Atrium Therapeutics Inc. has launched as a newly independent, publicly traded company dedicated to delivering RNA therapeutics to transform care for people living with rare, life-threatening genetic cardiomyopathies.

Atrium Therapeutics was established in connection with Avidity Biosciences Inc.’s acquisition by Novartis AG. The company is led by Kathleen Gallagher, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and begins operations with two precision cardiology candidates, two undisclosed research targets and approximately $270 million in cash and cash equivalents.

Atrium Therapeutics’ two lead development candidates are: ATR 1072 for PRKAG2 (Protein Kinase AMP-activated non-catalytic subunit Gamma 2) syndrome and ATR 1086 for PLN (phospholamban) cardiomyopathy. Both conditions are severe, life-threatening, rare autosomal dominant progressive cardiomyopathies with no approved therapies to treat the underlying cause of disease.

“The launch of Atrium Therapeutics marks an important milestone for people living with genetic cardiomyopathies,” said Kathleen Gallagher, President and CEO of Atrium Therapeutics. “Patients and families facing these genetically driven rare cardiomyopathies have few if any options that address the underlying cause. Building on Avidity’s pioneering work in targeted RNA delivery, Atrium is positioned to advance precision medicines designed to directly target the biologic drivers of cardiac disease. Atrium has the opportunity to help pave the way for a new era for RNA therapies in precision cardiology.”