#United States #Natick #Pulmonary Hypertension #AllRock Bio #ROC-101

AllRock Bio Secures $50 Million in Series A Round

AllRock Bio Inc., a clinical-stage biotech firm dedicated to developing treatments for cardiopulmonary and fibrotic diseases, has announced the successful completion of a $50 million Series A funding round. The investment, co-led by Versant Ventures and Westlake BioPartners, aims to advance its lead candidate ROC-101 into Phase 2 clinical trials, targeting patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD-PH).

What is ROC-101?

ROC-101 is a pioneering oral small molecule designed as a pan-rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, which marks a novel approach in the treatment of PAH and ILD-PH. These conditions are notably severe, with alarming five-year survival rates of 57% for PAH and only 38% for ILD-PH, underscoring the urgent need for effective therapeutics. The safety profile of ROC-101 has been favorable according to preliminary data from the Phase 1 study, showing no significant hypotensive effects—a crucial consideration in patient treatment.

Catherine Pearce, CEO and co-founder of AllRock Bio, emphasized the importance of this funding in treating cardiopulmonary diseases. "Our therapy doesn’t merely target symptoms; it aims to modulate the fundamental processes causing these life-threatening conditions," stated Pearce. The unique feature of ROC-101 is its ability to simultaneously block the functions of both ROCK1 and ROCK2, which have distinct but complementary impacts on disease progression.

The Clinical Journey Ahead

The next step for AllRock is the Phase 2a ROCSTAR clinical trial, which is planned to evaluate the effectiveness of ROC-101 in conjunction with existing standard care for patients with PAH and ILD-PH. The trial is set to kick off in late 2025, with key outcomes closely monitored by the scientific community.

The leadership team at AllRock Bio brings a wealth of experience from prior ventures that include CinCor Pharma, which was recently acquired by AstraZeneca for a potential total of up to $1.8 billion. Notable figures include Bill Marshall, MD, CMO, and Justin Thompson, CBO, both seasoned professionals with extensive industry backgrounds.

Understanding the Conditions: PAH and ILD-PH

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, leading to strain on the heart. It typically progresses to severe symptoms that greatly reduce the quality of life. Despite having 16 approved therapies available, a significant treatment gap remains, especially for options that address the underlying disease mechanisms rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

On the other hand, ILD-PH occurs when lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lead to increased pressures in the pulmonary circulatory system. The prognosis for patients suffering from ILD-PH is particularly grim due to limited treatment avenues available today.

Looking Forward

The upcoming Phase 1 data presentation at the European Respiratory Society Congress will introduce the findings of ROC-101's pharmacokinetics and efficacy. This visibility is crucial not only for AllRock Bio but also for potential investors and stakeholders in the life sciences arena.

With the recently raised capital, AllRock looks poised to make significant strides towards addressing critical needs within the pulmonary hypertension treatment landscape. The company’s commitment to uncovering novel, disease-modifying therapies exemplifies the innovation at the forefront of biotechnology and its promise to improve patient outcomes.

In summary, AllRock Bio’s recent funding marks a pivotal move toward advancing ROC-101 as a groundbreaking therapy for pulmonary hypertension, carrying hopes for new options in treatment for patients battling these formidable conditions.