Pioneering the development of novel ultra-specific genome editors, biotech startup Nerai Bio has received the CHF 150,000 investment from Venture Kick to translate the outcomes of its AI-powered protein discovery platform into safe and efficient cures.
One in ten people worldwide is affected by genetic diseases, and over 90% of them lack approved therapies. Genome editing has revolutionized the way we think and treat these disorders. However, most current technologies like CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), can only target specific areas of the genome, addressing about 20% of the mutations that cause diseases and limiting the number of DNA mutations that can be corrected.
To overcome this challenge and unlock the potential of genome editing, Nerai Bio has developed MORPHEME, an AI-powered platform for high-throughput protein engineering. This technology generates novel gene-editing tools that precisely recognize, bind, and edit DNA at any location. With high specificity built into the protein, it ensures optimal editing with improved efficiency and reduced off-target effects, enhancing safety.
Nerai's first two lead therapeutic candidates address severe monogenic liver disorders, currently managed with inadequate lifelong supportive care. Both conditions are classified as rare diseases, and a single treatment with Nerai’s genome editors could provide a safe, permanent cure. These disorders impact between 40,000 and 100,000 patients in Europe, representing multi-billion-dollar opportunities in Europe and the U.S.
Nerai Bio has won the third stage of Venture Kick, securing CHF 150’000. The funds will be used to ramp up business development and pursue strategic partnerships beyond its core therapeutic focus as well as support the progress of its lead drug candidates into key validation studies in preclinical models.
The founding team, consisting of Head of Robotics Sasha Melkonyan, Head of Engineering Lukas Schmidheini, Head of Screening Kim Marquart, advisor Gerald Schwank, and CEO Vincent Forster, brings extensive expertise in protein engineering, machine learning, and business growth.
“The profound expertise of Venture Kick’s team and Jury Members across diverse industries has been invaluable in refining our business model and crafting a distinctive offering that positions us as a pioneering force in a dynamic, competitive landscape,” emphasizes CEO Vincent Forster. “These early ‘kicks’ will be crucial as we aim to create meaningful change for many patients with currently untreatable genetic disorders.”
(Press release/RAN)
Image: Nerai Bio’s team: Sasha Melkonyan, Kim Marquart, Lukas Schmidheini, Gerald Schwank, and Vincent Forster
The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
Please login or sign up to comment.
Commenting guidelines