Orbital Therapeutics

Orbital Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative RNA-based medicines for a wide range of diseases. Founded in 2022, the company aims to enhance global health by unleashing the full potential of RNA therapeutics. Orbital is building a first-of-its-kind RNA platform that integrates established and emerging RNA technologies as well as delivery mechanisms. This platform is designed to extend the durability and half-life of Orbital's novel RNA therapeutics while expanding their delivery to various cell types and tissues.

Orbital's platform excludes RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, the focus area of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Instead, the company plans to develop an expansive portfolio across various therapeutic areas, including next-generation vaccines, immunomodulation, protein replacement, and regenerative medicine. Orbital has entered into a strategic collaboration with Beam Therapeutics, granting the companies access to each other's respective RNA and non-viral delivery technologies. This partnership allows Orbital to leverage Beam's technology for developing vaccines and certain therapeutic proteins.

In September 2022, Orbital acquired CircBio, a Stanford University spinout researching circular RNA therapies, which offer the potential for increased durability. The company has also licensed delivery technology from Stanford to target tissues that current drugs cannot reach effectively. In April 2023, Orbital secured USD 270 million in Series A financing led by ARCH Venture Partners, enabling the advancement of its platform and initial programs toward clinical development.

Orbital is led by an experienced team of industry leaders and scientific pioneers in the RNA field, including co-founder and CEO Giuseppe Ciaramella, Ph.D., formerly the chief scientific officer at Moderna's infectious diseases division. John Maraganore, Ph.D., the former founding CEO of Alnylam, serves as co-founder and chairman of Orbital's board of directors.