Startups

Capsida Biotherapeutics

Thousand Oaks, California, United States

Capsida Biotherapeutics Inc. is a Thousand Oaks, California biotechnology company developing engineered adeno-associated virus capsids and targeted genetic medicines for neurological and ocular diseases. Originating in Viviana Gradinaru’s Caltech laboratory, its platform combines high-throughput capsid screening, biological-barrier targeting, therapeutic cargo development and gene-therapy manufacturing. It researches intravenous brain delivery and less invasive intravitreal/suprachoroidal ocular delivery. As of its May2026 primary update, Capsida closed the CAP-002 SYNRGY STXBP1 developmental/epileptic encephalopathy trial following the first treated patient’s September2025 death from cerebral edema; the underlying cause remained unresolved. It also announced closure of its CAP-003 Parkinson’s/GBA trial, in which no patients were dosed. Its next-generation RECK-receptor CNS capsid work and ocular programs remain preclinical research, not approved medicines or proven human efficacy. The current directory names Mina Kim executive chair, Romuald Corbau chief scientific officer, Amar Duvvur COO/CFO and co-founder Nicholas Flytzanis research/innovation chief. Current board members and separately qualified founders/historical2025 affiliations are included. Funding includes a50MSeriesA backed by Versant and Westlake, confirmed10MAbbVie equity, and12MNEURO.VC convertible-note financing. Commercial collaborations with AbbVie, Prevail/Lilly, CRISPR and Kate are distinguished from equity; upfront licensing payments, possible future investments, milestones, royalties and cumulative funding totals are not treated as additional closed priced rounds.

Founded 2019