Cardurion Pharmaceuticals Secures $260M Series B Funding to Advance Cardiovascular Medications

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing next-generation treatments for cardiovascular diseases, has successfully secured $260 million in Series B funding. The financing round was spearheaded by Ascenta Capital and saw participation from new investors including NEA, GV, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Millennium Management, Farallon Capital Management, Invus, Blue Owl Healthcare Opportunities, Delos Capital, and Digitalis Ventures. Existing investors Bain Capital Life Sciences and Bain Capital Private Equity also contributed.

The newly acquired funds will primarily support the progression of Cardurion’s two leading drug candidates through later-stage clinical trials. These candidates include a pioneering phosphodiesterase-9 (PDE9) inhibitor designed for heart failure treatment and a novel clinical-stage Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor with broad therapeutic applications. Additionally, the investment will help to broaden the range of cardiovascular conditions targeted by Cardurion’s drug portfolio, foster internal discovery programs, and facilitate the acquisition of new therapeutic assets to address unmet needs in cardiovascular healthcare.

Peter Lawrence, CEO of Cardurion, expressed enthusiasm about the new investment, stating, “We are excited to welcome Ascenta Capital and our new investors who share our vision of being a world-class innovator in cardiovascular treatments. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and we are committed to discovering new therapeutic targets to fulfill the unmet needs of these patients. Our team has demonstrated the capability to transform advanced cardiovascular science into groundbreaking treatments. With our PDE9 and CaMKII programs advancing into later-stage trials, we are positioned to further evaluate their efficacy in patients.”

Cardurion is currently assessing its leading PDE9 inhibitor, CRD-750, through two Phase 2 clinical trials involving 640 patients suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In parallel, the company is conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial for its foremost CaMKII inhibitor, CRD-4730, aimed at treating catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), a rare genetic arrhythmic disorder. The company also plans to explore the potential of CaMKII inhibitors in treating other major cardiovascular conditions. This infusion of capital will enable Cardurion to grow its team and enhance its capabilities in cardiovascular drug development.

Alongside this financing announcement, Cardurion revealed new additions to its Board of Directors. Evan Rachlin, MD, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Ascenta Capital, Dan Lynch, Executive Venture Partner at GV, and Ed Mathers, Partner at NEA, will be joining the board.

Dr. Evan Rachlin of Ascenta Capital commented, “We are highly impressed with the substantial clinical data generated by the Cardurion team for their innovative cardiovascular drug candidates. The initial validation of these drugs targeting previously untapped signaling pathways in cardiovascular treatment is significant. We are eager to collaborate with Cardurion to push forward their mission of delivering these novel therapies to patients.”

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm focused on developing novel, next-generation treatments for cardiovascular diseases. Founded by physician-scientists with expertise in cardiovascular signaling pathways, the company aims to create a range of new treatment options to enhance patients’ lives. Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, Cardurion also operates discovery sciences and research facilities in Shonan, Japan.