Our mission is to unlock RNA medicine by solving its greatest challenge: delivery. At Apterna, we develop non-viral, organ-selective RNA delivery platforms to improve efficacy while minimising systemic exposure. We start with the liver, where dysfunction can limit treatment options and the real-world safety and durability of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy. By modulating disease-driving pathways in hepatocytes, we aim to support functional recovery and expand access to established regimens. In parallel, our brain-targeted platform is designed for systemic transport across the blood-brain barrier in CNS oncology and brain metastases. Precision delivery, built for real patients.
Science at the Intersection of Precision, Purpose, and Possibility
Delivering RNA Therapeutics Precisely Where They Are Needed Most
From Academic Discovery to Translational Innovation
Apterna was founded in the United Kingdom by Professor Nagy Habib, Dr Declan Doogan, and Joanna Nichols, bringing decades of experience translating RNA and advanced therapeutics from concept to clinic.
Our origins sit at the intersection of two globally recognised centres of biomedical innovation: Imperial College London, known for leadership in hepatobiliary surgery and translational science, and the City of Hope in California, a pioneer in RNA and aptamer technologies.
Apterna was created to address a central barrier in RNA medicine: most programmes fail not because the payload lacks potency, but because delivery fails to reach the right organ with the right precision. By leveraging clinically validated delivery chemistries and receptor-guided aptamer systems, we are building platforms designed to access tissues that have historically been difficult to target with conventional RNA drugs.
Founder profile
Nagy Habib, MD, ChM, FRCS
Co-Founder, Chair & CEO
Professor of Liver and Biliary Surgery at Imperial College London
Specialist in the treatment of liver and pancreatic cancer
Serial entrepreneur, co-founded several biotech companies including Founder/CEO of EMcision, acquired by Boston Scientific in 2018
Co-founder of MiNA Therapeutics (RNA therapeutics), which has raised >$100m in funding through license deals and partnerships with multiple large companies including Eli Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim, Servier, and Biomarin
Inventor of the Habib EndoHPB (Emcision/Boston Scientific 2018) and of the Habib 4X liver resection device (AngioDynamics Inc 2015)
Former member of the Imperial College Management Board
The first person in the West to publish a clinical trial on RNA activation for the treatment of patients with liver cancer
Growth Strategy
Apterna’s development strategy is built around disciplined, milestone-driven growth and long-term value creation. We have structured the company to preserve meaningful equity capacity for future financings, while maintaining strong incentive alignment for key personnel and future strategic partners.
This approach positions Apterna well for the next phase of execution, including a planned Series A round and subsequent clinical development programmes, with capital deployed against clear technical, regulatory, and partnering inflection points.
Apterna’s development strategy emphasises sustainable growth and value creation. The company has strategically retained substantial equity ownership for future funding rounds, ensuring adequate capacity for additional investment whilst maintaining appropriate incentive structures for key personnel and future partners.
This considered approach to company structure and financing positions Apterna optimally for its next phase of development, including the planned Series A funding round and subsequent clinical development programmes.
Guided by World-Leading Experts in RNA Biology and Translational Medicine
Apterna’s work is supported by a distinguished international advisory network spanning molecular biology, oncology, hepatology, and regulatory science.
Professor Nagy Habib, MD, ChM, FRCS, Co-Founder, Chair & Chief Executive Officer
- Professor Habib is a world-renowned expert in liver and pancreatic cancer treatment with extensive academic and entrepreneurial achievements, including:
- Entrepreneurship: Founder of EMcision (acquired by Boston Scientific) and co-founder of MiNA Therapeutics, securing £100M+ in funding through partnerships with Eli Lilly, Boehringer lngelheim, and others.
- Innovation: Inventor of the Habib EndoHPB and Habib 4X devices.Pioneering RNA Therapeutics: Published the first Western clinical trial on RNA activation for liver cancer.
Declan Doogan, MD, FRCP,Chief Medical Officer
- Dr. Doogan has an extensive background in pharmaceutical leadership and biotech success:
- Pharmaceutical Leadership: Former Head of Global Drug Development at Pfizer, leading multiple successful drug programs.
- Biotech Success: Co-founded Biohaven (acquired by Pfizer for >$11B), and drove innovation at Causeway Therapeutics and Amarin.
Joanna Nichols,Chief Operations Officer
Mrs. Nichols combines operational expertise with clinical development:
Company Building: Co-founder of EMcision (acquired by Boston Scientific) and MiNA Therapeutics.
Clinical Expertise: Managed Phase 1 clinical trials and built high-performing development teams at Imperial College London.
Chi Ming Chan,Investor Director
Investor Director
- A healthcare entrepreneur and investor, Mr. Chan has founded multiple successful ventures, including:
- Yinhan Technology (acquired for RMB 1.32B) and Biomedic (HK).
- Expertise in medical devices, minimally invasive technologies, and oncology treatments.
Peter Bains,Board Member
Board Member
- Mr. Bains brings decades of experience in global pharmaceutical leadership:
- Strategic Leadership: As CEO of Sosei Heptares and Syngene International, he drove company transformations, market expansions, and partnerships.
- Pharma Legacy: 23 years at GSK, launching drugs and leading international strategies.
Robert Habib,Board Member
Board Member
- As founding CEO of MiNA Therapeutics, Robert Habib is a leader in RNA therapeutics with achievements including:
- Securing £80M+ in funding and advancing RNA activation therapies into clinical trials.
- Establishing strategic pharmaceutical partnerships.
Dr. John Rossi,Scientific Advisory Board Chair
Scientific Advisory Board Chair
- Dr. Rossi is a pioneer in RNA-based therapies, with over four decades of groundbreaking work:
- Co-founder of Dicerna, MiNA Therapeutics, and Calando Pharmaceuticals.
- Recipient of major awards including the ASGCT Outstanding Achievement Award (2019).
Professor Kai-Wen Huang, Scientific Advisory Board Member
Scientific Advisory Board Member
- An expert in interventional oncology, Professor Huang leads advancements in liver cancer treatments:
- Director at National Taiwan University’s Centre of Mini-invasive Interventional Oncology.
- Internationally recognized for developing innovative surgical techniques.
Dr. Arash Dehkordi, Healthcare Innovation Lead
Healthcare Innovation Lead
- Dr. Dehkordi integrates mathematical expertise into medical innovation:
- Developing RNA-based delivery systems and enhancing the Habib 4X liver resection device.
- Focused on AI, machine learning, and blockchain technology in healthcare.
- Working on the treatment of Liver and Pancreatic Cancer.
- Research Fellow at Imperial College London
- Research Fellow at University of Dundee
Mikael Södergren
MD, PhD – Imperial College London
- Consultant Hepatobiliary Surgeon, advises on clinical trial design.
Building Science Together
Apterna’s progress is driven by collaboration. We work alongside leading academic groups, specialist biotech partners, and experienced contract research organisations to accelerate development while maintaining rigorous scientific quality and regulatory discipline.
Academic Collaboration
Long-standing research relationships with Imperial College London and City of Hope provide access to cutting-edge expertise in RNA biology and delivery chemistry.
Translational Partners
Partnerships with established preclinical and GMP manufacturing organisations enable scalable and compliant development from laboratory to clinical stage.
Strategic Relationships
Engagements with clinical networks and regulatory experts ensure smooth progression from preclinical validation to clinical authorisation.
We welcome additional partnerships with organisations that share our commitment to advancing safe, targeted, and durable RNA therapies.
From Concept to Clinic — Our Journey So Far
Although Apterna remains at the preclinical stage, the company has achieved rapid scientific and operational progress.
Foundation
Establishment of Apterna Ltd in the UK and completion of early-stage seed financing
Platform Validation
Validation of dual-platform approach for liver- and brain-targeted RNA delivery
IP Expansion
Expansion of patent portfolio covering proprietary delivery constructs across major territories
Preclinical Validation
Demonstration of reproducible delivery efficiency in preclinical studies
From Concept to Clinic — Our Journey So Far
Apterna is built by scientists, clinicians, and innovators who believe that targeted RNA delivery can change the treatment landscape for complex diseases. We welcome collaboration with researchers, institutions, investors, and strategic partners who share our vision.