expectations.
Strategic Partnerships
RheumaGen’s collaboration with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, specifically its ClinImmune Cell and Gene Therapy unit, is pivotal to its operational infrastructure. This partnership enhances RheumaGen’s manufacturing abilities and the pursuit of regulatory approvals, underscored by ClinImmune's history of cell and gene therapy trials success.
Competitor Profiling
RheumaGen operates in a competitive biotechnology landscape, with significant efforts focused on pioneering gene-editing technologies for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and celiac disease. Below are key competitors:
Moderna, Inc.
- Recognized for its mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines, particularly the COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax.
- Revenue of $3.24 billion in 2024 but reported a net income loss of $−3.6 billion.
- Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focusing on RNA technologies with 44 treatment and vaccine candidates in clinical trials.
Forge Biologics
- A gene therapy development company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in transformative genetic medicines.
- Partnered with Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services in 2023, enhancing long-term development capabilities.
Annexon Biosciences
- A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a focus on complement-mediated diseases through C1q inhibitor therapies.
- Developing treatments for autoimmune, neurodegenerative, and ophthalmic disorders.
Market and Financial Insights
RheumaGen has strategically positioned itself in the biotechnology industry to leverage novel gene-editing technologies in addressing complex autoimmune diseases. Strong investments propel their research and development efforts, aligning with a progressive and ambitious trajectory within the sector.
