Lexeo Therapeutics Partners With Perceptive Xontogeny Venture Funds And venBio Announces Strategic Partnership To Advance Novel RNA-Based Cardiac Therapies

Lexeo Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage genetic medicine company focused on developing treatments for cardiovascular diseases, has announced a strategic partnership to advance RNA-based therapies for genetic heart conditions using a novel non-viral delivery platform. The collaboration is backed by up to $40 million in funding from life sciences investors Perceptive Xontogeny Venture Funds and venBio Partners. The investment will be used to launch a new company, with the funding structured to be non-dilutive for Lexeo’s existing shareholders.

As part of the agreement, the newly formed entity will focus on developing non-viral RNA therapeutics targeting genetically driven cardiac diseases. Lexeo will contribute its scientific and clinical expertise in cardiac genetic medicine, as well as certain preclinical intellectual property and technologies. These assets will be combined with an innovative non-viral RNA delivery platform to create a foundation for the new programs.

R. Nolan Townsend, Chief Executive Officer of Lexeo Therapeutics, mentioned, “Delivery of DNA by adeno-associated virus has defined the first wave of genetic medicine, with potential to treat cardiovascular diseases that other modalities cannot address today. Over the next decade, however, new modalities will emerge allowing genetic medicines to treat an even broader range of cardiac diseases, and RNA therapeutics mediated by non-viral delivery are representative of this future. This partnership reflects an innovative approach to realize the therapeutic and economic value of promising preclinical science in a manner that benefits all stakeholders.”

Fred Callori, PXV Funds Managing Director, stated, “The genetic and precision cardiology market is estimated to be worth over $13 billion this year, and it is expected to grow to almost $40 billion by 2033. We see this as one of the most promising areas in biotech, where there is both a significant need and clear opportunity for innovation through the development of RNA therapeutics for cardiac disease. This collaboration brings together the right expertise, science, and strategic areas of focus to pursue and advance these treatments.”

Corey Goodman, venBio Managing Partner, said in a statement, “Lexeo is a leader in cardiac genetic medicine and there is a significant unmet need for broadening precision approaches in this category. We look forward to working with Lexeo to launch this new entity and foster innovation that has the potential to fundamentally change the treatment paradigm for patients with devastating heart conditions.”

In return for its contributions, Lexeo has secured a double-digit equity stake in the new entity at the close of the transaction. The company will also receive milestone payments, royalties on potential future sales, and retains the option to participate in selected programs as they advance. The partnership marks a significant step toward expanding the possibilities of RNA-based treatments for cardiovascular conditions with high unmet medical need.