June 10, 2026 —
SonoThera has secured $125 million in Series B financing to advance its ultrasound-based gene therapy platform, with plans to move its first program into clinical testing in 2027.
The company is developing a non-viral delivery approach designed to address several limitations associated with conventional viral-vector gene therapies, including payload size constraints, safety concerns, and limited redosing potential. SonoThera’s platform delivers genetic material together with microbubbles, which respond to acoustic energy. An ultrasound probe is then applied to the target organ, where the acoustic energy temporarily disrupts cell membranes and enables the genetic payload to enter cells.
The approach is designed to deliver what the company describes as “naked” genetic material without relying on viral vectors. According to SonoThera, this could allow for repeat dosing and larger or more flexible payloads, potentially expanding the types of diseases and genetic medicines that can be addressed.
SonoThera’s two lead programs are focused on Duchenne muscular dystrophy and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The company plans to initiate its first clinical trial in Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2027. Beyond these lead programs, SonoThera expects to use the new funding to explore additional indications and therapeutic modalities.
The company has reported targeted delivery across a range of tissues, including the heart, brain, and liver, suggesting potential broader application of the platform beyond its initial disease areas. If successfully translated, ultrasound-mediated delivery could offer a differentiated route for genetic medicine, particularly in diseases where redosing, payload flexibility, or organ-specific delivery are important.
The Series B round was led by Vida Ventures, with participation from investors including Leaps by Bayer, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, UCB Ventures, ARCH Venture Partners, Illumina Ventures, and Johnson & Johnson.
The financing reflects continued investor interest in next-generation delivery technologies for genetic medicine. As the field moves beyond first-generation viral-vector approaches, platforms that can support repeat dosing, larger payloads, and tissue-directed delivery may play an increasingly important role in broadening the reach of gene therapy.
