Tune Therapeutics: Revolutionizing Chronic Disease Treatment with Genetic Tuning
Tune Therapeutics has raised over $175 million in Series B financing to propel its innovative “genetic tuning” platform and develop associated therapeutic programs. Founded in 2021, the company focuses on fine-tuning gene activity to correct cellular dysfunction and combat disease, without altering the DNA sequence. This approach provides a safer alternative to traditional gene-editing methods, reducing risks of DNA damage and off-target effects.
The Power of Epigenome Editing
Unlike conventional gene-editing technologies that replace or cut DNA, Tune Therapeutics targets the epigenome—the layer of biochemical instructions that regulates gene activity. By modulating multiple genes simultaneously, the company’s technology addresses complex, age-related diseases, offering potential benefits such as replacing cells lost to aging, repairing damaged tissues, and mitigating chronic inflammation. The platform aims to reverse or reset gene dysregulation patterns underlying many chronic and late-onset diseases.
Tune Therapeutics: Strategic Investment and Development
The $175 million funding round was supported by prominent investors, including the Hevolution Foundation, New Enterprise Associates, Regeneron Ventures, and Yosemite. William Greene, Chief Investment Officer of Hevolution Foundation, highlighted the urgency of addressing chronic diseases of aging, stating, “Chronic diseases are accelerating in severity, and current approaches are inadequate. Epigenetic editing offers a transformative modality for regenerative medicine.”
The funding will expedite the development of Tune’s flagship program, Tune-401, designed to silence chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) genes. HBV, a leading cause of liver cancer, affects millions worldwide. Using lipid nanoparticle technology from Acuitas Therapeutics, Tune-401 precisely silences DNA structures required for HBV persistence. The therapy is currently in clinical trials in New Zealand and Hong Kong.
The TEMPO Platform: Precise and Durable Solutions
Tune’s proprietary platform, TEMPO, employs a modular system comprising DNA-binding domains (DBDs) and effectors. DBDs direct the system to specific genomic regions, while effectors modify epigenetic marks, adjusting gene accessibility and transcription. This precise mechanism allows for either upregulation or silencing of genes, delivering lasting effects through the cell’s innate epigenetic memory.
At the 2023 ASGCT conference, Tune showcased the durability of its technology. A single treatment targeting the PCSK9 gene in non-human primates led to a sustained reduction in LDL cholesterol levels for nearly two years, underscoring the platform’s potential.
A Future of Regenerative Medicine
Co-founder Dr. Charles Gersbach, whose research at Duke University laid the foundation for Tune’s platform, expressed enthusiasm for the company’s progress. “It is deeply gratifying to see our platform advance to clinical applications, offering hope for tackling chronic and complex diseases,” he said.
With its cutting-edge epigenome editing capabilities and robust financial backing, Tune Therapeutics is poised to revolutionize the treatment of chronic diseases, pushing the boundaries of regenerative medicine.
