View pictures in App save up to 80% data.
An experienced advisory panel comprising experts in RNA, translation, and commercialization.
LONDON, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Serna Bio, a groundbreaking AI-driven drug discovery firm specializing in RNA-targeting small molecules, has unveiled its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). Founded in 2021, Serna Bio focuses on preclinical drug discovery, concentrating on key areas such as neuro metabolism and obesity. The company has garnered support from prominent investors, including Y-combinator, Hummingbird Ventures, and 50Years, among others.
"We have established a truly differentiated platform to discover a novel class of small molecules - translational enhancers - and are using this to advance the development of therapies for diseases with no existing treatments, with a focus on genetically validated targets. The strength of our platform and IP has enabled us to surround ourselves with industry veterans with expertise in RNA Biology, preclinical RNA-small molecule research, clinical development and drug commercialisation. I am honoured to work with such an exceptional Scientific Advisory Board. They will be a force amplifier as we progress our lead assets toward the clinic and strengthen our pipeline," said Dr. Khan, MBA PhD. founder and CEO of Serna Bio
The Scientific Advisory Board features prominent scholars like Dr. Nahum Sonenberg, recognized for his work in identifying and characterizing translation factors essential for the initiation of translation; Dr. Matthew Hayes, a renowned authority in the field of obesity medication development; and Dr. Jay Schneekloth, who specializes in the creation of small RNA molecules. Additionally, the board comprises influential figures from the industry, such as Jeff Ajer, the previous Chief Commercial Officer at BioMarin.
The advisors will leverage their extensive knowledge and rich experience to guide the company and its leadership on scientific and strategic issues that lie at the crossroads of machine learning, RNA biology, and drug discovery. Their insights will assist Serna Bio in developing next-generation small molecules aimed at improving translation for diseases linked to inadequate protein expression.
"Serna Bio has introduced an innovative method for biological translation through an extensive library of next-generation small molecules that target RNA. This approach holds promise for enhancing treatment results for patients suffering from various diseases that current therapies do not adequately address," stated Dr. Giorgio Massimini. "I am looking forward to collaborating with Dr. Khan and her leadership team as the company advances its findings and aims for clinical success."
"Numerous individuals suffering from rare genetic disorders still face a scarcity of treatment alternatives. According to Nick France, MD, 'Serna Bio's innovative approach to enhancing translation is paving the way for a novel mechanism of action, facilitating the creation of essential therapies for conditions that have long been deemed untreatable.'"
The complete SAB includes:
Jay Schneekloth Senior Investigator at National Cancer Institute (NCI). A pioneer in the identification of selective RNA and DNA binding small molecules. His work has led to the discovery that RNA targeting, druglike compounds are suitable starting points for inhibitor discovery efforts while driving fundamental advances in understanding RNA-small molecule recognition.
Giorgio Massimini formerly Vice President Merck KGaA. Over 30 years of experience in leading clinical research & development projects. He contributed to the development of MEK inhibitors, c-Met inhibitors, IDO/TDO inhibitors, MetAP2 inhibitors, DNA repair inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the Merck Biopharma pipeline.
Nahum Sonenberg James McGill professor of biochemistry at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is best known for his seminal contributions to our understanding of translation and is notable for the discovery of the mRNA 5' cap-binding protein, eIF4E, the rate-limiting component of the eukaryotic translation apparatus.
Nick France Vice President, Global Therapeutic Area Head for Genomic Medicines and Neurology at Alexion. A physician-scientist and rare disease drug development leader. He has worked across the biopharma ecosystem developing diverse therapies for rare disease.
Jeff Ajer formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at BioMarin. Mr. Ajer has more than 25 years of experience driving commercialisation for rare diseases and speciality medicines. He was integral in establishing BioMarin's commercial infrastructure and global footprint and played a leadership role in the launches and growth strategies for BioMarin's commercial brands.
Emily Freeman Senior Director, Global Medical Affairs, Patient Focused Implementation Science at Gilead Sciences. She is interested in the development of evidence-based communication tools to facilitate shared decision-making for patients. She has experience at Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, AbbVie, and most recently Sanofi.
Matthew Hayes Albert J Stunkard Professor in Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania and Vice Chair for Basic and Translational Neuroscience Research in the Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Hayes is considered a leading expert on the neuroendocrine systems that regulate energy balance.
Overview of Serna Bio
Serna Bio is an innovative company utilizing AI technology for drug discovery, focused on creating advanced small molecules that improve translation processes. By concentrating on functional RNA structures, their unique discovery platform facilitates the targeted upregulation of specific protein production through orally bioavailable small molecules. This strategy represents a significant shift in drug discovery, transitioning from traditional methods of "inhibiting" protein functions to enhancing them. This groundbreaking methodology opens new avenues for treating various diseases that have proven resistant to conventional drug development approaches.
The programs developed by the company utilize a Generative AI discovery platform that is trained on exclusive RNA-small molecule datasets. This allows Serna Bio to create molecules within new chemical territories, surpassing leading-edge techniques like NVIDIA MolMIMM for small molecules aimed at RNA.
For more information about Serna Bio, please visit the company website at serna.bio or follow us on LinkedIn.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/serna-bio-announces-scientific-advisory-board-302347897.html
