Samsung Life Science Fund, part of the Samsung Group’s venture investment division, has made a strategic investment in Philadelphia-based Latus Bio Inc. The investment was part of a $54 million Series A funding round aimed at advancing novel gene therapy candidates, particularly for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Latus Bio, specializing in the development of innovative gene therapies, is set to use the funds to accelerate its research into treatments for CLN2 disease—a rare neurodegenerative condition—and Huntington’s disease. These disorders are known for their severe impact on the nervous system, leading to significant deterioration in cognitive and motor functions.
Samsung Life Science Fund, managed by Samsung Venture Investment Corp and formed through joint investments by Samsung Biologics Co., Samsung Bioepis Co., and Samsung C&T Corp., did not disclose the specific amount contributed. However, the fund participated as a syndicate partner alongside lead investors 8VC and DCVC Bio.
This latest financial commitment follows closely on the heels of the fund’s recent investments in other gene therapy-focused firms, such as BrickBio in the US and several other biotech startups globally. Samsung has identified gene therapy as a key growth area for its medical divisions, highlighting the strategic importance of these investments.
Latus Bio plans to initiate first-in-human dosing of its CLN2 disease therapy candidate by late 2025. The company’s expertise in engineering novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid variants—a crucial component of AAV technology used widely in gene therapy—has drawn significant attention from the industry.
Cho Ho-sung, Executive Vice President and Head of Early Research and Development at Samsung Bioepis, lauded Latus’s advanced AAV capsid variants engineering technology. This endorsement underscores the potential impact of Latus’s research on the broader gene therapy market.
Furthermore, Samsung Biologics is actively expanding its capabilities in the AAV sector, with plans to enhance its contract drug development services. The construction of its fifth plant in Songdo, which will focus on multimodal product services including AAV-based gene therapies, is a testament to its commitment to becoming a leader in this high-potential industry.
Through these ventures, Samsung not only aims to foster innovation in gene therapy but also to strengthen its foothold in the global biopharmaceutical market, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing some of the most challenging medical conditions.
