The raised funds will be used to complete the phase 1b/2a GOAL-HF1 study, and to prepare and initiate start-up activities for the subsequent phase 2b study, states the company.

“This is a landmark day for AnaCardio, where we report a significant financing round, welcome three prominent new investors, and announce the positive outcome of the first study with AC01 in patients. We now have the data and funding to accelerate the further clinical development of our first-in-class inotrope to improve the lives of patients with heart failure,” says AnaCardio’s CEO Patrik Strömberg.

Improve contractility in patients with heart failure

The investment follows the completion of the first part of the company’s phase 1b/2a GOAL-HF1 study in patients with HFrEF. GOAL-HF1 is the first clinical study in patients with AC01, the company’s novel, selective oral ghrelin receptor (GHSR1a) agonist molecule, which is in development to improve contractility in patients with heart failure. AnaCardio licensed AC01 from the Helsinn Group in February 2022.

“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,” says Johan Kördel, Managing Partner, Sound Bioventures. 

In connection with the new 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. In addition, Viktor Drvota (CEO, Karolinska Development) will replace Per Aniansson on the AnaCardio board. As part of the transaction, Karin Hehenberger, Advisor, 3BFuture Health will transition to a board observer role.