NextRNA Therapeutics is focused on harnessing the therapeutic potential of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) to develop innovative small molecule treatments for diseases driven by these RNA molecules. lncRNAs, which are characterized by their length and ability to form complex three-dimensional structures, play a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes by interacting with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). NextRNA's unique approach involves disrupting these lncRNA-RBP interactions using small molecules, thereby inhibiting the pathological functions of dysregulated lncRNAs. This strategy is underpinned by their proprietary computational platform, NextMAP™, which identifies disease-driving lncRNAs and validates their roles in disease mechanisms.

The company’s capabilities extend to designing functional small molecules that can target either the lncRNA or the RBP side of the interaction, providing a versatile approach to drug discovery. NextRNA is particularly focused on addressing high unmet medical needs in oncology and neuroscience, leveraging its deep expertise in lncRNA biology to unlock new therapeutic opportunities. Their collaboration with Bayer exemplifies their commitment to advancing first-in-class oncology treatments that target lncRNAs, highlighting the potential of this innovative therapeutic strategy in transforming patient care.

United States

NextRNA focuses on lncRNAs, which account for the majority of ncRNAs. Their approach is motivated by observations where disregulated interactions between lncRNAs and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are implicated in multiple disease areas, including oncology, immunology, and neurology. They are elucidating the proteins that lncRNAs interact with and what cellular processes they affect and designing small molecules to drug these lncRNA-RBP interactions.

NextRNA Therapeutics

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