Kernal Biologics

Kernal Biologics is a biotechnology firm at the forefront of developing mRNA 2.0 immunotherapies. The company utilizes selective mRNA-LNP technology to precisely target and treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. This approach ensures accurate cell delivery while minimizing unintended side effects. Their leading program, KR-402, demonstrates over 90% delivery efficiency using T-cell-targeted LNPs. This enables direct CAR-T programming within the body, leading to B-cell depletion within a week.

Kernal Biologics is guided by a highly experienced team with backgrounds from prestigious institutions such as MIT and Harvard, as well as leading pharmaceutical companies like Merck and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS). The team collectively holds over 120 patents and has contributed to the development of three FDA-approved therapies. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Kernal Biologics is supported by prominent investors including Hummingbird Ventures, Amgen Ventures, HBM, and NASA.

The management team possesses extensive expertise in mRNA therapeutics. CEO Yusuf Erkul, M.D., M.B.A., is a seasoned drug developer whose research at Merck contributed to an FDA-approved drug for ovarian cancer. President Burak Yilmaz, M.S., previously founded Sentegen, a successful synthetic biology company specializing in synthetic DNA, RNA, and diagnostic kits. Sr. VP of R&D Manfred Kraus is a recognized leader in immuno-oncology, previously holding the position of Scientific Sr. Director at Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS).