Sachi Bio Wins Therapeutic Development Award from the U.S. Department of Defense to Advance RNA-Based ALS Treatment

[Erie, CO] – May 28, 2025 – Sachi Bio, a leading biotechnology company developing RNA-based therapeutics, has been awarded a Therapeutic Development Award (TDA) from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) ALS Research Program. This grant will accelerate the development of Sachi Bio’s lead candidate, NI112, a novel brain-penetrant RNA therapeutic designed to precisely regulate gene expression and combat chronic neuroinflammation, a key driver of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness, paralysis, and respiratory failure. The disease has no cure, and current treatments provide only modest benefits, underscoring the urgent need for innovative approaches that directly address ALS pathology.

Sachi Bio’s NI112: A Breakthrough RNA-Based Therapeutic Targeting Neurodegeneration

Sachi Bio’s NI112 represents a breakthrough therapeutic in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases. Utilizing Nanoligomer technology, NI112 is engineered to cross the blood-brain barrier, delivering targeted intervention to inflammatory pathways that contribute to neurodegeneration. Preclinical studies have demonstrated NI112’s ability to modulate neuroinflammatory responses, mitigate inflammasome activity, and improve brain biodistribution, making it a promising candidate for ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

The DoD Therapeutic Development Award, part of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), is designed to advance promising therapeutic candidates from preclinical validation toward FDA Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies. By securing this award, Sachi Bio aims to accelerate NI112’s development, bringing patients one step closer to a transformative RNA-based treatment.

“This award is a testament to the potential of RNA therapeutics in tackling neurodegenerative diseases,” said Anushree Chatterjee, CEO at Sachi Bio. “NI112’s ability to precisely regulate gene expression and combat neuroinflammation represents a paradigm shift in ALS treatment. We are excited to advance this technology toward clinical studies, offering hope to patients and families affected by ALS.”

With the backing of the Therapeutic Development Award, Sachi Bio continues its commitment to pioneering molecular innovations that redefine treatment possibilities for neurodegenerative diseases.

About Sachi Bio

Sachi Bio is a biotechnology company dedicated to RNA-based therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and aging-related disorders. By integrating cutting-edge molecular biology, bioinformatics, and space-based research, Sachi Bio is reshaping the future of drug discovery.