EQT Life Sciences Leads $39 Million Round for Aerska's RNA Therapeutics Innovation

EQT Life Sciences Leads $39 Million Series A for Aerska

In a significant development for the biotechnology sector, EQT Life Sciences, a renowned investment firm, has co-led a $39 million Series A financing for Aerska, a biotechnology company innovating in RNA therapeutics aimed at treating neurological diseases. The funding round saw participation from age1 and laso Ventures, seamlessly aligning with Aerska's mission of transforming healthcare through ground-breaking technology.

This new capital injection will bolster Aerska's pioneering brain shuttle technology, critical for effectively delivering RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics directly to the brain, which has historically been a significant hurdle in treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The total funds raised by Aerska now amount to $60 million, following the successful completion of its seed funding in October 2025.

The Role of RNA Therapeutics in Neurology

Neurological diseases, characterized by the deterioration of neural functions, have long vexed the medical community, with few effective treatments available. Traditional therapeutic approaches often struggle to deliver necessary compounds across the blood-brain barrier, a selective barrier that protects the brain but also complicates treatment deliveries.

Aerska's innovative antibody-oligo conjugate (AOC) platform provides a revolutionary solution, utilizing proprietary technology to address this barrier. By systemically administering RNA medicines capable of penetrating this barrier, Aerska aims to ensure effective distribution throughout the brain, allowing for therapeutic interventions at the disease source.

CEO and Co-Founder Jack O'Meara expressed optimism regarding this development, stating, “The ability to systemically administer RNAi therapies to the brain unlocks a powerful new approach to treating neurodegeneration.” The partnership with EQT Life Sciences is viewed as a formidable alliance, reinforcing Aerska's approach as it strives for success in clinical trials and beyond.

Partnering for Impact

Philip Scheltens, MD, PhD, a partner at EQT Life Sciences, highlighted the funding's significance for families affected by neurological diseases. With a focus on genetic forms of conditions like Alzheimer's, Aerska's proactive treatment strategy provides hope for preserving cognitive function and enhancing the quality of life.

The collaboration reaffirms EQT Life Sciences' commitment to high-impact therapeutics, enhancing Aerska's capacity to tackle unmet needs in neuroscience drug development. Additionally, the financing allows for the further exploration of the AOC platform, moving from research phases towards actual clinical applications.

To further solidify this partnership, several key figures from EQT Life Sciences, including Arno de Wilde, MD, PhD, and Philip Scheltens, will join Aerska’s Board of Directors. Their involvement is anticipated to bring valuable expertise in guiding Aerska's ambitious strategies as the company moves forward.

Looking Ahead

As Aerska embarks on this new chapter with substantial backing, stakeholders and the healthcare community will be keenly observing the outcomes of this venture. With advances in RNA medicines presenting groundbreaking potential for treating neurological disorders, Aerska's commitment to innovation may soon yield new, efficient, and more effective therapies.

In a field often overshadowed by the complexities of brain diseases, the emergence of Aerska’s targeted delivery systems offers renewed hope. With the right support and a focus on transformative solutions, Aerska is poised to pave a new path in the realm of neurological therapeutics with the assistance of EQT Life Sciences and its dedicated partners.