San Francisco-based company AusperBio Therapeutics announced the closing of a $120 million Series C funding round on August 27, 2026. The round was led by a leading strategic investor and also included participation from new investor RA Capital Management.
Existing investors, including HanKang Capital, Sherpa Capital, InnoPinnacle Fund, Qiming Venture Partners, YuanBio Venture Capital, and CDH Investments, also participated in the round. Thanks to this raised capital, AusperBio's total funding since 2024 has reached $360 million.
The company positions itself as 'close to commercialization' and is focused on developing targeted oligonucleotide therapeutics for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and other diseases.
AusperBio creates drugs called oligonucleotides. Its main candidate is AHB-137, which is an ASO (antisense oligonucleotide). The goal of this drug is to target parts of the hepatitis B virus and block its ability to self-replicate.
The new funding will be directed towards conducting a Phase 3 pivotal program for AHB-137 and preparing for commercial launch. Additionally, the company is working on AHB-171, which is another type of RNA therapeutic—siRNA.
The development relies on AusperBio's patented Au-HALO™ targeted delivery platform. Delivery is a critical aspect, as delivering these RNA therapeutics to the liver, where HBV resides, has long been a complex challenge for the entire industry.
In addition to individual drugs, AusperBio is developing next-generation combination approaches. The goal is to use multiple treatments together to bring patients closer to achieving a functional cure.
The $120 million raised will be allocated to three main areas. First, advancing AHB-137 through Phase 3 trials. This is the final major study required before submitting an application to the FDA.
Concurrently, AusperBio is working on building up commercial readiness to ensure a fast launch if the study data proves positive. Second, accelerating the development of AHB-171. Progress with this siRNA candidate offers a second chance to enter the market.
Third, expanding the portfolio. The company plans to test combination therapies and develop more targeted oligonucleotide therapeutics for other diseases with high unmet needs.
This funding puts AusperBio on the threshold of a significant change in hepatitis B treatment. If AHB-137 successfully passes Phase 3, it could become one of the first new drugs against HBV in many years, giving patients a real chance to stop treatment.
This would change the standard of care from lifelong disease management to something approaching a cure. There is a broader bet on RNA medicine, as ASOs and siRNAs have already shown their effectiveness in treating other diseases. AusperBio's Au-HALO™ platform is an attempt to solve the delivery problem specifically for the liver.