US-based genome editing technology developer Editas Medicine secured $120m today in a series B round backed by Google Ventures, internet company Google’s corporate venturing unit.
Boris Nikolic, managing director of Editas-focused investment firm Bng0, led the round, which included new investors Deerfield Management, Viking Global Investors, Fidelity Management & Research Company, T. Rowe Price, Jennison Associates, Khosla Ventures, EcoR1 Capital, Casdin Capital, Omega Funds, Cowen Private Investments and Alexandria Venture Investments.
Flagship Ventures, Polaris Partners, Third Rock Ventures and Partners Innovation Fund, the four investors that funded Editas’ $43m series A round in 2013, also participated in the round, as did a group of undisclosed large family offices. Partners Innovation Fund invests on behalf of healthcare network Partners Healthcare.
Founded in 2013, Editas is working on a programme of genomic therapeutics that will treat a wide range of diseases by making molecular modifications at a genetic level.
Katrine Bosley, CEO, Editas Medicine, said: “With this financing, we have a strong foundation from which we can broadly develop our genome editing platform and advance multiple new therapies toward clinical trials.
“We are grateful for such strong support from so many high-quality investors who share our vision to translate this powerful science into transformative medicines.”
Google’s participation in the round is the latest in a series of high-profile investments the company has made in healthcare and genomics technology companies that include Foundation Medicine, Flatiron Health and 23andme.