UGA spinout Aruna Bio is working on a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.

Aruna Bio, a US-based developer of neural exosomes to treat neurogenerative diseases that is based on research at University of Georgia, has completed a $10.8m funding round featuring unnamed new and existing backers.
Aruna Bio’s neural exosomes are being developed both as a stand-alone therapeutic and as a delivery vehicle that can reach the brain and central nervous system. It is targeting neurodegenerative diseases, potentially including Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and stroke.
The company hopes to submit its first investigational new drug application late next year. It is also working with a range of pharmaceutical partners to explore applications of its technology.
Mark Sirgo, chief executive of Aruna Bio, said: “This capital will allow us to continue our efforts to deliver important therapeutics to the central nervous system using a novel approach to potentially treat a number of extremely debilitating neurodegenerative diseases.
“We appreciate the support of our current shareholders as well as the new investors in this round who were responsible for two-thirds of this offering.”
The spinout closed a $13m funding round backed by Eshelman Ventures, and members of the board of directors and management, as well as other private investors and unnamed institutional backers, in July 2019.
In July 2018, Aruna Bio attracted nearly $5.4m in funding, according to a regulatory document, adding to almost $1.2m in equity financing in August 2018, also according to a securities filing.

Thierry Heles

Thierry Heles is the former editor-at-large of Global University Venturing and Global Corporate Venturing, and was the producer and host of the Beyond the Breakthrough podcast until December 2024.