Latus Bio, Inc. has secured $97 million in Series A financing to accelerate the development of its gene therapy pipeline, marking a significant milestone for the early-stage biotech firm focused on expanding access to advanced genetic treatments.
The funding round includes a $43 million extension led by 8VC, with participation from existing investors such as DCVC Bio, BioAdvance, Benjamin Franklin Technology Partners, Modi Ventures, Gaingels, and Hatch BioFund. New investors in the round include Korea Development Bank and Helen’s Pink Sky Foundation.
The company plans to use the proceeds to fund operations through key clinical milestones, particularly for its two leading programs: LTS-201, targeting Huntington’s disease, and LTS-101, designed for late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2), a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Both therapies are part of Latus Bio’s broader effort to bring gene therapies beyond ultra-rare diseases to larger patient populations.
CEO P. Peter Ghoroghchian said the financing comes at a time when investment in gene therapy is increasingly selective, underscoring investor confidence in the company’s platform. He explained that Latus Bio’s approach combines proprietary engineered adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids with optimized delivery methods to improve targeting, reduce dosage requirements, and enhance safety and scalability.
The company is preparing to advance LTS-201 into a first-in-human study for Huntington’s disease, a genetic neurological disorder with limited treatment options. The therapy is designed to reduce the activity of the MSH3 gene, which plays a role in disease progression. An investigational new drug (IND) submission is planned for the third quarter of 2026.
Meanwhile, LTS-101 has already received IND clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with Orphan Drug, Rare Pediatric Disease, and Fast Track designations. An investigator-initiated clinical trial is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026, with early safety and efficacy data anticipated by the end of the year.
Investor representatives highlighted the company’s scalable model as a key differentiator. Francisco Gimenez of 8VC noted that Latus Bio’s integrated platform could overcome longstanding barriers in gene therapy, including limited accessibility and high production costs. He added that the company’s focus on both rare and more common central nervous system (CNS) conditions could unlock broader commercial opportunities.
Beyond its lead programs, Latus Bio is advancing additional preclinical therapies targeting diseases affecting the kidney, eye, heart, and muscle, leveraging its proprietary discovery platform.
With strong financial backing and a growing pipeline, Latus Bio aims to redefine the scope of gene therapy by making it more scalable and accessible to millions of patients worldwide.