Aptadir Therapeutics

Biotech · RNA Therapeutics · Genetic Disease

Funding

Milan's Aptadir raises €40M seed for RNA drugs that reverse gene silencing

The preclinical startup hasn't entered human trials yet, underscoring investors' bet on unproven science over near-term revenue.

• Aptadir Therapeutics, a Milan-based biotech, closed a €40 million (~$45M) seed round on September 29, 2026, led by 4BIO Capital with follow-on from pre-seed backer EXTEND.
• The preclinical company is developing DNMTs Interacting RNAs (DiRs), a new class of molecules designed to block aberrant DNA methylation and reawaken genes that disease has silenced.
• Its lead candidate, CAP1-FMR1, targets Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic condition caused by silencing of the FMR1 gene that leads to intellectual disability and developmental delays.
• The underlying science draws on research from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Italy's National Research Council and the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore.
• Aptadir and its backers describe the €40M raise as the largest biotech seed round ever closed by an Italian startup and among Europe's largest early-stage biotech financings.
• A €40M seed for a company with no clinical data shows European investors are now willing to fund unproven epigenetic science at a scale once reserved for later-stage biotech.