Shifting the small molecule paradigm from the proteome to the transcriptome
Our platform bypasses the inherent limitations of protein-centric discovery by targeting functional RNA motifs directly.
A new way to control biology.
One Platform: Multiple Directions
An AI-native platform for RNA drug discovery
Target Discovery
Identify clinically relevant, druggable RNA pockets using our atlas of 200,000+ experimentally determined RNA structures, 100× larger than the public domain.
Hit Discovery
Screen proprietary RNA–small molecule libraries to identify functional compounds, delivering 20× higher hit rates for compounds that can advance to lead optimization.
Lead Optimization
Accelerate potency and selectivity with an AI-driven chemistry platform purpose-built for RNA–ligand interactions, achieving 10× more optimization in a single design–make–test cycle.
First-in-class programs for intractable biology.
ALS
Progressive neurodegenerative disease with high unmet need
Undisclosed Target
Undisclosed Indication
JAK/STAT Pathway
Available for Partnership
Hippo/YAP-TAZ Signaling
Available for Partnership
Respiratory Diseases
Undisclosed / Partner
"I am delighted to be part of the Serna team, as it represents the only biotech company I am aware of that seeks to utilize cutting-edge AI technology to target unique miRNAs to drive up-regulation in gene expression... for the treatment of otherwise untreatable diseases."
“What drew me initially to Serna Bio was the mission of using new techniques to address previously challenging-to-drug targets with small molecules. I was further impressed by Rabia and the accomplished team of innovators and was motivated to do what I could do to help further the mission.”
“I was delighted to have the chance to work with scientists at Serna Bio. Particularly for disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, both of which are integrally tied to RNA misprocessing, Serna Bio's approach offers unique advantages over traditional strategies for therapy development.”
“I am highly convinced that pharmaceutical targeting of RNA and RNA-protein interactions driven by AI is a most compelling strategy to treat disease.”
"I had the privilege to advise Serna Bio from its inception and from the beginning I was fascinated by the idea of targeting undruggable RNA via small molecules by harnessing the data analysis power of AI. The novelty of this approach allows for developing both inhibitors and agonists..."
“Serna Bio has unique capabilities in designing molecules that act by modulating RNA biology and we look forward to exploring how we can utilize this emerging area of science to improve the life of people with chronic respiratory conditions worldwide.”
Driven by ambition, rigor, and speed.
Rabia Khan, PhD, MBA
- 15+ years operating at the intersection of AI, genetics, and biotech
- Directed AI and translational medicine initiatives at Sensyne Health
- Led strategic and scientific programs at BenevolentAI and Sensyne Health
Danny Incarnato, PhD
- 14+ years in RNA biology, genomics, epigenetics, and drug discovery
- Pioneered NGS-based methods for RNA structure and modification analysis
- Led first in-cell SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome structure study during COVID-19
Tim Allen, PhD
- 13+ years in ML chemistry, cheminformatics & computational toxicology
- Developed ML models for toxicology in academia and industry settings
- Focused on RNA-targeting small molecule therapeutics and AI-driven drug R&D
Aaron Lazarus
- 10+ years in biotech, operations, and company building
- Co-founded and led EncepHeal (YC-backed) developing therapies for substance abuse
- Chief of Staff supporting platform, partnerships, and pipeline execution
Don Hertzog, PhD
- 30+ years experience in small molecule drug discovery across multiple therapeutic areas
- Expert in RNA-targeted discovery as previous VP at Ribometrix
Ashkan Javaherian PhD
- 15+ years of research experience in CNS related disorders
- Deep expertise in ALS and neurodegeneration translational research
Goska Broncel, PhD
- 22+ years across proteomics, mass spectrometry, and chemistry
- Marie Curie Fellow with 78 publications and 1,714 citations
- Specialized in PTMs, HPLC, and protein-protein interaction studies
Mark Stevenson, PhD
- 17+ years in biomedical R&D, disease models, and bioengineering
- Built protocols for muscle function, histology, ELISAs, and PK analysis
- Advanced in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro models across mice, rats, and cells
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Built for What Comes Next.
Think From First Principles
We question assumptions, follow the science, and pursue the best answer, not the conventional one.
AI native
AI is not a tool we add to drug discovery. It is part of how we discover, design, and learn.
Let the data decide
We build proprietary data, test relentlessly, and let evidence, not hierarchy or intuition, drive decisions.
Own the Outcome
We take ownership, move quickly, and stay focused on turning hard scientific problems into medicines.
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