Acelyrin, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLRN) is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Agoura Hills, California, with additional operations in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Founded in 2020, Acelyrin focuses on identifying, acquiring, and accelerating the development and commercialization of transformative medicines, primarily in the field of immunology.
History.
Acelyrin was co-founded in 2020 by Shao-Lee Lin, a physician-scientist with extensive experience in drug development, and Bob Carey, a veteran in biopharma business development. The company quickly raised significant capital, securing a $250 million Series B financing in November 2021, followed by a $300 million Series C round in September 2022. These funds supported the development of its lead candidate, izokibep, and portfolio expansion through strategic acquisitions and licensing.
In May 2023, Acelyrin conducted one of the largest initial public offerings of the year, raising substantial capital to further its clinical programs. However, the company faced challenges, including a clinical setback with izokibep in 2023, prompting leadership changes. In May 2024, Shao-Lee Lin stepped down as CEO, and Mina Kim, the chief legal and administrative officer, was appointed as her successor.
In early 2025, Acelyrin announced a merger with Alumis, Inc., another immunology-focused biopharma company, in an all-stock deal. The merger, amended in March 2025, aimed to create a combined entity with a robust late-stage portfolio and a cash runway of approximately $737 million. The deal faced competing buyout offers from Concentra Biosciences, which Acelyrin’s board rejected, reaffirming the Alumis merger as the most value-maximizing path for shareholders. A special shareholder meeting to vote on the merger was scheduled for May 13, 2025.
Pipeline and research.
Acelyrin’s therapeutic focus is on immunology, targeting diseases where differentiated inhibition of validated targets can provide significant clinical benefits. Its pipeline includes several candidates:
Financials and market performance.
As of April 25, 2025, Acelyrin’s stock price was $2.17, with a market capitalization of $219 million and 101 million shares outstanding. The company’s stock has experienced significant volatility, reaching a 52-week low of $1.85 in 2024. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.31% of Acelyrin’s stocks. The company reported no trailing 12-month revenue as of December 31, 2024, consistent with its pre-commercial stage.
Leadership and governance.
Acelyrin is led by a team of executives with experience in the biopharma industry, with Mina Kim, serving as Chief Executive Officer since May 2024, Bruce Cozadd serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors and Shephard Mpofu, serving as the Chief Medical Officer.
Acquisitions and partnerships.
Acelyrin has pursued strategic acquisitions and partnerships to expand its portfolio: