SonoThera raised $125 million in a Series B to advance its ultrasound-based gene therapy platform into clinical testing. The company’s lead programs target Duchenne muscular dystrophy and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, with the funding intended to push both candidates toward the clinic. The approach uses microbubbles and ultrasound activation to enhance delivery of nucleic acids in vivo. SonoThera framed its technology as designed to address safety and dosing limitations seen with viral vectors and some of the manufacturing constraints associated with lipid nanoparticles. Big pharma investment backs the translational push, with Vida Ventures leading and strategic venture arms from UCB, Bayer, Otsuka, and Johnson & Johnson participating. SonoThera said the Series B will support clinical execution for its DMD and ADPKD programs.