Latus Bio raised $42 million to fund its first clinical trials, aiming to work around setbacks that have hit a more advanced competitor in the gene therapy space. The startup is moving two treatments through clinical development this year, including an initial program for CLN2 Batten disease, with initial clinical data anticipated by year-end. Latus’ second candidate is a gene therapy for Huntington’s disease, reflecting the company’s near-term plan to establish proof-of-concept across two neurologic indications. Financing at this stage suggests investors see a differentiated approach and a credible pathway to generate early human efficacy and safety signals. Key watch items include enrollment speed, dose-escalation outcomes, and whether the company’s design addresses limitations seen by others—particularly around vector performance, durability, and tolerability.