Key points from article :
Arda Therapeutics, a biotech company, has raised $43 million in funding to advance a novel approach to treating chronic diseases by selectively depleting harmful cells driving the disease process. Led by Dr. Adam Freund, formerly of Calico, Arda's strategy diverges from traditional drug development, which focuses on modifying disease-related proteins. Instead, Arda aims to eliminate specific pathogenic cells using single-cell data to identify and target them without harming surrounding healthy tissue.
The company initially targets chronic diseases like fibrotic conditions, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic diseases, borrowing from the successful "oncology toolbox" of cell-targeting therapies used in cancer, such as CAR-T cells. Arda's long-term vision extends to addressing ageing by targeting hyperactive cell types thought to drive age-related deterioration. This approach, which overlaps with but expands beyond senolytic therapies, aims to reverse or delay ageing processes.
The company’s cutting-edge technology is powered by advancements in single-cell sequencing, allowing Arda to map disease-specific cell states and develop biologics that precisely target and deplete harmful cells. With the recent funding, Arda plans to advance its lead programs toward clinical trials and expand its platform to treat a broader range of diseases.
