Clinical Trials

Swedish biopharmaceutical company AnaCardio has announced the completion of a Series A extension financing round that has raised $19m for its novel contractile agents. The round was co-led by Novo Holdings, Pureos Bioventures and Sound Bioventures.

AnaCardio’s AC01 is a calcium sensitising inotrope, selective oral ghrelin receptor (GHSR1a) agonist in development to improve contractility in patients with heart failure. The investment round follows the completion of the first part of AnaCardio’s phase 1b/2a GOAL-HF1 study evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of AC01 in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The funding will be used to complete the GOAL-HF1 study, and prepare and initiate the intended phase 2b study.

As part of the investment, Johan Kördel (managing partner, Sound Bioventures), Jørgen Søberg Petersen (senior partner, Novo Holdings) and Veronica Gambillara Fonck (partner, Pureos Bioventures) will join AnaCardio’s board of directors.

Professor Lars Lund, CSO and founder of AnaCardio, stated: “The study results demonstrate that AC01 is a promising novel inotrope showing signs of increased contractility without adverse effects, such as tachycardia, arrhythmias, ischaemia or hypotension, which are typically seen with conventional inotropes when administered to patients with heart failure. AC01 proved to be well-tolerated and showed convincing target engagement meriting advancement to the next development stage testing the drug for 28 days to establish proof-of-concept and enable progress to late-stage clinical development.”

“Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction remains a major unmet medical need, affecting millions of lives worldwide. We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative and proud to support the development of a new therapeutic option that has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for patients facing this challenging condition,” said Johan Kördel, managing partner of Sound Bioventures.