Syrna Therapeutics

Syrna Therapeutics is a San Diego-based biotechnology company pioneering a new class of small-molecule therapeutics that directly target messenger RNA (mRNA). Founded by David Weitz (Co-founder, President and CEO) and Thomas Hermann (Co-founder, CTO), Syrna is the first structure-guided drug discovery company focused on mRNA. The company's platform identifies stable, three-dimensional structured domains within the mRNA of disease-causing proteins, then designs covalent translation inhibitors — small molecules that selectively bind and chemically modify these mRNA targets to block ribosomal translation and prevent expression of disease-causing proteins. This mechanism is independent of the intrinsic biology of each mRNA target, making it broadly applicable across protein classes. Syrna has identified druggable structured domains in more than 25 disease-causing proteins and has lead programs in early lead optimization targeting mRNA of high-value immunology and neurodegeneration proteins, with additional assets spanning metabolic disease and oncology. The company emerged from stealth in late 2025 with its covalent translation inhibitor platform and welcomes partnering opportunities to accelerate its portfolio.