Startups

Novarna

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States · Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

novarna.aicircnova.com

Novarna, legally CircNova, Inc., designs RNA molecules for biotechnology and pharmaceutical research partners. Its NovaEngine generative AI predicts RNA structures and generates new sequences, while its Ann Arbor NovaLab synthesizes candidates, measures their activity and feeds experimental results back into the model. Starting with circular RNA, the company now describes work across several RNA modalities, including microRNA sponges, aptamers and RNA-based protein degradation. Partners bring a biological target and indication; the company designs and validates candidates, with program intellectual property belonging to the partner and platform methods retained by Novarna. It reports proof of concept in ovarian cancer cell models tested by the University of Michigan’s DiFeo Lab; these laboratory results are not clinical efficacy or approved medicines. Its broader discovery interests include neurological diseases and rare disorders. NovaEngine Nexus, integrating aptamer design with SHAPE and SELEX experimental data, is described as in development. The company has a Cambridge, Massachusetts headquarters and Ann Arbor wet lab. CircNova changed its brand to Novarna in August 2026 while retaining the same legal company, agreements and programs.

Founded 2023

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