Sionna Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SION) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of orally available small molecule therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, with additional research operations in Basel, Switzerland, Sionna applies a target-based approach to identify compounds that modulate key pathways implicated in neurological disorders. The company’s scientific platform integrates medicinal chemistry, structural biology and pharmacology to advance candidates from early discovery through clinical evaluation.
The company’s lead programs are directed toward conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Friedreich’s ataxia and Alzheimer’s disease. Sionna’s research pipeline includes proprietary compounds designed to restore mitochondrial function, enhance neuroprotection and reduce pathogenic protein aggregation. By leveraging orally bioavailable molecules, the company aims to offer patients more convenient and accessible treatment options compared with therapies that require invasive delivery methods.
Since its inception, Sionna has built a multidisciplinary leadership team with extensive experience in neuroscience and drug development. Chief Executive Officer Christy Shaffer, who has held senior roles at both large pharmaceutical firms and biotech startups, leads a management team that includes experts in clinical development, regulatory affairs and commercial strategy. The board of directors features industry veterans and academic advisors who guide the company’s strategic priorities and ensure rigorous oversight of research programs.
With operations spanning North America and Europe, Sionna collaborates with academic institutions, patient advocacy groups and contract research organizations to advance its pipeline. The company has established key partnerships to support clinical trial execution and plans to initiate multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies over the coming years. Through its integrated discovery-to-development model, Sionna Therapeutics seeks to address unmet medical needs and bring novel treatments to patients suffering from debilitating neurodegenerative disorders.
