SonoThera raised $125 million in a Series B to advance its ultrasound-based gene therapy platform into the clinic. The company’s approach uses microbubbles activated by ultrasound to enhance delivery of genetic payloads, aiming to address limitations seen with viral vectors and to improve applicability in broader patient populations. The funding, led by Vida Ventures with major pharma participation through venture arms including UCB, Bayer, Otsuka, and Johnson & Johnson, is set to support clinical development for lead programs in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. SonoThera’s technology was built from contrast ultrasound microbubble innovation, and the new financing underscores large pharma interest in non-viral delivery systems that can be scaled while potentially reducing immunogenicity and manufacturing complexity constraints.