BreezeBio Raises $60M Series B
BreezeBio, developer of NanoGalaxy®, a programmable platform of non-lipid hydrophilic polymer nanoparticles for targeted in vivo delivery of genetic medicines to extra-hepatic tissues, has raised $60 million in Series B funding backed by investors including Sequoia, Lilly Ventures, and DSC Investment. The platform enables delivery of mRNA, siRNA, and DNA to immune cells, heart, lung, and brain. NanoGalaxy uses AI-driven design for predictable targeting, tunable immunogenicity, and scalable manufacturing. The capital will advance BreezeBio's internal pipeline targeting autoimmune diseases through antigen-specific immune tolerance.
Genentech Milestone Spurs Series B
The Series B follows BreezeBio achieving its first milestone from a multiyear collaboration and license agreement with Genentech in May 2025. As former GenEdit, the company rebranded to emphasize its focus on precision genetic medicines. Past partnerships with Sarepta and Editas highlight platform validation. Investors like Sequoia signal conviction in non-lipid delivery amid LNP limitations. NIH awarded BreezeBio Phase I of the TARGETED Challenge for delivery innovation.
LNPs Confine Delivery to Liver
Standard lipid nanoparticles primarily accumulate in the liver, restricting genetic medicines to hepatic applications. Extra-hepatic tissues including immune cells remain challenging to target precisely. Current autoimmune treatments rely on broad immunosuppression, risking infections and malignancies. Non-specific delivery increases toxicity and limits repeat dosing. BreezeBio addresses these gaps with tissue-selective carriers.
AI Screens Hydrophilic Nanoparticles
NanoGalaxy comprises a library of hydrophilic nanoparticles (HNPs) designed via AI-powered high-throughput screening of structural diversity. HNPs avoid immunogenicity issues of LNPs, enabling repeat administration critical for tolerance induction. The platform supports versatile payloads for in vivo applications like CAR-T therapies. Unlike viral vectors, HNPs offer scalable manufacturing without cold chain needs.
Platform Enables Tolerance Induction
BreezeBio's lead program BRZ-101 delivers mRNA encoding islet antigens to induce tolerance in Type 1 Diabetes without immunosuppression. BRZ-105 targets multiple antigens for broader autoimmune diseases. BRZ-201 advances cancer vaccines, while in vivo CAR-T programs span autoimmune and oncology. This differentiates from liver-centric LNP approaches dominating mRNA vaccines.
Pharma Investors Validate Strategy
Sequoia provides growth capital to scale the internal pipeline. Lilly Ventures, the venture arm of Eli Lilly, brings strategic pharma expertise in immunology and genetic medicines. DSC Investment adds sector depth. Their participation follows Genentech's milestone payment, indicating commercial potential. Total funding supports transition from platform to products.
Partnerships Build Delivery Momentum
Genentech collaboration covers undisclosed applications, with first milestone hit post-rebrand. Sarepta and Editas deals previously validated NanoGalaxy for neuromuscular and editing uses. NIH recognition underscores non-viral extra-hepatic delivery advances. These alliances position BreezeBio amid rising demand for targeted genetic payloads. Platform expansion into immunology follows CSO appointment.
Doudna Lab Alumni Drive Innovation
Founders hail from UC Berkeley and Jennifer Doudna's lab, bringing CRISPR-era nanoparticle expertise. Dr. J. Rodrigo Mora joined as CSO in November 2024 to extend NanoGalaxy into immunology. Mora's background strengthens antigen-specific tolerance programs. This team track record differentiates BreezeBio in polymer engineering.
Pipeline Hits Key Milestones Ahead
Funding accelerates BRZ-101 toward Type 1 Diabetes trials via immune tolerance. BRZ-105 and oncology programs like BRZ-201 follow. In vivo CAR-T development targets autoimmune destruction and cancer. Genentech partnership expands external validation. Scalable HNP manufacturing supports rapid iteration.