Korro Bio

Korro Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing RNA editing therapeutics for both rare and common diseases. Founded in 2018, the company is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Korro's proprietary platform, called OPERA (Oligonucleotide Promoted Editing of RNA), leverages the body's natural ADAR (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA) system to make precise edits to RNA transcripts. This approach allows for the correction of genetic mutations without permanently altering DNA, potentially offering a safer alternative to traditional gene editing techniques.

The company's lead program targets alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), a genetic disorder affecting the lungs and liver. Korro's AATD candidate aims to repair inherited mutations and restore production of normal functional alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) protein in the liver. preclinical studies have demonstrated an increase of normal A1AT protein to 85% of total protein in circulation. Korro plans to submit a regulatory filing to initiate clinical trials for this candidate in the second half of 2024.

Beyond AATD, Korro is developing RNA editing therapies for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, severe alcoholic hepatitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), subsets of pain, and cardiometabolic diseases. The company's initial focus is on liver-targeted therapies, with plans to expand into central nervous system indications and other tissue types.

In July 2023, Korro Bio announced plans to go public through a reverse merger with Frequency Therapeutics. The combined company will operate under the Korro Bio name and trade on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol KRRO. This transaction, along with a concurrent USD 117 million financing, is expected to provide Korro with approximately USD 170 million in cash upon closing, which is anticipated to fund operations into 2026.