Mosanna Therapeutics Launches with $80M for New Sleep Apnea Nasal Spray

Mosanna Therapeutics, a biotechnology company based in Redwood City, California, has successfully secured $80 million in Series A funding aimed at furthering the development of MOS118, their innovative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition, which is the most prevalent sleep-related breathing disorder, affects approximately 1 billion people worldwide, with many remaining undiagnosed and lacking effective treatment options. The funding round was led by Pivotal bioVenture Partners and EQT Life Sciences, with Forbion, Broadview Ventures, and Norwest also participating as co-lead investors. Returning investors included Forty51 Ventures, Supermoon Capital, and High-Tech Gründerfonds.

At the helm of Mosanna Therapeutics is the newly appointed CEO, Dr. David Weber, a seasoned expert in the biotech field with over three decades of experience in drug development, corporate strategy, and capital formation. Dr. Weber's leadership is expected to propel the company forward as it embarks on the next phase of growth and development. He has also been added to the company's Board of Directors, joining other prominent figures in the biotech industry.

OSA is typically addressed through mechanical solutions that can be uncomfortable and disruptive for patients. Mosanna is challenging this norm by developing MOS118, a nasal spray designed to be administered at bedtime. This pharmaceutical solution aims to restore the body's natural airway control, targeting muscles in the upper airway that keep the airway open during sleep. MOS118 is unique in its approach, as it treats sleep apnea as a neurological and muscular issue, rather than merely a mechanical one. The new funding will facilitate the advancement of MOS118 through Phase 2 clinical trials, while also allowing Mosanna to expand its research pipeline.

According to Daniela Begolo, Managing Director with EQT Life Sciences, Mosanna's fresh perspective on treating OSA sets it apart by focusing on restoring the body's natural airway reflexes. This method not only promises to enhance patient adherence but also offers an opportunity to significantly improve outcomes for those affected by the condition. Jeni Lee from Pivotal bioVenture Partners expressed confidence in Dr. Weber's ability to lead Mosanna forward, emphasizing his expertise in patient-centered therapies and biotech innovation.

Dr. Weber conveyed Mosanna's mission to offer a revolutionary treatment for sleep apnea that seamlessly integrates into daily life without the invasiveness of mechanical solutions. He noted that while our bodies naturally keep airways open while awake, Mosanna's approach restores this reflex during sleep using a simple nasal spray. The company is committed to accelerating the development of MOS118 to provide patients with much-needed alternatives to current treatment options.

The Board of Directors has also been strengthened with the addition of notable figures such as Drs. Begolo and Lee, Dmitrij Hristodorov from Forbion, Hewmun Lau from Broadview Ventures, and Tiba Aynechi from Norwest. They join existing board members including Sascha Oliver Bucher from Forty51 Ventures and veteran biotech CEO Ben Machielse, who serves as the board chair.

Founded in 2022, Mosanna Therapeutics is pioneering a novel pharmaceutical solution for OSA, offering patients a drug-based alternative to traditional mechanical treatments. With offices in Redwood City, California, and Basel, Switzerland, Mosanna remains committed to advancing MOS118 through clinical evaluations and bringing innovative treatments to the market.