HAYA Therapeutics

Notes

HAYA Therapeutics is developing precision RNA-guided medicines by targeting tissue-selective long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The company's approach focuses on lncRNAs that are specifically expressed in diseased tissues, particularly in fibrotic conditions, enabling targeted therapies with potentially fewer side effects.

The company's lead programs target fibrotic diseases including cardiac fibrosis, liver fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. By targeting lncRNAs rather than protein-coding genes, HAYA accesses a largely untapped area of the genome for drug development.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, HAYA has attracted significant investment to advance its novel therapeutic platform.

Team

• Samir Ounzain, Ph.D. - Co-founder & CEO
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samirounzain
• Thierry Pedrazzini, Ph.D. - Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer
• Experienced team in RNA therapeutics and cardiovascular disease

Additional Research Findings

• Founded in 2015 in Lausanne, Switzerland
• Raised $65 million in Series A (May 2025)
• Backed by Apollo Health Ventures, aMoon, and others
• Targets long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)
• Tissue-selective approach for reduced side effects
• Focus on fibrotic diseases (cardiac, liver, pulmonary)
• Spun out from EPFL/University of Lausanne research
• Novel therapeutic modality distinct from mRNA and siRNA

Sources

• HAYA Therapeutics Website
• LinkedIn Company Page
• Apollo Health Ventures Portfolio
• Series A Announcement