What is Dicerna?
Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Massachusetts, Dicerna is a biopharmaceutical innovator dedicated to the discovery and development of medicines that leverage RNA interference. The company's core technology focuses on the selective silencing of genes that contribute to complex diseases, positioning it at the forefront of genetic medicine. By targeting the molecular basis of pathology, Dicerna aims to transform treatment paradigms for patients with limited therapeutic options. Its market position is defined by a robust intellectual property portfolio and a strategic approach to clinical development, which has enabled the company to transition from a research-intensive startup into a sophisticated enterprise capable of executing large-scale clinical trials and commercialization strategies.
How much funding has Dicerna raised?
Dicerna has raised a total of $488.9M across 7 funding rounds:
Series A
$13M
Corporate Investment
$124M
Series B
$29M
Series C
$60M
Stock Offering
$92.9M
Share Placement
$70M
Corporate Investment
$100M
Series A (2008): $13M with participation from Skyline Ventures, Oxford Bioscience Partners, and Abingworth
Corporate Investment (2010): $124M led by Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co.
Series B (2010): $29M supported by Skyline Ventures, SR One, Abingworth, Domain Associates, and Oxford Bioscience Partners
Series C (2013): $60M featuring Domain Associates, RA Capital Advisors, Oxford Bioscience Partners, Omega Funds, Deerfield, Abingworth Management, Brookside Capital, Skyline Ventures, and SR One
Stock Issuance/Offering (2014): $92.9M backed by Undisclosed
Share Placement (2017): $70M with participation from RA Capital Advisors, Skyline Ventures, Cormorant Asset Management, Domain Associates, EcoR1 Capital, and Bain Capital
Corporate Investment (2018): $100M led by Eli Lilly & Co.
Key Investors in Dicerna
Skyline Ventures
A prominent venture capital firm established in 1997, specializing in product-focused healthcare companies with expertise in small molecule and protein therapeutics.
Abingworth
A leading transatlantic life sciences investment firm that transforms cutting-edge science into novel medicines by providing capital and expertise to top-tier management teams.
Domain Associates
An investment advisory firm founded in 1985, exclusively focused on the biotech sector with a history of supporting numerous IPOs and M&A events.
What's next for Dicerna?
Looking ahead, Dicerna is poised to leverage its recent capital infusion to accelerate the clinical progression of its lead candidates. The strategic focus remains on expanding the reach of its RNAi platform into new therapeutic areas, potentially addressing high-unmet-need conditions that have historically been considered undruggable. As the company matures, the emphasis will likely shift toward optimizing its manufacturing processes and strengthening its commercial infrastructure. With a solid foundation of institutional support and a proven track record of scientific execution, Dicerna is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the regulatory landscape and deliver next-generation genetic therapies to the global market.
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