Dublin-based biotech firm Aerska has raised €17 million in seed funding to advance systemically delivered RNA interference (RNAi) therapies for brain diseases.
- Established in 2025 by Jack O’Meara, Stuart Milstein, and Dave Hardwicke, Aerska is developing RNA medicines to treat, delay, and prevent diseases of the brain. The company focuses on next-generation RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, designed to silence genes that drive neurological disorders.
- Aerska’s approach addresses a key challenge in the field: delivering RNA medicines across the blood-brain barrier. Using proprietary “brain shuttle” technology, the company enables systemic administration of RNAi therapies directly to the central nervous system, allowing precise, durable gene silencing in neurons.
- By combining advanced RNA chemistry with targeted delivery and data-driven patient stratification, Aerska aims to develop precision treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, offering a potential path toward earlier intervention and prevention of neurodegeneration.
Details of the deal
- Aerska’s €17 million seed financing round was co-led by Age1, Backed VC, and Speedinvest, with additional participation from BlueYard Capital, Lingotto (Exor), Norrsken VC, Kerna Ventures, PsyMed Ventures, and Ada Ventures.
“Delivery across the blood-brain barrier remains the bottleneck for genetic medicines in neurology. Aerska’s platform integrates advanced RNAi chemistry with receptor-mediated shuttling and precision medicine, positioning the company at the forefront of CNS therapeutics," claims Alex Brunicki, Partner at Backed VC and Aerska board member.
- The fresh capital will enable the firm to advance its RNA medicines for brain diseases, improve its brain shuttle technology for targeted delivery, expand research operations, and develop precision medicine approaches for conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
