Borealis: Versant, Novartis launch Chinook’s RNA-targeting sequel

Versant-built Borealis is building on the kidney expertise of the team behind the firm’s first renal play Chinook, only now with an RNA modality thesis, and a platform to guide cell type-specific delivery. With equity and research funding from Chinook’s buyer, Novartis, the preclinical biotech has a combined $150 million to execute on its goals.  

While sequel stories often involve recycling management teams from successful exits, the starting point for Borealis Biosciences Inc. was “an exceptional research team, rather than a C-suite management team,” Versant Ventures’ Jerel Davis told BioCentury...