Argonaute RNA

Argonaute RNA, established in 2015, is a biotechnology company concentrating on the development of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics. The company was co-founded by Anthony Parker, who serves as Executive Chairman, and Richard Tompkins. Parker brings three decades of experience in investment banking and fund management, including board-level experience at a publicly listed immunotherapy company. Tompkins, who has a background as a Royal Marines officer and holds a PhD in Economics, leverages seventeen years in investment banking to guide the company's R&D projects toward intellectual property objectives.

The firm's core activity revolves around creating safe and dependable methods for the temporary silencing of specific genes. This is achieved through a proprietary platform that modifies small interfering RNA (siRNA) to overcome historical challenges in drug development. The technology focuses on a novel method of stabilizing the siRNA, which is foundational to their intellectual property. Specifically, their 'Argo Dual siRNA Platform' is underpinned by DNA nanotechnology, creating a bispecific siRNA structure that offers potential cost advantages and facilitates manufacturing at scale.

Argonaute RNA's primary therapeutic focus is on developing gene-targeting drugs for severe familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a rare and inherited form of heart disease that leads to dangerously high cholesterol levels. The long-term vision is to apply this technology to more common conditions. Their lead drug candidate, an oligonucleotide, aims to provide a less invasive alternative to current treatments, which can involve mechanical filtering of fat from the blood.

The company's business model appears centered on advancing its proprietary drug candidates through the development pipeline to clinical trials. Having initially been based in Bristol, Argonaute RNA relocated its headquarters to Cardiff to be in closer proximity to its manufacturing partner, CatSci. This strategic move was supported by a significant funding round in July 2024, where the company secured £1.75 million. The financing was led by the Development Bank of Wales with participation from Empirical Ventures, The Fink Family Office, and Bristol Private Equity Club, bringing the company's total raised capital to over $5.5 million.

Keywords: RNA interference, siRNA therapeutics, gene silencing, oligonucleotide drugs, cardiovascular disease, familial hypercholesterolemia, bispecific siRNA, drug development, DNA nanotechnology, therapeutic medicines, gene-targeting drugs, life sciences, preclinical trials, investment banking, biotechnology, CatSci, Development Bank of Wales, Anthony Parker, Richard Tompkins, Mike Khan