Haya Therapeutics, a biotech targeting tissue- and cell-specific long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs), has received support from Innosuisse, the Swiss Innovation Agency, for two collaborative research initiatives, according to the company.
The projects involve partnerships with University of Bern, University Hospital of Bern and Lausanne University Hospital, focusing on lncRNA-based therapies for cardiomyopathy and squamous cell carcinoma.
Innosuisse is funding half of the combined project cost, approximately CHF 3.1 million (US$ 3.3 million), through non-dilutive grants.
The first initiative advances Haya’s lead antisense oligonucleotide targeting Wisper, a cardiac-enriched lncRNA implicated in fibrosis and non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Work will include dosing studies, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and cardiac MRI to support clinical translation.
The second initiative explores oncology-focused RNA therapies by identifying fibroblast-specific lncRNAs in squamous cell carcinoma using Haya’s DiscoverHAYA™ platform in collaboration with Lausanne University Hospital.
Haya claims its precision RNA-guided regulatory genome engine can uncover novel lncRNA targets with potential for enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to conventional treatments.
This strategic funding marks a milestone in Haya’s development of non-dilutive support for both cardiovascular and oncology pipelines, further validating its tissue-selective lncRNA discovery approach.
