Siren Biotech Pioneers Community Funding for Universal AAV Cancer Gene Therapy

April 24, 2025 /GEN news/

Siren Biotechnology, a startup developing a universal AAV gene therapy for solid tumors (initially brain cancers), has launched a community investment round aiming to raise $50K-$5M via Wefunder. This novel approach seeks to overcome early-stage biotech funding hurdles by engaging the broader oncology community, including patients.

Proceeds will fund IND-enabling studies and clinical-grade therapy production. Following FDA IND approval, Siren plans Series B financing and a Phase I/II trial for its lead asset, SRN-101, an AAV immuno-gene therapy for high-grade gliomas.

CEO Nicole K. Paulk emphasized the potential to empower patients and their families as investors. Siren is reaching out to patient and advocacy groups, including at the upcoming ASGCT meeting. Unlike traditional philanthropic funding, community investment could provide timely capital to accelerate clinical trials.

Siren, a UCSF spinout, has raised $28M in venture funding to date and has operational runway into Q2 2026. Preclinical data for its AAV immuno-gene therapies showed potent anti-tumor effects. Siren has partnerships with Catalent for manufacturing and has received Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations for SRN-101.

This public fundraising effort occurs amidst a challenging early-stage biotech investment landscape. Siren’s approach mirrors other innovative funding models like Curertopia.