Chiesi Group and Serna Bio have entered into a collaboration agreement to discover and develop novel small molecule drugs directed to respiratory diseases. The partnership will leverage Serna’s proprietary RNA-targeting small molecule discovery platform.

• Serna Bio's innovative technology enables the rational design of small molecules that specifically target RNA, shifting away from protein-centric drug development and opening new therapeutic avenues.
• The partnership underlines Chiesi Group’s commitment to continuous research and innovation to develop impactful therapeutic solutions while enhancing and preserving patient health.
• Serna Bio will receive success-based near-term payments and future milestone payments plus single digit deferred contingent payments and commercial milestones on product sales.

Parma, Italy and San Francisco, California, USA, July 24, 2025 –

Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A (“Chiesi Group”) and Serna Bio (“Serna”) today announced the execution of a global drug discovery and collaboration agreement to discover and develop novel small molecule drugs that target RNA against an undisclosed ‘hard-to-drug’ target of interest for respiratory diseases. 

Using a combination of in vitro assays and machine learning tools, Serna Bio has developed a unique understanding of RNA architecture, defining druggable, functional RNA motifs. This technology and approach will enable Chiesi Group to explore more effective new therapeutic options, in alignment with Chiesi’s mission: improve people’s quality of life and act responsibly towards both the community and the environment.           

“As part of its unwavering quest to invent and develop impactful respiratory healthcare solutions, Chiesi is committed to explore innovative strategies to  engage pharmacological targets that are difficult to address with conventional approaches,” said Diego Ardigò, Executive Vice-President, Global Research & Development at Chiesi Group, “Serna Bio has unique capabilities in designing molecules that act by modulating RNA biology and we look forward to exploring how we can utilize this emerging area of science to improve the life of people with chronic respiratory conditions worldwide.”

The companies will work together to advance this program through hit finding and early lead development. Chiesi Group will have the option to acquire all rights, title, and interest to develop and commercialize any potential products identified through the collaboration. 

Rabia Khan, CEO of Serna, added “We are excited to bring our platform to bear on diseases with high unmet medical needs, working with a highly experienced partner. We acknowledge and appreciate Chiesi’s significant commitment and expertise in the development of drugs in the respiratory field and we believe this partnership will help unlock the full potential of Serna Bio’s platform to address these critical needs.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Serna Bio will receive success-based near-term payments and development and regulatory milestones.

Chiesi Group will fund all discovery, development, and global commercialization activities, reflecting its strategic commitment to delivering best-in-class respiratory care that goes beyond treatments, and focusing on improving the overall patient experience.