Atsena Therapeutics Secures $150M Series C to Pioneer Gene Therapies for Inherited Blindness

Atsena Therapeutics is thrilled to announce the successful raising of $150,000,000 in new funding, a milestone that will propel its cutting-edge innovations in gene therapy to the next level. Founded by ocular gene therapy pioneers Dr. Shannon Boye and Sanford Boye at the University of Florida, Atsena is committed to transforming the lives of patients with inherited forms of blindness through its advanced clinical-stage programs. This significant capital injection will primarily fuel the development and clinical advancement of its two promising programs. ATSN-201, utilizing the company’s novel spreading capsid AAV.SPR, is currently being evaluated in XLRS patients as part of the LIGHTHOUSE Phase I/II clinical trial, where early results are eagerly anticipated. Meanwhile, ATSN-101, targeting GUCY2D-associated Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA1), has shown encouraging interim safety and efficacy results, with patients reporting clinically meaningful improvements in vision 12 months following treatment. Additionally, Atsena’s exploration into ATSN-301, a dual AAV vector-based gene therapy for MYO7A-associated Usher syndrome (USH1B), underscores its commitment to addressing a broad spectrum of genetic causes of blindness. Based in North Carolina’s Research Triangle—a hub renowned for gene therapy expertise—the company is uniquely positioned to translate groundbreaking science into transformative therapies. The newly secured funding will be strategically deployed to support ongoing clinical trials, facilitate regulatory advancements, and expand Atsena’s research pipeline. With unwavering dedication and robust financial backing, Atsena Therapeutics is set to lead the way in the fight against genetic blindness, reaffirming its mission to innovate and bring hope to patients and families worldwide.