Firm Leads IP Representation for Biotech Startup Latus

Brown Rudnick is providing IP representation to biotech startup Latus Bio, which aims to develop novel gene therapy candidates for central nervous system disorders.

Latus Bio launched on May 2 with $54 million in a Series A financing. 8VC and DCVC Bio led the funding round, with participation by Samsung Bioepis, Samsung Life Science Fund, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, Benjamin Franklin Technology Partners, Modi Ventures and Gaingels.

Using screening of adeno-associated viruses (AAV) capsids, the company's capsids are designed to accurately target tissues and reduce unwanted interactions, delivering the payload to the brain. The therapies could fundamentally change how central nervous system diseases, including Huntington's disease and Batten's disease, are treated, Latus said in a press release.

"We are excited to introduce Latus and our novel approaches to developing AAV-mediated gene therapies, which we believe have the potential to transform the treatment landscape for genetically defined CNS disorders," said P. Peter Ghoroghchian, CEO of Latus, in a statement. "With this initial close of our Series A financing, we are poised to accelerate the development of our innovative candidates for CLN2 disease - with first-in-human dosing planned in late 2025 - and for Huntington's disease, as we seek to address these challenging conditions."

Based on preclinical data, Latus plans to administer low doses of its product candidates in clinical studies, with the goal of improving safety and enabling successful manufacturing.

Latus was co-founded by serial biotech entrepreneurs Ghoroghchian and Beverly Davidson in 2022 in Philadelphia.

Partner Adam Schoen leads the team, which also includes associate Dean Ramanathan.