Biotech startup Convergen has closed $10 million in Seed funding to accelerate development of its TrimTAC platform, a next-generation targeted protein degradation (TPD) technology designed to selectively clear pathogenic protein aggregates. The round was led by Qiming Venture Partners, a leading global venture capital firm specializing in healthcare and life sciences.
Convergen’s proprietary TrimTAC platform leverages the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM21 to target multimeric protein aggregates—an unmet challenge in neurodegenerative diseases and other proteinopathies. Traditional bifunctional degraders have been limited by the small number of E3 ligases available and lack selectivity for multimeric pathogenic proteins.
Co-Founder Dr. Ting Han, a recognized protein degradation expert and Associate Investigator at NIBS, Beijing, has been pivotal in elucidating the mechanism of RBM39 degraders and recently developing TRIM21-based molecular glue degraders. Dr. Jinquan Sun, Co-Founder of Convergen, said: “The seed financing—led by Qiming Venture Partners—validates TrimTAC’s potential to redefine treatment for diseases caused by pathogenic multimeric proteins. Together, we will accelerate our pipeline toward clinical proof-of-concept and deliver on our mission to help patients with limited treatment options.”
Dr. Kan Chen, Partner and Co-lead of Healthcare at Qiming Venture Partners, commented: “Convergen’s TrimTAC platform addresses a critical gap in TPD—selective degradation of multimeric aggregates—that has held back progress in neurodegenerative diseases. The company’s world-class scientific foundation combined with its experienced leadership positions it to become a leader in next-generation protein degradation. We are proud to support their journey to bring transformative therapies to patients.”
Editorial Perspective: Why Convergen’s Approach Could Transform Neurodegeneration Therapeutics
The selective elimination of pathogenic multimeric protein aggregates represents a fundamental challenge in treating neurodegenerative diseases, where conventional therapies often fail to halt progression. Convergen’s TrimTAC platform is a promising breakthrough: by using TRIM21 as a novel E3 ligase, it provides specificity and efficacy previously unattainable with existing degraders.
With a combination of top-tier academic research from Dr. Ting Han and experienced biotech leadership from Dr. Jinquan Sun, Convergen demonstrates both scientific rigor and execution capability. Backing from Qiming Venture Partners further signals investor confidence in its potential to develop first-in-class therapies for diseases with massive unmet needs.
If the company maintains its momentum, Convergen could redefine treatment paradigms for neurodegenerative disorders and lay the foundation for next-generation TPD therapeutics beyond the central nervous system.
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