BLEEDnFIRE Therapeutics launches with non-dilutive funding to advance first-in-class pan-indication therapy for rare bleeding disorders

BLEEDnFIRE pioneers first RNA therapy targeting protein S, key regulator of coagulation cascade, offering new therapeutic strategy for patients across multiple rare bleeding disorders

Support from Innosuisse and Venture Kick positions BLEEDnFIRE for next stage development and financing round

Bern, Switzerland, May 27, 2026 – BLEEDnFIRE Therapeutics (BnF), an early-stage Swiss biotechnology company specializing in differentiated first-in-class RNA therapies for rare bleeding disorders, today announces its launch, having secured non-dilutive funding from Innosuisse, Venture Kick, the Gebert Rüf Foundation Innobooster program and Kickfund. This funding supports advancement of its lead program, BnF-001, a first-in-class siRNA pan-indication therapy controlling protein S expression, toward clinical candidate nomination.

Rare and inherited bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, Von Willebrand disease and Glanzmann thrombasthenia, collectively affect over one million people worldwide and substantially impair quality of life through recurrent bleeding, progressive joint damage and treatment burden. Despite therapeutic advances in factor replacement and antibody-based therapies, many patients still face life-threatening risks and remain vulnerable due to treatment options that incompletely address the underlying bleeding pathology. BLEEDnFIRE goes beyond current symptom-focused treatments by targeting a shared underlying biology with disease-modifying potential.

“We are thrilled to officially launch BLEEDnFIRE in partnership with the University of Bern and Landmark BioVentures, to pioneer our new transformative therapeutic approach for rare blood disorders,” said Raja Prince-Eladnani, senior scientist at the University of Bern and CSO at BLEEDnFIRE. “BnF-001 is compelling due to the pairing of a validated target with a controllable mechanism. Our vision of translating this foundational science into a clinically viable and broadly applicable therapy for patients is the driving force behind BnF-001.”

Co-founded by Landmark BioVentures AG, an integrated corporate and drug development company, alongside leading KOLs from the University of Bern and Inselspital, BLEEDnFIRE is backed by over 25 years of medical and translational research in hemostasis and hematology. The company brings together key expertise across RNA therapeutics, hematology, translational science, drug development, CMC, corporate strategy and company building.

“We co-founded and are co-building BLEEDnFIRE Therapeutics around a clear conviction: that precise modulation of a validated target can unlock a fundamentally better treatment paradigm,” said Zaki Sellam, PhD, MBA, CEO and co-founder of Landmark BioVentures AG. “BnF-001 combines broad applicability with a differentiated profile that we believe can translate into both clinical impact and strong commercial potential.”

The name BLEEDnFIRE Therapeutics embodies both the gravity of the diseases being addressed and the potency of the company’s ambition. ‘BLEED’ speaks to the urgent reality of bleeding disorders, while ‘nFIRE’ evokes the intensity, courage and disruptive innovation required to redefine their treatment. Together, the name signifies a company determined to transform vulnerability into strength through breakthrough therapeutics.

Lead program

BnF-001 addresses current therapeutic limitations through a completely differentiated approach, targeting a core mechanism central to several rare bleeding disorders. By selectively reducing protein S levels in the liver using a GalNAc-siRNA mechanism, BnF-001 rebalances coagulation and restores thrombin generation in preclinical models, thus enabling broad potential across rare bleeding disorders. For easier administration, compliance and patient access, BnF-001 is expected to be a once quarterly subcutaneous treatment, offering a differentiated alternative to existing and invasive factor replacement and antibody-based approaches.

In preclinical studies, BnF-001 demonstrated not only prevention of bleeding episodes but also protection of joint and bone health – a potentially disease-modifying outcome. Its liver-targeted controlled mechanism is also intended to reduce the risk of thrombotic complications observed with broader approaches for coagulation rebalancing.

BnF-001 has been validated across multiple translational models, including both small and large animal safety studies, in vivo disease-relevant models and ex vivo patient-derived samples. Moreover, protein S plasma levels serve as a direct pharmacodynamic biomarker, enabling the precise monitoring of therapeutic activity.

“Protein S represents a central control point in coagulation, and our work shows that precise modulation of this pathway can restore thrombin generation across multiple bleeding disorders. Despite available therapies, many patients continue to face a lifelong risk of bleeding and progressive joint damage, underscoring the need for more effective treatment approaches,” said Anne Angelillo-Scherrer, MD, professor of hematology and head of the hematology department at Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, and co-founder of BLEEDnFIRE.

The Innosuisse grant supports the company’s translational research program in collaboration with the University of Bern and Inselspital (Bern University Hospital), while Innobooster, Venture Kick and Kickfund provide additional funding and access to a strong network of mentors and investors. Together, these awards place BLEEDnFIRE in a position to advance its lead program and secure the next financing round.

About BLEEDnFIRE Therapeutics

BLEEDnFIRE Therapeutics is an early-stage Swiss biotechnology company specializing in differentiated first-in-class RNA-based therapies for rare bleeding disorders. Its lead asset, BnF-001, is a protein S-targeting siRNA therapeutic specifically designed to restore hemostasis across rare bleeding disorders through a single quarterly subcutaneous therapy with disease-modifying potential. BLEEDnFIRE Therapeutics is affiliated with the University of Bern.

www.bleednfire-tx.com

About Landmark BioVentures

Landmark BioVentures (LBV) is an integrative corporate and drug development company using resources smartly to advance multiple innovative therapies. Anchored by foundational science, LBV uncovers hidden gems with unrealized therapeutic potential by connecting non-obvious dots and taking a strategically focused active hands-on approach with each nexus company. Led by a seasoned multidisciplinary team of drug developers, entrepreneurs and deal makers, LBV harnesses its specialized and industry-relevant drug development expertise, and opportunistic and creative deal-making in resource-constrained environments, to streamline drug development, focusing on holistic value creation and capture.

www.landmarkbioventures.com