UAE-based CE-Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Crescent Enterprises, is investing in Italian biotech Aptadir Therapeutics as it raises $45.4 million (€40 million) in seed funding.
The company is developing RNA-based treatments for genetic disorders, including Fragile X Syndrome. As the company’s lead candidate, CAP1-FMR1 seeks to reactivate the FMR1 gene that remains silenced in individuals with the condition.
Aptadir’s technology uses DNMTs Interacting RNAs (DiRs) to address abnormal DNA methylation, a process that can switch off genes. The company has tested its approach in patient-derived disease models and plans to expand its pipeline into other genetic disorders and oncology.
The funding will support further development of its preclinical programs and help prepare its therapies for clinical testing. The round also expands CE-Ventures’ exposure to RNA therapeutics and strengthens its life sciences portfolio.
The next milestone will be generating sufficient evidence to advance CAP1-FMR1 toward human trials. Aptadir’s ability to develop additional candidates beyond its lead program will also be important to its long-term growth.