Kailera Therapeutics Secures $400M Series A to Develop Advanced Obesity Therapies

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc., a newly established clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm, has recently launched with a significant $400 million Series A financing round. The funding was spearheaded by Atlas Venture, Bain Capital Life Sciences, and RTW Investments, with additional participation from Lyra Capital. The company's primary focus is on developing advanced injectable and oral therapies for obesity and related conditions, aiming to introduce next-generation treatments in the metabolic disease space.

Kailera has obtained exclusive global rights from Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. for the development and commercialization of four metabolic disease assets outside of greater China. Among its leading projects is KAI-9531, an injectable dual agonist targeting GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which previously showed promising results in Phase 2 trials for obesity and type 2 diabetes in China.

In addition to KAI-9531, Kailera is progressing with several other innovative treatments. This includes KAI-7535, an oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, and an oral tablet formulation of KAI-9531 for once-daily use. Another notable candidate is KAI-4729, an injectable tri-agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. These diverse mechanisms and delivery methods underline Kailera’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for chronic weight management.

CEO Ron Renaud expressed optimism about the company's potential to make significant strides in the metabolic treatment landscape. Renaud, who brings over 25 years of leadership experience in biotech, has previously led companies through pivotal growth phases and successful acquisitions. His tenure includes notable roles at Cerevel Therapeutics, Translate Bio, and Idenix Pharmaceuticals, where he advanced corporate milestones and streamlined operations.

Kailera's launch is complemented by strategic leadership appointments designed to drive the company’s vision forward. Doug Bakan has been named Chief Technology Officer, bringing expertise from his previous roles at Ventyx Biosciences, Arena Pharmaceuticals, and Medicis Pharmaceutical. Paul Burgess takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Business Officer, with a background at Cerevel Therapeutics, Translate Bio, and Civitas. Paula Cloghessy joins as Chief People Officer, having served at Seres Therapeutics, Translate Bio, and Joule Unlimited Technologies. Scott Wasserman steps in as Chief Medical Officer, previously affiliated with Frazier Life Sciences, Latigo Biotherapeutics, and Amgen.

Additionally, John F. Milligan has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors. Milligan's extensive experience includes his tenure as President and CEO of Gilead Sciences, where he played a critical role in transforming the company into a global biopharmaceutical leader and commercializing over 25 therapies, including groundbreaking treatments for HIV and HCV.

Milligan expressed enthusiasm about joining Kailera, highlighting the company's commitment to addressing obesity and metabolic diseases with innovative therapies. He emphasized the potential of Kailera’s treatments to significantly improve both short and long-term weight management and overall patient health.

Based in Waltham, MA, and San Diego, CA, Kailera Therapeutics is dedicated to developing a robust portfolio of clinical-stage therapies aimed at transforming the lives of individuals struggling with obesity and related conditions. With a strong leadership team and backing from top-tier investors, Kailera is poised to make a substantial impact in the field of metabolic disease treatment.