Tune Therapeutics Secures $175M Series B Funding for Epigenetic Editing Technology

Tune Therapeutics, a pioneering biotech company in the field of epigenetic medicine, has raised $175 million in a Series B funding round to advance its innovative gene-tuning platform. The substantial investment underscores growing interest in epigenetic editing as a potential breakthrough in treating chronic diseases, particularly hepatitis B.

Epigenetic Editing: A New Frontier in Gene Therapy

Tune's proprietary TEMPO platform represents a significant departure from traditional gene editing technologies. Unlike CRISPR and other DNA-cutting methods, TEMPO adjusts gene expression without permanently altering the DNA sequence. This approach, known as epigenetic editing, offers the potential for more precise and reversible therapeutic interventions.

The company's lead candidate, Tune-401, targets chronic hepatitis B (HBV) by silencing viral DNA integrated into infected cells' genomes. Akira Matsuno, Tune's co-founder and CFO, explained the strategy: "It's thinking about addressing a leak by trying to shut off the faucet. Many therapies... either try to slow down the pace or are really good at getting the water out of the tub, if you will. But ultimately, you have to be able to shut off the faucet."

Clinical Progress and Investor Confidence

Tune has already initiated Phase 1 trials for Tune-401 in New Zealand and Hong Kong, marking a significant milestone in the clinical application of epigenetic editing for common chronic diseases. The company's progress has attracted attention from major investors, with the Series B round co-led by New Enterprise Associates, Yosemite, Regeneron Ventures, and Hevolution Foundation.

Reed Jobs, founder of Yosemite and an early backer of Tune, expressed enthusiasm for the technology's potential: "The range of potential applications and indications is vast and will only continue to expand." This sentiment was echoed by William Greene, Chief Investment Officer at Hevolution Foundation, who stated, "It is our belief that epigenetic editing may prove to be the transformative modality we need to enable a new era of regenerative medicine."

Competitive Landscape and Future Directions

While Tune Therapeutics is at the forefront of epigenetic editing, it is not alone in the field. Competitors such as nChroma Bio and Epicrispr Therapeutics are also developing epigenetic approaches to treat various conditions. However, Tune's entry into clinical trials with Tune-401 positions it as a leader in the space.

The substantial funding will not only support the advancement of Tune-401 but also enable the company to expand its pipeline. Tune plans to develop additional gene, cell, and regenerative therapy programs, leveraging its TEMPO platform to address a wide range of common and chronic diseases.

As the biotechnology sector faces overall funding challenges, Tune's successful Series B round highlights the continued investor interest in innovative approaches to genetic medicine. The company's progress and the broader potential of epigenetic editing suggest a promising future for this emerging field of therapeutic development.