Spot Bio raises $40M to begin mRNA therapy trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Spot Bio, a biotech startup operating in California and China, has started preclinical testing of a genetic medicine aimed at restoring the missing protein dystrophin in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The company is focusing on an mRNA‑based approach that delivers the genetic code for dystrophin, seeking to address the underlying cause of the disease rather than just symptoms.

Spot Bio announced it has secured $40 million in financing to fund these studies, marking a significant infusion of capital for its early‑stage program.

The funding underscores investor interest in non‑viral gene‑therapy platforms, though the therapy remains in early testing and will need further validation before clinical trials.