A New Category of Metabolic Therapy:
Thermogenic Adipose Reprogramming
Using novel RNA technology to modulate disease pathways
Targeting the underlying causes of diseases
Reprogramming metabolic function to treat diseases
Leveraging cellular crosstalk, creating amplified effects
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Canary Appoints Dr. Michael Lincoff as Chief Clinical Officer to Lead Clinical Development of First-in-Class Dual Gene Silencing Therapy for Obesity
LATEST STUDY RESULTS:
CCT-217 Demonstrates Significant Weight Loss and Preserves Lean Body Mass with Potential for Single or Twice-Yearly Dosing
Our Mission
Pioneering transformative therapy by harnessing RNAi technology, combined with large scale human data analysis and AI, to precisely reprogram metabolic function and engineer lasting health.
Our Approach
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RNAi Therapeutics: We leverage the power RNAi therapeutics to modulate gene expression and correct underlying genetic defects. These technologies offer precise and customizable treatment options for a wide range of diseases. -
Reprogram Platform: Integrating three core technologies: large-scale human data analysis to ensure that our targets have strong translational relevance, AI to optimize siRNA target selection and siRNA technology to selectively ‘turn off’ disease-causing genes. -
Act Locally, Treat Systemically: Where the therapeutic agent remains localized at the treatment site while the biological effects spread throughout the body through bioactive signaling pathways, treating the root causes of disease beyond the symptoms. -
Speed to Market: Our R&D strategy which incorporates AI supported research and accelerated regulatory pathways, prioritizes speed and efficiency to deliver life-saving treatments to patients as quickly as possible.
Our Focus
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Nearly every obesity drug on the market works the same way: Suppress appetite, reduce calories, lose weight. The results are temporary. The biology fights back. Muscle is lost. Weight returns. Canary takes a fundamentally different approach. Rather than telling the brain to eat less, we reprogram fat cells themselves — converting inert fat-storing tissue into high-performance, calorie-burning beige adipocytes. The body doesn’t just lose weight. It learns to burn fat as its default state.
The thermogenic revolution in metabolic medicine begins in the adipose tissue, transforming it from storage mode to energy expenditure mode — and Canary has engineered the switch.
Three Disease Areas. One Platform.
- Obesity: Unlike conventional approaches, our therapies prioritize fat loss, preservation of lean body mass and body composition improvement. Our novel dual siRNA therapeutics target the energy expenditure systems – promoting the browning of white fat to increase metabolism and facilitate sustainable healthy weight loss. With the convenience of less frequent dosing and a better safety profile, this dual gene silencing therapy offers a sustainable biological solution where current therapies only offer temporary suppression.
- MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis): By activating the liver’s own fat-burning signals through the adipose endocrine system, our therapies address the underlying metabolic dysfunction driving fatty liver disease and inflammation — without targeting the liver directly.
- Rare Metabolic Disease: In conditions where disordered energy metabolism drives pathology, Canary’s ability to re-establish healthy metabolic balance offers a pioneering therapeutic approach for patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome, Hypothalamic Obesity, Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, and Congenital Lipodystrophy. We are developing a dual RNA metabolic restoration platform that directly modulates the gene expression pathways driving these conditions, offering a fundamentally different approach from the symptomatic strategies that families and clinicians currently rely on.
“While the field has made vital strides in managing the behavioral symptoms of PWS, the structural and metabolic deficits have remained largely out of reach. CCT-987 changes that paradigm. A treatment that promotes weight loss while actively enhancing lean mass isn’t just an improvement—it’s a fundamentally different therapeutic proposition.
For these patients, achieving metabolic restoration and reversing profound muscle weakness could be absolutely life-changing.”
– Dr. Jennifer Miller, MD
Renowned Clinician and KOL in Pediatric Endocrinology and PWS
Complex Genetic Disorders Require Multidisciplinary Approaches
Pioneering RNA Therapeutics for Metabolic Restoration
Rare metabolic genetic disorders are devastating problems for children and their families. Obesity caused by gene mutations, such as in Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), causes children to have an insatiable appetite and rapid weight gain. The early-onset obesity can cause cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities and is associated with increased mortality.
PWS, a rare, complex genetic disorder requiring multi-disciplinary care currently has no cure. Our lead product, CCT-987 is designed to directly correct the peripheral adipose biology by delivering a payload of CB1R siRNA and Leptin mRNA directly to subcutaneous adipose tissue. The dual RNA therapy has the potential to achieve true metabolic restoration – driving profound improvements in the fat-to-muscle ratio and systemic metabolic parameters that far exceed the capabilities of centrally acting agents.
For more information on PWS and the search for new therapies, please visit Foundation for Prader-Willi Research.
Energy-storing human white adipocytes before treatment
Transformation towards fat burning human beige adipocyte
CCT-217’s Remarkable Ability to Beige Human White Fat
This reprogramming of human fat cell to create metabolically active cells represents a significant breakthrough in translational adipose tissue research with profound implications for obesity therapeutics.
The first microscopic field reveals a dense population of human adipocytes which stores energy. The second picture reveals adipocytes that have undergone remarkable morphological transformation, following CCT-217 siRNA treatment into smaller, more numerous lipid droplets, in just 72 hours. The increased multilocularity (multiple small lipid droplets within cells) is characteristic of enhanced thermogenic capacity.
Beige adipose tissues predominantly function to dissipate energy surplus, increasing resting energy expenditure and counteracting obesity. This is precisely the mechanism of action in Canary’s CCT-217 which treats obesity through the transformation of our white fat into metabolically active, fat-burning beige fat.
Harnessing the Power of Thermogenesis to Combat Obesity
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By activating specific pathways involved in thermogenesis, our therapy aims to boost the body’s ability to burn calories and utilize stored fat. -
Our innovative technology utilizes lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver therapeutic molecules directly to the tissues responsible for generating heat. This targeted approach aims to increase energy expenditure and promote fat burning. -
This approach promotes thermogenesis (fat burning) and lipolysis (breakdown of fats), leading to more energy expenditure and broader metabolic health.
RNA Interference (RNAi) for Therapeutic Breakthroughs
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RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural cellular process that acts as a defense mechanism against viruses. It uses small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to target and silence specific genes, effectively preventing the production of harmful proteins. -
Unlike most conventional drugs, which target proteins, RNAi therapies target the root cause of disease by addressing the genetic instructions that lead to the production of faulty proteins. -
This “upstream” approach allows us to tackle conditions previously considered “undruggable,” opening new possibilities for treatment. -
With a proven track record of safety and efficacy, RNAi represents a promising avenue for developing the next generation of targeted therapies.
Our Pipeline
Leveraging the power of RNA therapeutics to revolutionize the treatment landscape for metabolic disorders, Canary’s cutting-edge pipeline harnesses the potential of gene silencing technology to precisely target the underlying genetic causes of obesity, MASH as well as metabolic dysfunction that impact other diseases.
Transforming Obesity Therapy
Unlike conventional approaches, our therapies prioritize fat loss, preservation of lean body mass and body composition improvement. With the convenience of less frequent dosing and a better safety profile, this siRNA offers a promising solution for individuals battling obesity and its associated metabolic complications.
Our Team
With global industry experience, our team values collaboration, shares a passion for finding solutions to life’s biggest challenges and a desire to unlock the power of RNA therapy to transform healthcare for all.
Raj Reddy
President and CEO, Founder
Raj Reddy
President and CEO, Founder
Raj Reddy is a biotechnology pioneer and the President and CEO of Canary Cure Therapeutics, a leading company at the forefront of developing RNA therapies for the treatment of metabolic diseases, obesity, and rare genetic disorders. With over 10 years of experience in leading and scaling biotech ventures, Raj combines his expertise in pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and RNA therapeutics to drive innovation in the field of genetic medicine.
A recognized leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, Raj has filed over 20 patents in genetics and RNA therapy, with a special focus on the adipocyte biology system and its role in metabolic health. Raj and his team made a breakthrough discovery explaining the cross-talk between two key genes involved in adipogenesis and energy expenditure, a mechanism previously unknown. This discovery provides the scientific foundation for the development of Canary’s key RNAi obesity therapeutic product called CCT-217. His passion for leveraging RNA therapeutics to address critical health challenges has positioned him as a key figure in the development of transformative gene therapies.
At Canary Cure, Dr. Reddy oversees the preclinical pipeline of promising gene and RNA therapies, driving their development with a personalized, AI-enhanced approach. He has led the development of a novel gene therapy candidate for a rare brain disease and has multiple patents related to genetic mechanisms, RNA therapeutics, and vector design. His leadership has also spanned global strategic management and specialty biologicals, with a proven track record of managing a portfolio worth over $500 million.
Raj is driven by the transformative potential of genetic medicine and is passionate about leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enable earlier disease detection and more effective personalized treatments. His vision is to harness the power of RNA to understand the genetic underpinnings of diseases and unlock new possibilities in precision medicine, ultimately revolutionizing healthcare and improving outcomes for patients worldwide.
Anna Wang
Chief Strategy Officer, Co-Founder
Anna Wang
Chief Strategy Officer, Co-Founder
Anna is an expert in global health, advocacy, and business development with more than 20 years of experience in the development of drugs and medical devices, development of partnerships, and expansion of footprints in developing markets. In the last five years, Anna helped take two companies public. She was VP for Public Affairs at Medicines for Malaria and a senior advisor to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She also advises family offices, philanthropic organizations and impact investment funds.
Dr. Michael Lincoff, MD
Chief Clinical Officer
Dr. Michael Lincoff, MD
Chief Clinical Officer
Dr. Lincoff is a an interventional cardiologist and Professor Emeritus of Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University and an internationally recognized authority in obesity and cardiometabolic research. As lead author and study co-chair of the SELECT trial, he has shaped global understanding of obesity treatment and its cardiovascular implications. He has also served as a chair and advisor to U.S. FDA, bringing deep experience in guiding innovative therapies through development. He has authored or coauthored over 400 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals and authored over 100 book chapters and reviews.
Amit Jolly
SVP, Capital Strategy & Investor Partnerships
Amit Jolly
SVP, Capital Strategy & Investor Partnerships
Amit is SVP of Capital Strategy & Investor Partnerships, leading financing strategy, institutional investor engagement, and strategic partnerships to advance the company’s next-generation therapeutic platform. Prior to Canary, Amit ran Carpe Bio, a $4 billion single-family office focused on investing across the biotechnology therapeutics landscape and supporting companies throughout the capital formation lifecycle. His background spans biotech investing, corporate strategy, and company building across emerging life sciences platforms.
Dr. Paul Cohen, MD, PhD
Senior Scientific & Medical advisor, Molecular Metabolism
Dr. Paul Cohen, MD, PhD
Senior Scientific & Medical advisor, Molecular Metabolism
Dr. Cohen is the Albert Resnick, M.D. Associate Professor at the Rockefeller University, heading the Laboratory of Molecular Metabolism since 2015. The Cohen Lab is investigating a diverse array of questions related to adipose biology and metabolic disorders associated with obesity, including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and many types of cancer. His lab is focused on further dissecting the key molecular controls governing fat cell phenotype with the ultimate goal of engineering healthier fat.
Dr. Pierre Rosenzweig, MD
Senior Clinical Development advisor, Obesity & Metabolic Disorder
Dr. Pierre Rosenzweig, MD
Senior Clinical Development advisor, Obesity & Metabolic Disorder
Dr. Rosenzweig is a clinical pharmacologist and an expert in metabolic syndrome and clinical development of therapeutics for obesity. As the head of Therapeutic Department of Internal Medicine at Sanofi, he led the development of Rimonabant, a first generation obesity drug in early 2000.
Dr. Lawrence Kazak, PhD
Senior Scientific Advisor, Obesity & Metabolic Disorders
Dr. Lawrence Kazak, PhD
Senior Scientific Advisor, Obesity & Metabolic Disorders
Dr. Kazak is an Assistant Professor in the Department of biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Centre at McGill University. His lab explores molecules and metabolic pathways that control mitochondrial energetics in adipocytes and cancer cells.
Arif Shaikh
VP of Finance & Operations
Arif Shaikh
VP of Finance & Operations
Arif is a growth-driven finance leader with over 15 years of global finance and operations experience across Europe, the Middle East, and APAC.
Latest Updates
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Canary Appoints Dr. Michael Lincoff as Chief Clinical Officer to Lead Clinical Development of First-in-Class Dual Gene Silencing Therapy for Obesity
Renowned Cleveland Clinic cardiologist and lead author of the landmark SELECT trial joins Canary to advance CCT-217 into Phase 1…
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Canary Cure’s Game-Changing Obesity Therapy Burns Fat and Protects Muscle
Novel siRNA Therapeutic Demonstrates Significant Fat Loss and Remarkable Lean Body Mass Preservation, and Promises Superior Adherence New York, NY,…
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CCT-217: A Landmark Gene Silencing Therapeutic for Weight Loss That Enhances Lean Mass Composition, Reduces Visceral, Subcutaneous Fat and Restores Metabolic Health in Obesity through Browning
CCT-217 Demonstrates Significant Weight Loss and Preserves Lean Body Mass with Potential for Single or Twice-Yearly Dosing Abstract According to…
Our Commitment
We are committed to advancing the field of RNAi therapy and improving the lives of patients worldwide. Our team of scientists, engineers, and clinicians is dedicated to:
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Unveiling the intricate mechanisms of disease: We are deeply invested in understanding the underlying causes of metabolic dysfunctions, paving the way for more safer and effective treatments. -
Expanding our pipeline of novel therapies: We are continuously learning and expanding our pipeline of innovative therapies to address a wide range of disorders, and exploring how targeting key pathways to significantly amplify metabolic activity can impact so many diseases and conditions that lack effective treatment. -
Collaborating with global partners: We foster collaborations with leading research institutions and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate the development and commercialization of RNA therapies. -
Advocating for novel therapeutics: We actively engage with policymakers and patient advocacy groups to promote investment in hard-to-treat diseases and cutting-edge RNA therapy as promising treatment option for patients in need.