Cisterna Biologics

Cisterna Biologics is a San Diego-based technology company founded in 2022 with a focus on providing high-quality mRNA for therapeutic applications. The company is addressing the main challenges facing the biotech industry in the development of mRNA-based therapeutics—quality, quantity, and cost.

For therapeutic applications, Cisterna Biologics employs proprietary technologies to ensure the high quality of the mRNA, such as removing contaminants at their source or replacing the source itself. One example is the use of ribozymes as molecular scissors to precisely cut the mRNA at its 3’ end, thereby assuring 3’ homogeneity and eliminating double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) which is a primary contaminant. Additionally, the company utilizes a PCR-like system to amplify the DNA template in large quantities, eliminating the need for plasmid enrichment in bacteria, a common source of endotoxin contamination.

Their goal extends to expressing and purifying mRNA directly from a eukaryotic host, potentially reducing manufacturing costs and further improving quality. Cisterna aims to leverage naturally occurring mRNAs from a eukaryotic host such as yeast, which are believed to be better at expressing proteins without triggering immune responses, ultimately creating more effective and accessible treatments for patients worldwide.

The company recently secured a $500.00K Pre Seed Round investment on 22 August 2022 from Y Combinator. With its innovative approach and promising technologies, Cisterna Biologics is poised to make significant strides in the biopharma and biotechnology industries.