SpliSense secures up to $13M grant from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for SPL84 Phase 2b
What's the deal? Jerusalem-based biotech SpliSense has secured up to $13 million in grant funding from the Cystic Fibrosis FoundationDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → to advance its lead drug, SPL84, into Phase 2b clinical trials. The inhaled RNA-based therapy targets a specific genetic mutation — 3849+10kb C→T — that current cystic fibrosis (CF) treatments don't adequately address.
The Phase 2b trial will enrol roughly 40 patients across the US, Europe, and Israel, with topline results expected in the second half of 2027.
Why now? The grant follows strong Phase 2a results. That earlier study showed a 10 percentage point improvement in lung function (ppFEV1) in nearly 70% of patients compared to placebo — a first-ever clinical proof-of-concept for an inhaled antisense oligonucleotide therapy in a respiratory disease.
"This investment underscores the strength of our Phase 2 clinical data and highlights the potential of SPL84 to transform treatment options for cystic fibrosis patients," said SpliSense chief executive officer Gili Hart.
What could go wrong? The Phase 2b trial targets a narrow patient population — those carrying a specific mutation while already on standard CFTR modulator therapy. A sample size of about 40 is small, which could make it harder to produce statistically robust results. And moving from early-stage promise to late-stage proof remains one of biotech's hardest hurdles.
The signal: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a non-profit investor, has a track record of de-risking early-stage therapies that commercial VCs might shy away from — its backing helped propel VertexDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →'s Trikafta to market. For SpliSense, still at the breakout stage according to Dealroom, this $13 million grant provides crucial non-dilutive capital to reach a clinical inflection point, potentially making the company a more attractive acquisition or partnering target for larger pharma players seeking to fill gaps in their respiratory portfolios.
Read more: third-news.com
