GEMMA Biotherapeutics, founded by gene therapy pioneer Dr. Jim Wilson, has successfully completed a $34 million seed funding round to propel its gene therapy initiatives.

The funding round was co-led by prominent venture capital firms, including Double Point Ventures, Bioluminescence Ventures, and Earlybird Venture Capital, with additional backing from Savanne Life Sciences.

This infusion of capital will enable GEMMA Biotherapeutics to expand its operations and enhance its innovative gene therapy programs.

Campbell Murray from Bioluminescence Ventures highlighted the potential of GEMMABio's technologies and partnerships to deliver life-saving therapies and create shareholder value.

Florent Gros from Earlybird Venture Capital praised GEMMABio's technology platform and its mission to transform patient care.

The formation of GEMMA Biotherapeutics followed the July 2024 spinout of Wilson's Gene Therapy Program from the University of Pennsylvania, which also led to the creation of Franklin Biolabs.

Both GEMMA Biotherapeutics and Franklin Biolabs are required to maintain their headquarters in the Philadelphia area following the spinout.

GEMMABio is dedicated to making gene therapy more accessible globally, particularly for patients with rare diseases, while emphasizing a patient-centered approach.

To further its mission of delivering life-changing therapies, the company is actively seeking strategic partnerships.

In a significant move, GEMMABio announced plans to receive up to $100 million from Brazil’s Ministry of Health to support research for rare disease treatments in Brazil.

Dr. Jim Wilson, despite his controversial past involving a gene therapy trial that resulted in a tragic death, has continued to innovate and was instrumental in the 2019 FDA approval of the first commercial gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy.

Wilson has a notable history in gene therapy research, contributing to the establishment of eight biotech companies and holding nearly 100 patents during his tenure at the University of Pennsylvania.