Cardurion secures $260M for heart disease drugs PDE9 and CaMKII

Backed by a new $260-million series B financing, Cardurion Pharmaceuticals is poised to make significant strides in the heart disease field with two innovative drug candidates, one of which could potentially rival Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan). The company plans to allocate most of the funds to advance the development of CRD-750, a PDE9 inhibitor for heart failure, and CRD-4730, a CaMKII inhibitor targeting a rare genetic arrhythmic condition known as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT).

This substantial financing round was spearheaded by Ascenta Capital, with additional support from a mix of new and returning investors. Evan Rachlin, co-founder and managing partner at Ascenta, expressed admiration for the compelling clinical data that Cardurion has accumulated, highlighting the strong initial validation of their innovative cardiovascular drug candidates and the exploration of novel signaling pathways. Rachlin will also be joining Cardurion's board.

Cardurion's leading project, CRD-750, is under investigation in two Phase II trials involving a total of 640 patients. These trials are aimed at treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). CEO Peter Lawrence explained that the company's strategy of targeting PDE9 introduces a unique method for engaging the natriuretic peptide receptor signaling pathway.

When the heart undergoes stress and wall tension, it releases natriuretic peptides. These peptides bind to receptors on heart cells, initiating a sequence that generates cyclic GMP, which in turn activates multiple processes that help the heart to relax, reduce hypertrophy, and prevent fibrosis. According to Lawrence, PDE9 acts as a brake on this pathway by breaking down cyclic GMP, a key second messenger. By inhibiting PDE9, Cardurion aims to enhance the pathway's activity, potentially leading to better clinical outcomes.

This approach is an extension of the success seen with Novartis' Entresto, which also stimulates the natriuretic peptide receptor signaling pathway, albeit at the receptor level. Lawrence acknowledged the efficacy of Entresto but suggested that it does not fully exploit the pathway's potential. "Entresto is a great drug, don't get me wrong," he noted, "but it is not doing everything that needs to be done in this pathway. We think we can do better."

Cardurion's second key candidate, CRD-4730, is designed to address CPVT, a rare genetic arrhythmic disorder. By inhibiting CaMKII, the drug aims to stabilize the heart's electrical activity and prevent arrhythmias. This focus on a niche yet critical condition highlights Cardurion's commitment to pioneering treatments for underserved areas of cardiovascular health.

The funds from this latest financing will primarily support the progression of these two promising drug candidates through late-stage clinical trials, bringing them closer to potential approval and commercialization. This investment not only underscores the confidence investors have in Cardurion's innovative approach but also serves as a catalyst for the company's mission to transform the landscape of heart disease treatment.

With a robust pipeline and a substantial financial backing, Cardurion Pharmaceuticals is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in the fight against heart disease, offering hope for improved therapies and outcomes for patients worldwide.