Ireland-based biotechnology startup Aerska has secured USD 39 million in Series A financing to advance its pioneering brain shuttle technology for delivering RNA medicines across the blood-brain barrier, with the round co-led by EQT Life Sciences from the LSP Dementia Fund and age1. The investment brings Aerska’s total fundraising to USD 60 million, positioning the company to accelerate development of its antibody-oligo conjugate (AOC) platform targeting neurological diseases.

The financing will support Aerska’s efforts to systematically develop RNA interference therapeutics capable of addressing complex neurological disorders through innovative drug delivery mechanisms. Jack O’Meara, CEO and Co-Founder of Aerska, emphasized the transformative potential of their approach. “The ability to systemically administer RNAi therapies to the brain unlocks a powerful new approach to treating neurodegeneration,” O’Meara stated. The platform is specifically designed to enable intravenous or subcutaneous administration, achieving uniform and deep brain distribution with sustained target gene knockdown.

Aerska’s initial focus appears concentrated on genetically driven forms of neurodegenerative conditions, with Alzheimer’s disease prominently mentioned as a key target. The Series A round brings notable expertise to Aerska’s leadership. As part of the financing, key investors will join the company’s Board of Directors, including:

  • Arno de Wilde, MD, PhD, MBA, Managing Director at EQT Life Sciences
  • Philip Scheltens, MD, PhD, Partner and Head of EQT’s LSP Dementia Fund
  • Alex Colville, PhD, General Partner at age1

Platform technology

Aerska’s core innovation lies in its ability to engineer RNA medicines that can systematically penetrate the blood-brain barrier—a fundamental challenge that has historically limited RNA therapeutics in CNS disease treatment. The proprietary brain shuttle technology enables precise molecular modifications that facilitate targeted drug delivery, potentially opening new therapeutic possibilities for a range of neurological conditions.

The platform’s design allows for intravenous or subcutaneous administration, achieving uniform and deep brain distribution, a significant advancement over current invasive CNS drug delivery methods.