Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in next-generation cardiovascular therapeutics, has successfully raised $260 million in a Series B financing round. This significant investment was spearheaded by Ascenta Capital, with new investors NEA, GV, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Millennium Management, Farallon Capital Management, Invus, Blue Owl Healthcare Opportunities, Delos Capital, and Digitalis Ventures joining the round. Existing investors Bain Capital Life Sciences and Bain Capital Private Equity also participated.
The infusion of capital will be allocated towards advancing Cardurion’s two leading drug candidates through later-stage clinical trials. The company’s portfolio features a pioneering phosphodiesterase-9 (PDE9) inhibitor aimed at treating heart failure, and the first clinical-stage Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor, which holds broad therapeutic potential. Additionally, the funds will support the expansion of Cardurion’s cardiovascular drug portfolio, furthering internal discovery programs, and acquiring new therapeutic assets to address unmet cardiovascular needs.
Cardurion’s CEO, Peter Lawrence, expressed enthusiasm about the investment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Ascenta Capital and this distinguished group of new investors who share our commitment to pioneering cardiovascular treatments. With cardiovascular disease remaining the leading global cause of death, our team is dedicated to developing innovative therapies that address significant patient needs. Our progress with the PDE9 and CaMKII inhibitor programs exemplifies our capability to translate cutting-edge cardiovascular science into potential life-saving treatments.”
The company’s PDE9 inhibitor, CRD‑750, is currently under evaluation in two Phase 2 clinical trials involving 640 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Concurrently, Cardurion’s lead CaMKII inhibitor, CRD-4730, is in a Phase 2 clinical trial for treating catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), a rare genetic arrhythmic condition. Plans are also underway to extend the development of CaMKII inhibitors to other major cardiovascular indications. This latest investment will enable Cardurion to expand its team and enhance its capabilities in cardiovascular drug innovation.
Newly appointed to the Cardurion Board of Directors are Evan Rachlin, MD, Co-Founder and Managing Partner from Ascenta Capital, Dan Lynch, Executive Venture Partner from GV, and Ed Mathers, Partner from NEA.
Dr. Rachlin from Ascenta Capital remarked, “We are highly impressed with the clinical data Cardurion has produced for their innovative cardiovascular candidates. Their targeted approach to untapped signaling pathways offers promising new treatments for cardiovascular diseases. We look forward to supporting Cardurion in its mission to bring these groundbreaking therapies to patients.”