#United States #Atlanta #COPD #Altesa BioSciences #Rhinovirus

Altesa BioSciences Secures $75 Million in Series B Financing

Altesa BioSciences, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company committed to tackling chronic lung diseases, has announced the closure of an impressive $75 million Series B financing round. This funding, which was oversubscribed, was primarily led by Forbion and saw participation from established investors such as Sanofi, Medicxi, Pitango, and Atlantic Partners.

The key objective of this funding is to advance the development of vapendavir, a groundbreaking therapeutic designed to combat rhinovirus, the primary virus responsible for respiratory exacerbations among individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other chronic lung diseases. The financial boost will facilitate the initiation of the Phase 2b CARDINAL study, aiming to evaluate vapendavir's safety and effectiveness for patients struggling with COPD who experience rhinovirus infections. The study is set to commence in the second quarter of 2026.

Brett P. Giroir, M.D., CEO of Altesa and a former Assistant Secretary of Health, emphasized the severity of the common cold's impact on those with chronic lung issues, stating, "There is nothing 'common' about the common cold for people with chronic lung disease." The available financial resources will be critical in pushing the clinical development of vapendavir forward, targeting the virus that drives both inflammation and exacerbations in COPD patients.

The forthcoming CARDINAL study is a multinational randomized placebo-controlled trial, scheduled to recruit around 900 COPD patients between the United States and the United Kingdom. Altesa’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Katharine Knobil, formerly of GSK, will lead this important investigation. This trial builds upon the findings of a recently concluded rhinovirus Challenge Study involving COPD patients that highlighted vapendavir’s effectiveness in alleviating upper and lower airway symptoms, reducing the duration of illnesses, and maintaining lung function better than placebo controls.

Dr. Knobil voiced the trial's aspiration to prove that treating rhinovirus infections can significantly enhance patient symptoms, expedite recovery, and sustain quality of life while reducing the necessity for advanced medical intervention. As she notes, even a minor cold can spiral into severe exacerbations, hospital visits, and decreased overall quality of life for many COPD sufferers. Vapendavir has the vast potential to alter that trajectory, prompting hope in both patients and healthcare providers alike.

While vapendavir’s initial focus is on COPD patients, it shows promise for broader applications among other susceptible respiratory groups, including those with asthma. Dr. Giroir expressed gratitude for Forbion stepping in as the lead investor, acknowledging their exemplary background in nurturing companies across various therapeutic domains. Altesa's relationship with Sanofi is expected to enhance its developmental efforts in COPD therapeutics, targeting high-risk patients at risk for severe health complications.

Dr. Jon Edwards, a partner at Forbion, remarked on the underaddressed issue of rhinovirus-driven exacerbations, which significantly affect millions suffering from COPD and other chronic lung ailments. He praised Altesa’s vapendavir as a first-in-class approach capable of addressing the root cause of these conditions, thus improving outcomes and alleviating healthcare burdens. In addition to the successful funding, Jon Edwards will join Altesa's board, and Moncef Slaoui will shift from board member to the chair of the board, aiming to bolster Altesa's leadership as it progresses through clinical trials.

About Vapendavir

Vapendavir is being developed as an oral medication intended to alleviate symptoms associated with rhinovirus infections in COPD patients. Initial results indicate that the drug has the potential to improve patients’ clinical symptoms, reduce the time spent ill, and maintain essential lung function.

About the CARDINAL Study

The CARDINAL study represents a critical Phase 2b clinical trial that will further validate vapendavir's effectiveness. With a design reflecting real-world healthcare models, the trial will monitor enrolled COPD patients closely, especially when a rhinovirus infection occurs, offering opportunities to receive vapendavir or a placebo—a move targeted at prioritizing those at elevated risk. The trial's main focus will be on respiratory symptom improvement, with additional evaluations for quality of life and healthcare utilization.

About Altesa BioSciences

Altesa BioSciences, led by global specialists in respiratory medicine and infectious diseases, shines a light on chronic lung diseases such as COPD and asthma through innovative approaches targeting the primary causes of exacerbations—viral infections. In addition to advancing its lead treatment vapendavir, Altesa champions improved access to cutting-edge respiratory therapeutics and diagnostics in underrepresented communities.

For more information, visit Altesa's website.