San Diego, California — April 2, 2025 — Coastar Therapeutics, a biotechnology company pioneering next-generation non-viral delivery platforms for genetic medicines, today announced it has been named one of Connect’s Cool Companies 2025, recognizing the most innovative and high-growth startups in the region.

The Cool Companies award highlights emerging companies that are developing breakthrough technologies with strong potential for commercial impact. Coastar was selected for its proprietary Erythrocyte Derived Membrane (EDM) gene delivery technology, designed to enable targeted, efficient, and scalable delivery of DNA/RNA therapeutics.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Cool Company by Connect,” said Eddie Chung, Founder and CEO of Coastar Therapeutics. “This recognition affirms our team’s mission to transform how genetic medicines are delivered. By advancing our EDM-based gene delivery technologies, we aim to unlock safer, more accessible therapies for patients around the globe.”

Coastar’s EDM platform leverages engineered red blood cell–derived membranes to deliver therapeutic payloads, such as DNA, RNA and gene-editing components, with improved biocompatibility and potential for repeat dosing. The company is advancing applications in oncology, immunotherapy, and other areas where effective in vivo delivery remains a critical challenge.

The Cool Companies program is one of Connect’s flagship initiatives, celebrating early-stage companies that demonstrate strong innovation, leadership, and market potential. Awardees are selected through a competitive review process involving industry experts, investors, and community leaders.

“This milestone reflects the dedication of our scientific and strategic partners,” added Dr. Han Lim, Coastar’s CSO. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the biotech and investment communities to bring transformative therapies to patients.”

ABOUT COASTAR THERAPEUTICS

Coastar Therapeutics Inc., is a San Diego based company developing biological payload delivery technologies for cancer and gene therapies. The company’s proprietary gene delivery technology enables effective, precision targeted and highly scalable in vivo delivery of genetic medicine, including DNA, RNA as well as viral vectors. The company is working with a number of global partners to develop next generation therapeutic products.  For more information about Coastar Therapeutics and its mission, visit coastartherapeutics.com.

ABOUT CONNECT

Connect is a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating innovation by connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. Through programs such as Cool Companies, Connect supports the growth of high-impact startups across life sciences, technology, and other advanced industries.