LG Group has expanded its biohealth portfolio by participating as a Series B investor in Strand Therapeutics, a US-based developer of messenger RNA-based cancer therapies, according to industry sources. The investment was made through LG Technology Ventures, the conglomerate's venture capital arm.
Strand Therapeutics' mRNA Platform
Founded in 2017 by synthetic biologists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Strand Therapeutics is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The biopharma company has developed a specialized approach to cancer treatment by programming cells within the body to produce precise amounts of antigens at the right time to treat cancer, autoimmune conditions and rare diseases.
This latest investment brings LG Technology Ventures' cumulative funding in biotech startups to an estimated $50 million, demonstrating the company's growing commitment to the biotechnology sector.
Strategic Alignment with ABC Industries
The investment aligns with LG's strategic emphasis on "ABC" industries – artificial intelligence, bio and clean tech – as future growth engines. The conglomerate is focusing on creating cross-sector synergies by integrating advanced technologies with health care and sustainability-driven ventures.
LG Group Chair Koo Kwang-mo emphasized the importance of AI and biotechnology in his New Year's address, stating, "We are striving for a future where loved ones can live longer, healthier lives through breakthrough therapies."
Expanding Biohealth Portfolio
LG's investment in Strand Therapeutics represents part of a broader biohealth strategy. In February, the company made a follow-up investment in ADARx Pharmaceuticals, a San Diego-based company developing first-in-class treatments for rare metabolic diseases through appetite suppression.
The conglomerate has also invested in several other biohealth innovators, including Aetion, Eko Health and Accellex, building a diverse portfolio across the healthcare technology spectrum.
AI Integration in Biotechnology
To strengthen its research and development capabilities, LG is increasingly integrating artificial intelligence with biotechnology. Last month, LG AI Research, the artificial intelligence arm of LG Group, unveiled Exaone Pass 2.0, an AI diagnostic model capable of identifying cancer in under one minute.
This integration of AI and biotechnology reflects LG's comprehensive approach to healthcare innovation, combining computational power with biological insights to advance therapeutic development and diagnostic capabilities.
