ai3Bio launches with $48M to target disease-driving immune cells

On September 29, 2026, ai3Bio emerged from stealth with $48 million in Series A funding to develop treatments for autoimmune diseases. The round was led by UPMC Enterprises and Ziff Capital Partners, with backing from Cockrell Interests and Tanis Ventures.

The company’s strategy is to selectively eliminate disease-driving Th17 cells while sparing the rest of the immune system. Th17 cells can produce inflammatory signals that contribute to autoimmune disease; ai3Bio co-founder Jonathan Kagan described the cell as the “gun” and its inflammatory cytokine as the “bullet.”

ai3Bio is developing two approaches:
STARx uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA intended to trigger self-destruction in targeted Th17 cells; T Deplete uses an antibody to recruit the body’s immune defenses to clear those cells.

The company reports early preclinical findings:
STARx removed disease-associated Th17 cells in patient blood samples, while T Deplete showed activity in non-human primates. Safety studies needed before human testing are underway; the company has discussed potential clinical entry in 2027 or 2028.

ai3Bio was formed by combining autoimmune-related technology from Corner Therapeutics with University of Pittsburgh-backed Novasenta. It has not publicly identified its first target disease, and the reported results are preliminary—not proof of safety or benefit in people.